What is bromelain and what is it useful for?

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What is bromelain and what is it useful for?

http://www.doctormurray.com/ask/bromelain.asp

 

Answer:

Bromelain is a mixture of sulfur-containing protein-digesting

enzymes (proteolytic enzymes or proteases) obtained from the stem of

the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus). Bromelain was introduced as a

medicinal agent in 1957, and since that time more than 200

scientific papers on its therapeutic applications have appeared in

medical literature.

 

Bromelain exerts a wide variety of beneficial effects, including

reducing inflammation in cases of arthritis, sports injury or trauma

and prevention of swelling (edema) after trauma or surgery.

 

Bromelain has been shown to be effective in a number of other health

conditions including angina, indigestion, and upper respiratory

tract infections.

 

The standard dosage of bromelain is based on its m.c.u. (milk

clotting unit) or g.d.u. (gelatin-digesting unit) activity.

 

The most beneficial range of activity appears to be 1,800 to 2,000

m.c.u. or g.d.u. Unless bromelain is being used as a digestive aid,

administration should be on an empty stomach (before or between

meals), the typical dosage being 250 to 750 mg. three times per day.

 

Although no significant side effects have been noted, as with most

therapeutic agents, allergic reactions may occur in sensitive

individuals or with prolonged occupational exposure. Other possible,

but unconfirmed, reactions include nausea, diarrhea, and excessive

blood flow during menstruation.