Bromelain for Anti-Inflammatory

Research suggests that bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme derived from pineapple, demonstrates meaningful anti-inflammatory activity across a range of laboratory, animal, and some human studies, with multiple reviews consistently reporting reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as modulation of prostaglandins and immune cell activity. Studies indicate that these effects may have relevance across several conditions including osteoarthritis, tendinopathy, obesity-related inflammation, and temporomandibular joint disorders, with bromelain also showing potential as a complementary agent alongside conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. However, the evidence base has notable limitations: the one systematic review of randomized controlled trials found inconsistent results across only seven trials, with wide variation in doses, treatment durations, study populations, and inflammatory markers measured, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions about the magnitude or reliability of bromelain's effects in humans. The broader body of literature is heavily weighted toward narrative reviews and laboratory findings rather than large, well-controlled clinical trials, and researchers across multiple publications emphasize that more standardized human research is needed before definitive recommendations can be made.