Bromelain, an inexpensive, well-tolerated pineapple enzyme, is a proven hospital treatment for clearing dead tissue from serious burns. Taken by mouth it modestly eases post-surgical swelling, pain and stiffness, with some support for sinus and joint comfort. Its popular longevity uses — calming inflammation, heart, metabolism and digestion — rest on weak, conflicting evidence. (Full Review)

Protocol

Dose

500–1,000 mg/day

Range 200–2,000 mg, divided into 2–3 doses

Timing by goal

Empty stomach or with food

Empty stomach for systemic effect; with food as a digestive enzyme

Potency

~2,000–2,500 GDU/g

Standardized in GDU or FIP enzyme-activity units, not milligrams alone

Time to effect

Acute swelling & sinus

Days

Post-surgical swelling and sinus symptoms judged over days

Joint symptoms

4–6 weeks

Trial of several weeks before judging joint or inflammatory benefit

Inflammation/metabolic

6–12 weeks

Recheck the primary marker for a defined inflammation or metabolic trial

Benefits

High: Enzymatic debridement of deep burns

Medium: Post-surgical swelling, pain & jaw stiffness; osteoarthritis pain & function; acute sinusitis & rhinosinusitis symptom relief

Low: Systemic inflammation modulation; glycemic & lipid support; digestive & protein digestion support; cardiovascular & antithrombotic effects

Speculative: Anticancer & antimetastatic activity; exercise recovery & muscle soreness

Contraindications

Pineapple or latex allergy

Bleeding disorders

Active peptic ulcer disease

Scheduled surgery (discontinue 1–2 weeks prior)

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Key Interactions

Anticoagulants & antiplatelets (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, aspirin, clopidogrel)

Antibiotics (amoxicillin, tetracycline)

NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin)

Blood-thinning supplements (fish oil, Ginkgo biloba, garlic, high-dose vitamin E, curcumin)

Risk & Side Effects

High: Gastrointestinal upset

Medium: Allergic & hypersensitivity reactions; increased bleeding risk

Low: Heavier menstrual bleeding; elevated heart rate & palpitations; enhanced absorption of co-administered drugs

Speculative: Theoretical sedative potentiation

Monitoring

Marker	Target	Why
hs-CRP	< 1.0 mg/L	Tracks systemic inflammation, the main proposed target
Platelet count & CBC	~150–400 ×10⁹/L	Screens bleeding risk before/during use with blood thinners
PT/INR	2.0–3.0 on warfarin	Detects added anticoagulant effect
Fasting glucose & HbA1c	Glucose 70–90 mg/dL; HbA1c < 5.4%	Assesses any metabolic/glycemic effect
Lipid panel	Individualized cardiometabolic targets	Evaluates lipid-related claims of benefit
ALT/AST	ALT ~10–26 U/L; AST ~10–26 U/L	General safety and liver-signal check with any supplement

Cadence: Baseline before starting; recheck the primary marker at about 6–12 weeks; for those on anticoagulants, monitor clotting per their existing schedule (e.g., INR every 2–4 weeks after any change).

Qualitative Assessment

Reduced joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
Faster resolution of sinus congestion or post-procedure swelling
Improved digestive comfort and reduced bloating with meals
Better exercise recovery and less next-day soreness
Absence of new bruising, unusual bleeding, or digestive upset

Bromelain for Health & Longevity

Protocol

Benefits

Risk & Side Effects

Monitoring

Qualitative Assessment