Product Description

Bromelain is an extract derived from the stems of pineapples, although it exists in all parts of the fresh plant and fruit, which has many uses. The extract has a history of folk and modern medicinal use. As a supplement it is thought to have anti-inflammatory effects. Bromelain also contains chemicals that might interfere with the growth of tumor cells and slow blood clotting, however there is no peer-reviewed research showing any efficacy against tumours. As a culinary ingredient it is used primarily as a tenderizer.

The term "bromelain" may refer to either of two protease enzymes extracted from the plants of the family, Bromeliaceae, or it may refer to a combination of those enzymes along with other compounds produced in an extract.

The US National Institute of Health rates bromelain as only possibly effective against osteoarthritis, but only when taken in combination with trypsin and rutin (Phlogenzym). The same institute has stated that it is possibly ineffective for preventing post-exercise muscle tiredness. In addition, there is no evidence to rate the effectivity of the product for any other disorder.

Bromelain extract is a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes—called proteolytic enzymes or proteases—and several other substances in smaller quantities. The proteolytic enzymes are referred to as sulfhydryl proteases, since a free sulfhydryl group of a cysteine side-chain is required for function.
 

Pineapples have a long tradition as a medicinal plant among the natives of South and Central America. The first isolation of bromelain was recorded by the Venezuelan chemist Vicente Marcano[2] in ***1 from the fruit of pineapple. In ***2, Chittenden, assisted by Joslin and Meara, investigated the matter fully (Trans. Conn. Acad. Arts Sci. 8, ******8), and called it 'bromelin'. Later, the term 'bromelain' was introduced and originally the term was applied to any protease from any member of the plant family Bromeliaceae.

Bromelain was first introduced as a therapeutic supplement in ***7. First, research on bromelain was conducted in Hawaii, but more recently has been conducted in countries in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Recently, researchers in Germany have taken a great interest in bromelain research. Currently, Bromelain is the thirteenth most widely used herbal medicine in Germany.
At the optimum temperature, the enzyme acts the fastest, however (at least the fruit variant) is destroyed within few minutes. After an hour at *0 °C (**2 °F), *3% of the enzyme remains, while at *0 °C (**4 °F), practically **0% remains.

Bromelain is