Bromelain & Papain: Benefits, Synergistic Effects & Health Applications

Bromelain and papain are both protease enzymes derived from pineapple and papaya, respectively. Bromelain-papain supplements offer promise for eliminating many common ailments. Because they have similar mechanisms of action, bromelain and papain may have synergistic effects when used for medicinal and nutritional purposes.

Anti-Inflammatory

• Bromelain reduces inflammation by decreasing the number of inflammatory metabolites in the body, making it an effective remedy for pain, inflammation and injury.

Digestive Support

• Bromelain and papain are efficient digestive enzymes and can help the body to break down food with less gas, bloating and nausea. Combined with anti-inflammatory action, this is especially useful for people with chronic digestive disease.

Topical Use

• Because of bromelain's anti-inflammatory effects and papain's ability to enable the shedding of damaged tissue, they are both useful for treating skin inflammation, injury and burns.

Heart Health

• Bromelain and papain supplements both appear to prevent the clumping of platelets, so they may be useful in preventing heart attack, ischematic stroke, blood clots and arterial blockage.

Familiar Uses

• Bromelain and papain are both common ingredients in meat tenderizer. It is because of their medicinal effects that meat tenderizer has become a common home remedy for insect bites and jellyfish stings.