Bromelain

EVIDENCE: WEAK

Also sold as: pineapple enzyme, Ananas comosus extract, bromelain powder

Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme from pineapple stems, studied for sinus swelling. Small trials and observational studies suggest it may ease sinus symptoms, but enzyme activity, not milligram weight, is what matters, and many labels don't state it.

Compiled by iSupplementReviews editorial team ·Researched 2026-10-16 · 4 sources

Type: Enzyme (from pineapple stem)
Studied dose: Activity-dosed: e.g. 3,000 FIP units/day in a chronic sinusitis pilot
Best form: bromelain with a stated activity (GDU or FIP units)
Our rating: WEAK — Mostly small, animal, or traditional evidence

What is bromelain?

Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes extracted from pineapple stems. It is used in Europe for swelling after injuries and surgery, and as a supplement for sinus and joint comfort.

Other names and forms

Pineapple enzyme, Ananas comosus extract. Strength is given in GDU or FIP activity units.

Where does bromelain come from?

Mainly the stem of the pineapple plant, a by-product of fruit processing.

How does bromelain work in the body?

Bromelain breaks down proteins and appears to reduce swelling and thin mucus. Some of it is absorbed intact, which is unusual for an enzyme.

What is bromelain claimed to do?

Reduce swelling, ease sinus and bronchial congestion and support digestion.

What does the research show?

Claim	Evidence	Dose studied	Verdict
Chronic sinusitis symptoms	Small open pilot	3,000 FIP/day, 3 months	Early positive
Acute sinusitis in children	Observational study	Activity-dosed tablets	Early positive
Bronchial or lung conditions	No good human trials	—	Insufficient

Sinusitis

A small pilot found bromelain eased chronic sinus symptoms. Büttner et al. (2013) followed 12 patients taking about 3,000 FIP units a day for three months in an open-label study. Braun et al. (2005) reported faster recovery in children with acute sinusitis. A systematic review rated the evidence promising but limited (Guo et al., 2006).

What dose was studied?

Goal	Dose	Duration
Chronic sinusitis	3,000 FIP units/day	3 months

Side effects

Stomach upset, diarrhea; allergic reactions in people allergic to pineapple, latex or certain pollens.

Drug interactions

Anticoagulants and antiplatelets: increased bleeding risk (moderate).
Amoxicillin and tetracyclines: bromelain may raise antibiotic levels (minor to moderate).

Who should not take bromelain?

People with bleeding disorders, upcoming surgery or pineapple allergy; pregnant people.

What the authorities say

Memorial Sloan Kettering’s About Herbs entry advises against bromelain with warfarin or other blood thinners and says studies in humans are limited. Germany’s Commission E approved bromelain for post-surgical swelling of the nose and sinuses.

What to know about bromelain

Bromelain has small studies suggesting sinus benefits at a stated enzyme activity. Without activity units on a label, the dose can’t be compared with research.

Frequently asked questions about Bromelain

Does bromelain help sinus congestion?

Possibly. A small 2013 pilot in chronic sinusitis found symptom improvement at 3,000 FIP units a day, and a systematic review found some supportive evidence for sinusitis. The studies are small and often unblinded.

Why do bromelain labels list GDU?

GDU (gelatin digesting units) and FIP units measure enzyme activity. Two products with the same milligram weight can differ widely in activity, so the units matter more than the weight.

Is bromelain safe with blood thinners?

Use caution. Bromelain may slow clotting and add to the effect of warfarin, aspirin and similar drugs.

References

Products we reviewed containing Bromelain

Based on recorded labels or seller-described formulas. Inclusion does not establish a match to the strains, preparations or amounts studied here; check each review's disclosure limits.

Pulmo Balance