A May 2026 review in Frontiers in Nutrition found that bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, may help regulate inflammatory pathways and support recovery, though researchers said larger human studies are still needed.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme found in pineapple, may help reduce inflammation and support recovery from pain, swelling and stiffness, according to a review published in May 2026 in Frontiers in Nutrition.
The review examined existing research on bromelain and concluded that the enzyme may influence inflammatory pathways in the body. According to the authors, bromelain appears to reduce pro-inflammatory compounds including TNF-α and IL-6, though much of the evidence remains based on laboratory, animal and early human research.
Bromelain has long been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. The new review brings together evidence from preclinical studies and smaller human trials examining its potential effects on inflammation, injury recovery, pain and metabolic health.
Small human studies cited in the review reported improvements in pain, swelling and stiffness among people recovering from dental procedures or living with osteoarthritis. Those findings are consistent with earlier research suggesting bromelain may help support healing after injury or surgery.
Pineapple remains the primary dietary source of bromelain, though the enzyme is also sold as a dietary supplement.
Researchers focused in part on bromelain’s effect on NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, both of which are involved in the body’s inflammatory response. The review found that bromelain may help reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, but the authors emphasized that larger clinical trials are needed before firm conclusions can be made.
Earlier studies have also suggested that bromelain may cleave certain cell-surface receptors involved in immune activation. That mechanism may help explain how the enzyme influences inflammation.
Bromelain is extracted from the stem and fruit of the pineapple plant, Ananas comosus. It is made up of proteolytic enzymes, meaning enzymes that break down proteins. According to the book “Fundamentals of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy,” bromelain has been used clinically for bruising, arthritis, joint stiffness and pain, and to improve healing after surgery, including dental procedures.
The review also noted that bromelain may reduce pain-signaling compounds such as bradykinin and prostaglandins. That possible effect could make it useful for recovery after exercise, injury or inflammation-related discomfort.
According to the book “Kitchen Cures,” the protein-digesting enzyme reduces production of cytokines and leukocytes, both of which are linked to inflammation. Pineapple juice supplementation has also been studied for recovery support, though the review said more research is needed.
Bromelain has also been investigated for potential metabolic effects. In animal studies, supplementation was associated with reduced body weight gain and lower liver fat accumulation, researchers reported. A small human study cited in the review found reductions in weight and waist circumference among participants who took bromelain supplements.
The enzyme has also been studied for digestive support because it helps break down proteins and may ease post-meal discomfort.
Still, the authors cautioned against overstating the evidence. Most findings come from laboratory or animal studies rather than large human clinical trials. Researchers also said bromelain should not be treated as a standalone weight-loss solution.
The Food and Drug Administration has not approved bromelain to treat or cure any specific disease. It is classified as a dietary supplement.
Pineapple is also used as a food source of bromelain and as a natural meat tenderizer. Dietitians recommend including pineapple as part of a balanced diet, but the provided material does not endorse bromelain supplement use.
The review comes as many Americans dealing with chronic pain and inflammation are looking at natural supplements as alternatives or complements to conventional pharmaceuticals, according to a February 2026 report.
Bromelain’s historical use also extends beyond modern supplement markets. Native populations in Central and South America have used pineapple and bromelain-containing preparations for healing purposes.
The review concluded that bromelain shows anti-inflammatory promise, but said the evidence remains in an early stage. More human studies are needed to confirm many of the proposed benefits, including its effects on inflammatory diseases, recovery, digestion and metabolic health.
Diet quality may also play a broader role in inflammation and pain. A University of South Australia study found that improving diet quality reduced chronic pain prevalence from 50% to 24% in three months, even after accounting for weight loss, according to a September 2025 article.
For now, pineapple remains a practical food-based source of bromelain. While researchers continue studying the enzyme’s therapeutic potential, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods such as pineapple into a balanced diet may offer a simple way to support overall health.
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