Bromelain

Bromelain (Ananas comosus)
Bromelain is a natural enzyme complex extracted from the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus). The pineapple belongs to the bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae) and is native to South America. Today, it is cultivated in many tropical regions, including Costa Rica, Brazil, and the Philippines.
Botanical characteristics
- Botanical name: Ananas comosus
- Family: Bromeliaceae (Bromeliads)
- Growth form: Perennial, herbaceous plant
- Leaves: Sword-shaped, toothed, in rosette form
- Fruit: Large, compound pseudo-fruit with aromatic pulp
- Special feature: Bromelain is found mainly in the stem and in smaller quantities in the pulp.
Ingredients and properties
Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme mixture that can break down proteins into smaller peptides.
Other ingredients:
- Phosphatases
- Glucosidases
- Peroxidases
The activity of bromelain is often expressed in GDU (Gelatin Digesting Units) – a measure of the ability to break down proteins.
A notice:
There are currently no approved health claims for bromelain under EU Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006.
Traditional and modern use
Traditionally, tropical cultures used pineapple flesh as a home remedy.
Since the 1950s, bromelain has also been used as a dietary supplement, e.g. as a component of enzyme preparations or as a supplement to protein-rich diets.
These instructions are based on traditional wisdom and do not represent a promise of medical effectiveness .
Cultivation and extraction
The stem of the pineapple plant is mainly used to produce bromelain.
The enzyme is obtained by aqueous extraction, then gently purified, concentrated and dried.
The powder obtained in this way serves as a raw material for capsules or tablets.
Dietary supplement with bromelain (advertisement)
Enzyme – with 200 mg bromelain per daily dose (2 capsules), standardized to 16 GDU
- High-quality extract from the stem of the pineapple plant
- Standardized enzyme activity
- Gentle production
Special features:
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Lactose-free
- Free from artificial colors
- According to law, no preservatives
Note: This product is a dietary supplement, not a medicine. It does not replace a balanced diet and is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Scientific studies
Scientific publications on bromelain focus in particular on its enzymatic characterization:
- Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (2018): Overview of properties and applications
- Food Chemistry (2019): Characterization and stability of bromelain extracts
- Biomedical Reports (2016): Overview of pharmacological properties
- Planta Medica (2010): Studies on bioavailability
These works are provided solely for scientific contextualization . They do not contain any approved health claims.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is bromelain?
An enzyme complex from the pineapple plant that can break down proteins.
What was bromelain traditionally used for?
In tropical cultures, pineapple was traditionally used as a household remedy.
What does “GDU” mean?
“Gelatin Digesting Units” – a measure of enzyme activity, i.e. the ability to break down proteins.
Can bromelain be taken daily?
In dietary supplements, bromelain is generally well tolerated at normal dosages. If you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medication, you should consult a medical professional.
Are there approved health claims?
No – there are currently no approved health claims.
Legal notice
This article is intended solely to provide general information about herbal ingredients and is based on scientific literature and traditional use.
Dietary supplements are food products. They are not a substitute for a balanced diet and are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Transparency notice
The products mentioned in this article refer to products from our own range. We generate revenue from the sale of these products. Disclosures are in accordance with Section 5a of the German Unfair Competition Act (UWG) and Section 3 of the German Commercial Code (HWG).
The plant images used in this article are symbolic representations. They were created with AI support and are for illustrative purposes only. Deviations from the natural representation are possible.