Bromelain and papain, enzymes derived from pineapple and papaya, respectively, help digest food and provide numerous additional potential health benefits. Though some of their benefits are similar, scientific studies have revealed certain distinct benefits and uses for these plant-based enzymes. Consult with your doctor before using these or any supplements to treat a medical condition.
Bromelain's Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Bromelain may help reduce pain, swelling and bruising and speed healing from surgery and injuries. Its protein-digesting effects break up and disperse the products of inflammation, many of which are protein molecules. Bromelain supplementation significantly reduced postoperative swelling in patients who had broken bones surgically set in a study published in the 2001 issue of the journal "Acta Chirurgiae Orthopedicae et Traumatologiae Cechoslovaka." Participants took three tablets of a commercial bromelain supplement three times per day following surgery and for two weeks after. Researchers concluded that enzyme therapy reduced pain and accelerated healing.
Bromelain and Papain for Wound Healing
Bromelain applied to the skin can speed healing of burns and other types of wounds. A study published in the November issue of the "Journal of Burn Care and Research" found that a single topical application of a bromelain-based preparation helped keep burn wounds clean by dissolving and removing dead tissue during the healing process. However, bromelain poses a potential hazard in open skin wounds and should only be administered by qualified health professionals, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Papain helps heal skin wounds by promoting activity of collagen-producing cells without damaging healthy tissue, according to a study published in the November 2011 issue of the journal "Phytochemistry." Researchers concluded that papain may be useful as a treatment for skin wounds.
Bromelain's Sinus Benefits
Bromelain may offer relief for some sinus conditions, according to a study published in the March 2005 issue of the journal "In Vivo." In the study, children aged 11 years or younger with sinus infections took either bromelain alone, bromelain with standard pharmaceutical therapy or pharmaceuticals alone. Results showed that the quickest resolution of symptoms occurred in the bromelain-only group, in which symptoms lasted 6.6 days. By contrast, the pharmaceutical-only group recovered in 7.9 days and the group that took a combination therapy experienced the longest duration of infection, with symptoms lasting nine days.
Papain's Digestive Benefits
Papain is commonly used as a digestive aid to promote complete digestion of proteins. It's advantageous in that it works in a broad range of pH levels, while digestive enzymes that your body produces require a certain level of acidity or alkalinity to take effect. Papain is commonly taken in chewable tablet form. A typical dose for papain is one to three tablets immediately following a meal, according to nutritionist Phyllis Balch, author of the book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing."
Articles For Your Diet
- Acta Chirurgiae Orthopedicae et Traumatologiae Cechoslovaca: Systemic Enzyme Therapy in the Treatment and Prevention of Post-Traumatic and Postoperative Swelling
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Bromelain
- Journal of Burn Care and Research: Reepithelialization of Mid-Dermal Porcine Burns After Rapid Enzymatic Debridement with Debrase®
- Phytochemistry: Molecular Cloning of a Mitogenic Proteinase from Carica Candamarcensis: Its Potential Use in Wound Healing
- In Vivo: Therapeutic Use, Efficiency and Safety of the Proteolytic Pineapple Enzyme Bromelain-POS in Children with Acute Sinusitis in Germany
- Healing Power of Papaya; Barbara Somonsohn
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing; Phyllis A. Balch
- Exotic fruits image by Elzbieta Sekowska from Fotolia.com