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Bromelain 2400 GDU contains the high dose of 1,000 mg per two capsules that we look for. We use this primarily for its anti-inflammatory and pain relief effects, especially for its long-term healing effects with chronic inflammation, and for acute injures. We find that it magnifies the benefits of Curcumin Phytosome turmeric for ongoing reduction of soft-tissue pain over weeks, months or even years. Along with turmeric, we see that Bromelain 2400 GDU appears to have a reparative effect on connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. Beyond short-term pain relief, which is nice, it enhances tissue repair as inflammation recedes and patients report that they feel better over time and are able to continually increase activity. The vegan capsule makes for very easy absorption and enhance the soothing digestive effect of bromelain.

About this product

Bromelain is the name for a group of sulfur-containing proteases, enzymes that break down protein. It is extracted from the stem of the pineapple plant. Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions. The body contains 50,000 to 70,000 different enzymes that regulate every metabolic function. Without enzymes, metabolism would progress too slowly to sustain life. Taken with meals, bromelain will be used to digest proteins, but when taken on an empty stomach, bromelain acts medicinally as a potent anti-inflammatory and repairer for soft tissues, to reduce pain and swelling.

Bromelain was first used therapeutically in 1957 and since then, several hundred research studies have documented its effectiveness for inflammatory arthritis, chronic inflammation of tendons, ligaments, fascia, and to promote healing after injuries, bone fractures, surgery, and dental surgery. Plastic surgeons like to use bromelain after surgery to reduce swelling and bruising and increase the resorption rate of hematomas.

Bromelain works in several ways: it breaks down the fibrin mesh that is part of the inflammatory process so that there is less tissue drainage, edema, swelling, and less scar formation. It also inhibits the varieties of prostaglandins, thromboxanes and kinins that provoke inflammation. Bromelain stimulates the production of plasmin, which can block the formation of inflammation-causing mediators. All of this leads to reduced pain, though bromelain is not a direct pain-reliever.

For inflammatory arthritis, clinical trials have compared the result of using bromelain to physical therapy with placebo: after twelve weeks the bromelain group had 54% less pain and difficulty walking compared to 18% for the physical therapy-placebo recipients. Bromelain can reduce inflammatory markers linked with progressive joint destruction such as TGF, transforming growth factor. Patients taking bromelain for rheumatoid or other inflammatory arthritis are sometimes able to reduce doses of steroids or other medications. Trials using bromelain for rotator cuff tendinitis for three months found a 54% reduction in pain and improved range of motion, compared to only 18% for physical therapy alone. Bromelain helps acute sport or other injuries: one notable study looked at boxers after their fights. Of those taking bromelain 80% had complete resolution of bruising within four days, while the placebo group only 15% healed in four days and the rest took 7-14 days to heal.

People with varicose veins have reduced ability to clear their own fibrin, a connective tissue protein that can increase the risk of clots or thrombophlebitis and be deposited around varicose areas. The surrounding skin can then become hard and scarred due to fibrin and fat forming “lipodermatosclerosis”. Veins that are varicose become less able to make a compound called ‘plasminogen activator’ which naturally reduces fibrin. Bromelain acts like plasminogen activator to hasten fibrin breakdown.

For menstrual cramps, bromelain works as a smooth-muscle relaxant easing painful uterine spasms. Its anti-inflammatory actions and ability to impede mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins, thromboxanes and kinins probably add to its pain-relieving benefits.

Contents

2 capsule provides:

Bromelain (2400 GDU per gram from pineapple) 1000 mg

Other Ingredients: Cellulose (capsule), rice flour, magnesium stearate, (vegetable source) and silica

This product does not contain ingredients of animal origin, dairy, wheat, gluten, soy, fish, shellfish, egg, or tree nuts.

Cautions

Always take natural remedies under the supervision of your health care provider. Do not use Bromelain 2400 GDU if you are allergic to pineapple, latex, wheat, celery, papain, carrot, fennel, cypress pollen, or grass pollen as you might have an allergic reaction to bromelain.

Bromelain may prolong bleeding time because of its effect on fibrin so stop bromelain for seven days before and after scheduled surgery. Do not use bromelain without the advice of your healthcare professional if you are taking blood thinning drugs such as warfarin, heparin, and check clotting times regularly. NSAID drugs such as aspirin, Plavix, ibuprofen, or naproxen can also have blood-thinning effects that are potentiated by bromelain.

Only use Bromelain 2400 GDU with the knowledge of your healthcare provider if you are taking antibiotics including amoxicillin or tetracycline.

Do not use Bromelain2400 GDU during pregnancy or lactation unless under the guidance of your physician as there is insufficient data about safe use during pregnancy.