Bromelain

Bromelain is a group of enzymes found in the stem of the pineapple and is commonly used to reduce inflammation and aid digestion. Currently, there are no studies supporting the direct prevention of gout by bromelain consumption, but research suggests bromelain can be used as a treatment for arthritis and common symptoms of gout (1).

In a 2004 study, bromelain was found to show anti-inflammatory properties when treating osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis in Western countries. The trials indicate there is a potential of using bromelain as a treatment, but there is a need for trials to establish the efficacy and optimal dosage for treating chronic conditions of arthritis (2).

In a 2012 study, a combination of bromelain, trypsin, and rutin was compared to the efficacy of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), for treating 103 patients with osteoarthritis in the knee. Following 6 weeks, both forms of treatment led to a significant reduction in pain and inflammation, suggesting bromelain as a food supplement may be an effective alternative treatment to NSAIDs for treating forms of chronic arthritis (3).

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