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 through bromelain consumption, but research suggests that bromelain may be used as a treatment for arthritis and common symptoms associated with gout (1).

In a 2004 study, bromelain demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in the treatment of osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis in Western countries. The trials indicated the potential of using bromelain as a treatment; however, further research is needed to establish its efficacy and optimal dosage for managing chronic arthritis conditions (2).

In a 2012 study, a combination of bromelain, trypsin, and rutin was compared to the effectiveness of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), in treating 103 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. After six weeks, both treatment groups experienced a significant reduction in pain and inflammation. These findings suggest that bromelain, as a food supplement, may be a viable alternative to NSAIDs for managing forms of chronic arthritis (3).

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