Men's Health Women's Health Senior's Health Antioxidants Sports Nutrition Diet & Weight Loss Vitamins & Minerals Herbs Specialty Supplements Targeted Supplements Spa Products Anti-Aging Basics Body Systems Body Structure Book Store Pet Health My Recommendation My Favorite Articles Our Most Popular Specials Bargain Basement Brands

MSM

Health News Archive 99 - Inflammatory Bowel Disease
<<back to structure/function index

Bromelain Reduces IBD Colon Inflammation

Oral supplementation with bromelain decreases inflammation of the colon in animals with active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) while reducing the incidence and severity of spontaneous colitis, report researchers at Duke University Medical Center.

Anecdotal reports indicated that the protein-digesting activity of bromelain, an enzyme fraction derived from pineapple stem, contributed to the remission of ulcerative colitis in two human patients who had been unsuccessfully treated with conventional medicine. Remission was observed clinically and by endoscopic examination.

Duke University researchers report that oral treatment with up to 1000 mg a day of high-quality bromelain led to a decreased incidence and severity of spontaneous colitis in genetically susceptible mice after 18 weeks. Bromelain supplementation also significantly reduced inflammation in test animals with established IBD.

IBD comprises two conditions: ulcerative colitis, characterized by inflammation of the lining of the large bowel or rectum, and Crohn’s disease, an inflammation affecting the full thickness of the bowel that may involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Inflammation of these areas may hamper nutrient and water absorption, and lead to blood loss from the inflamed bowel walls. IBD can cause significant pain and diminished quality of life, while contributing to nutritional deficiencies and additional health problems.

The encouraging results of this study may lead to additional clinical trials to confirm the anti-inflammatory benefits of supplemental bromelain. Bromelain is often used as a digestive aid.

Source: Hale LP, Greer PK, Trinh CT, Gottfried MR. Treatment with oral bromelain decreases colonic inflammation in the IL-10-deficient murine model of inflammatory bowel disease. Clin Immunol. 2005 Aug;116(2):135-42.