Bromelein - Origin

The pineapple (Ananas comosus) belongs to the bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae). Originating in South America, the pineapple is now cultivated in tropical regions worldwide (it requires temperatures of at least 20°C).

Bromelain is an extract from pineapple, which v.a. is extracted from the stems, as it has higher enzymatic activity there than the bromelain contained in the fruit. The fresh stems are crushed, skinned, and pressed. The bromelain is then extracted from the resulting juice. It is important to note that bromelain is present in fresh pineapple, but not in canned pineapple, because enzymes are destroyed by heating above 50°C.

Bromelain is an enzyme mixture whose most important component is a proteolytic thiol fraction. Other components include a peroxidase, acid phosphatase, several protease inhibitors, and calcium.

Both papin and bromelain are enzymes. Enzymes consist of protein chains (amino acids) and are also called biocatalysts because they stimulate many important biochemical reactions within the organism. Bromelain and papain belong to the so-called proteases, whose function is to break down proteins. Due to its ability to break down proteins, bromelain is used not only in naturopathy but also in the food industry, for example, to tenderize meat or in the beverage industry to prevent protein-induced cloudiness.

Use and mode of action

Bromelain's therapeutic use is also based on its ability to break down proteins: Most injuries caused by trauma are accompanied by painful swelling, which in turn is due to an increased amount of protein within the injured tissue. During injuries, the protein components enter the injured tissue from the blood and form the swelling. This is where bromelain intervenes and prevents swelling by breaking down the protein components. In addition, bromelain has a counteracts inflammation and improves blood circulation in the inflamed tissue, so that the Accelerates healing becomes.

See also the following statement in the German Pharmacist Newspaper:
"Bromelain is suitable for the treatment of swelling after surgeries and injuries, such as sports injuries that are accompanied by swelling. Bromelain supports the breakdown and removal of swelling-causing proteins. Bromelain has a decongestant effect and thus relieves pain by reducing pressure in the injured area. It also allows bruises to subside significantly faster." Source: https://www.deutsche-apotheker-zeitung.de/news/artikel/2014/05/06/bromelain-wirkstoff-aus-der-ananas

A study by German scientists from 2012 also suggests a positive effect of Bromelain on our immune system In this study, the effects of two doses of bromelain on inflammatory cytokines were tested in a placebo-controlled, 3× crossover, randomized, single-dose clinical trial. Bromelain was shown for the first time to modulate the cellular responses of lymphocytes following oral administration. The immunomodulatory effect of bromelain observed in this study is believed to be part of its known anti-inflammatory activities Further studies are needed to verify the relevance of these findings to a diseased immune system. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22517542/

The pineapple is one of the most alkaline fruits after the papaya and therefore contributes to a Regulation of our acid-base balance at.Bromelain works anticoagulantby helping to break down a protein in the blood that can reduce blood circulation (fibrin).

"According to studies, bromelain different effectsIt inhibits swelling after injuries or operations (edema) and influences blood clotting by, among other things, prolonging bleeding time and preventing platelet aggregation. The enzyme mixture also has anti-inflammatory properties and, thanks to its protein-splitting abilities, can support digestion (for example, in diseases of the pancreas, which normally provides digestive enzymes). Furthermore, bromelain's effect on various types of cancer and inflammatory changes in the rectum, which may be precancerous, has been studied, and a positive effect was found. However, the pineapple ingredient is not suitable as a sole therapy for cancer." Source: https://www.netdoktor.de/medikamente/bromelain/

Papain - Origin

The papaya (Carica papaya) belongs to the melon family. It originates from the American tropics; its name comes from the language of the Arawak Indians, among whom the papaya has long been used as a medicinal plant. At the beginning of the 16th century, the Spanish began to relocate the papaya and cultivate it in the Antilles and the Philippines.

At the end of the 20th century, he was the first to successfully extract the papaya tree's most important enzyme from its latex: papain. Papin is a peptidase composed of more than 200 amino acids that can break down peptides. It serves as the papaya tree's defense against microorganisms.

It should be noted that green, unripe papayas contain about 5000% more papain than ripe papayas.

Like bromelain, papain is used in the food industry to tenderize meat: Papain breaks down the bonds between proteins that hold the connective tissue fibers of meat together. Papain is also used in the textile industry to prevent felting and shrinkage of wool and silk.

Benefits and mode of action

Due to the above-described property of splitting peptide bonds, papain facilitates the conversion of food proteins to amino acids and promotes digestion.

Papain is v.a. used for inflammations, sports injuries and insect bites, as it Wound healing and regeneration processes activated and reinforced.

Papain could Prevention and treatment of autoimmune diseases because, in combination with other proteolytic enzymes such as bromelain, it stimulates the formation of interleukins (the body's own messenger substances of the cells of the immune system) and tumor necrosis factor (regulates the activity of various immune cells).

Since papain contributes to the dissolution of fibrin and fibrinogen in the blood, it prevents the clumping of blood platelets and thus counteracts the formation of Thrombosis and vascular diseases in contrast to.

Papain can promote the oral bioavailability of curcumin and is only absorbed by 6 to 10% by the healthy intestinal mucosa of an adult, so it should be taken regularly.

Legal consumer information:

German and European law aims to protect consumers from supposedly misleading claims of effectiveness. The statements made here refer to the original Ayurvedic and TCM texts. This millennia-old traditional knowledge is based on experiences passed down from generation to generation.It is not intended to claim that the products described here have any effect in the sense of Western medicine. All products are dietary supplements; they are not medications and have no medical effect. If you are ill and require medical care, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.