Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme found only in fresh pineapples in the fruit, skin and stems. It is a mixture of several natural compounds that are proteolytic enzymes which break down protein into amino acids (the basic building blocks) so that they can be used throughout the body to build new proteins.
Bromelain is useful for treating inflammation and swelling especially after surgery
or any other type of injury. It can also reduce blood clots and provides pain relief from arthritis and can help reduce knee pain, as well as reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by hay fever.
Topically, bromelain can be used to treat second and third degree burns.