Where do you find bromelain and how is it used?

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

Bromelain is a powerful mixture of protein-digesting enzymes found naturally in the pineapple plant. The highest concentrations of bromelain are surprisingly found not in the sweet fruit, but rather in the fibrous stem and core, making pineapple the primary source.

Quick Summary

Bromelain is a natural enzyme complex primarily sourced from pineapple, particularly the stem and core. It is commercially available as a supplement but is also found in raw pineapple fruit and juice. This proteolytic enzyme is used for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Fresh pineapple contains the most active bromelain, while processing and heat reduce its potency.

Key Points

Primary Source: The primary source of bromelain is the pineapple plant, with the highest concentration in the stem and core.
Not All Pineapple is Equal: For natural consumption, fresh, raw pineapple is the best choice as heat from processing, like canning, inactivates the enzyme.
Dietary vs. Therapeutic: Eating fresh pineapple provides some bromelain, but supplements offer higher, more concentrated doses for therapeutic effects.
Supplements: Oral capsules are taken for systemic anti-inflammatory effects or digestive support, depending on whether they are taken on an empty or full stomach.
Medical Use: A topical form of bromelain is used in clinical settings for debridement, or the removal of dead tissue from severe burns.

The Primary Source: Pineapple

Although the entire pineapple plant (Ananas comosus) contains some bromelain, the concentration and type of the enzyme differ significantly across its parts.

Stem vs. Fruit Bromelain

Bromelain is typically categorized into two main types based on its source within the plant: stem bromelain (SBM) and fruit bromelain (FBM). Commercially, most bromelain is extracted from the inedible pineapple stem due to its high concentration of the enzyme. While fruit bromelain is also present in the flesh, it is generally less potent and commercially less common.

Natural Dietary Sources

For those seeking to consume bromelain naturally, fresh pineapple and its juice are the best options.

Fresh Pineapple and its Core

The richest natural food source of bromelain is the core of a fresh pineapple. The core contains the highest concentration of the enzyme, so it should not be discarded if you wish to maximize your intake. Raw, fresh pineapple and its unpasteurized juice contain the active enzyme, while the heat from canning or pasteurization can inactivate it. This is why canned pineapple does not offer the same enzyme benefits.

Juicing

Juicing the core and flesh of a fresh pineapple is an excellent way to consume bromelain. Including the tough core in a high-powered blender can help extract the enzyme and create a nutrient-dense smoothie or juice.

Bromelain Supplements

Due to the higher concentration found in the stem, most people seeking the therapeutic benefits of bromelain opt for supplements. These are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and topical creams.

Oral Supplements

Oral bromelain supplements are widely available at health food stores and pharmacies. The dosage and form can vary, so it is important to follow the product's instructions and consult a healthcare provider. These supplements are often taken on an empty stomach for systemic effects, such as reducing inflammation, or with meals to aid digestion.

Topical Creams

In medical settings, bromelain is sometimes used topically to help remove damaged tissue from burn wounds. This process, known as debridement, helps accelerate the healing process.

Bromelain vs. Other Proteolytic Enzymes

While pineapple is the key source for bromelain, other fruits contain different proteolytic enzymes, such as papain in papaya. These enzymes are not identical and have different properties, so substituting one for another is not recommended for targeted effects.

How Heat Affects Bromelain Potency

Bromelain is a sensitive enzyme that can be destroyed by high heat. The following table compares the bromelain content of fresh versus processed pineapple.


Feature	Fresh Pineapple & Core	Canned or Processed Pineapple
Bromelain Content	High	Low to none
Processing	Raw, unprocessed	Subjected to high heat during canning
Enzyme Activity	Active and potent	Inactivated by heat
Best Use	For maximum health benefits	Convenient option, but without the full enzyme benefits

Conclusion: Finding and Utilizing Bromelain

In conclusion, if you are looking for natural sources, the highest concentration of bromelain is found in the stem and fibrous core of a fresh pineapple. The flesh and juice of raw pineapple also contain the enzyme, but in smaller quantities. For those seeking more potent, therapeutic effects for conditions like inflammation or poor digestion, commercial supplements are the most effective delivery method. Since heat destroys the enzyme, it is crucial to consume pineapple in its fresh, raw state to obtain its bromelain content. Always consult a healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take other medications. Bromelain: A Comprehensive Overview from a Pharmacological Perspective provides further scientific insight into the uses and properties of bromelain.

Keypoints

Primary Source: The primary source of bromelain is the pineapple plant, with the highest concentration in the stem and core.
Not All Pineapple is Equal: For natural consumption, fresh, raw pineapple is the best choice as heat from processing, like canning, inactivates the enzyme.
Dietary vs. Therapeutic: Eating fresh pineapple provides some bromelain, but supplements offer higher, more concentrated doses for therapeutic effects.
Supplements: Oral capsules are taken for systemic anti-inflammatory effects or digestive support, depending on whether they are taken on an empty or full stomach.
Medical Use: A topical form of bromelain is used in clinical settings for debridement, or the removal of dead tissue from severe burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

While fresh pineapple contains some bromelain, especially in the core, the amount is not usually high enough to provide the same therapeutic benefits as a concentrated supplement. For maximum enzyme activity, eating the fibrous core or taking a supplement is more effective.

Yes, bromelain is an enzyme complex specifically derived from the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus). Some other fruits like papaya contain different proteolytic enzymes, such as papain, but they are not the same as bromelain.

The heat used during the canning and pasteurization processes is high enough to destroy the active bromelain enzymes. Therefore, canned pineapple retains its flavor but loses the unique digestive and anti-inflammatory properties associated with bromelain.

The timing of your bromelain supplement depends on your desired effect. To aid digestion, take it with a meal. To achieve a systemic anti-inflammatory effect throughout the body, take it on an empty stomach between meals.

Yes, bromelain is studied for several therapeutic uses beyond digestion due to its anti-inflammatory properties. These include reducing swelling and pain from injuries or surgery, and aiding in the healing of wounds.

Bromelain is generally considered safe, but high doses can cause mild side effects like diarrhea, stomach upset, or nausea. It is not recommended for individuals with pineapple allergies or those on blood-thinning medications.

Due to a lack of sufficient research on its safety, bromelain is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using any supplements during this time.