Evidence supporting the use of: Bromelain
For the health condition: Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bromelain, an enzyme extract derived from pineapples, has been investigated for its potential to reduce side effects associated with chemotherapy, such as mucositis, inflammation, and immune suppression. Scientific interest centers on bromelain’s anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and mucolytic properties, as well as its ability to modulate cytokine production and reduce oxidative stress. Some preclinical studies have indicated that bromelain can decrease inflammation and promote tissue healing, which could theoretically mitigate some chemotherapy-induced side effects. Additionally, a few small-scale human studies and case reports suggest possible benefits, such as improved oral mucositis outcomes and enhanced quality of life for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

However, the overall evidence remains limited and of low quality. Most clinical trials to date have small sample sizes, are not placebo-controlled, or focus on combination therapies where bromelain is not the sole intervention. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that while bromelain shows promise, there is insufficient robust clinical data to firmly recommend its use for managing chemotherapy side effects. Furthermore, concerns remain about interactions between bromelain and chemotherapeutic drugs, as well as the potential for increased bleeding risk due to its antiplatelet activity. Thus, while there is some scientific investigation into bromelain’s supportive role during chemotherapy, current evidence is preliminary and does not warrant strong recommendations for routine use. Patients should consult their oncologist before considering bromelain supplementation.

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Other ingredients used for Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Acemannan
AHCC
Alkylglycerols
Aloe vera
Alpha Glucans
Alpha lactalbumin
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
alpha-lipoic acid
amino acids
anthocyanins
Antrodia camphorata
astaxanthin
astragalus
Baikal Skullcap
BCAA
benzyl isothiocyanate
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacteria
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Bifidobacterium breve
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium lactis
Bifidobacterium longum
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
Boswellic Acid
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
C-phycocyanin
cannabidiol
cannabigerol
Cannabis sativa oil
caryophyllene
chamomile
chlorella
Clostridium butyricum
Codonopsis
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coix
colostrum
curcumin
Curcuminoid
cyclodextrin
d-alpha tocopherol
dithiolthiones
ergothioneine
fish oil
folinic acid
fucoidan
ginger
Glutamine
Glutathione
grape
green tea
Haematococcus pluvialis
hemp
hemp oil
herbal blend (proprietary)
hericium mushroom
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
Honokiol
hydroxymethylbutyrate
Hyphomycetes
L-alanyl-L-glutamine
L-carnosine
L-cysteine
L-glutamine
L-glutathione
L-glycine
L-taurine
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Lactobacillus lactis
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactoferrin
lactoglobulin
Lentinan
Lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
lion's mane
luteolin
Marine lipid
Matcha
Melatonin
Mesima
Methylselenocysteine
Milk Protein
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N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Oldenlandia diffusa
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pomegranate
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protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
quercetin
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resveratrol
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Saccharomyces cerevisiae
selenium
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shiitake mushroom
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soy isoflavones
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
Sulforaphane
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tributyrin
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turmeric
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vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin E
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