Evidence supporting the use of: Bromelain
For the health condition: Sinus Infection

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Bromelain Use for Sinus Infection: Scientific Evidence

Bromelain, a mixture of proteolytic enzymes derived from pineapple stems, has been investigated as a supportive treatment for sinus infections (acute rhinosinusitis) due to its anti-inflammatory, mucolytic, and mild immunomodulatory properties. Several clinical studies, particularly from Europe, have evaluated bromelain's efficacy in reducing symptoms associated with sinusitis, such as nasal congestion, facial pain, and mucous discharge.

For example, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in Phytomedicine (2005) found that bromelain significantly reduced recovery time and symptom severity in children with acute sinusitis compared to standard therapy alone. Other studies have reported similar benefits, such as improved mucociliary clearance and reduced nasal swelling. Bromelain is thought to break down the proteins in mucus, making it less viscous and easier to drain, while also reducing inflammation in the sinus cavities.

However, while there is scientific evidence supporting bromelain’s use as an adjunct therapy, the overall quality and size of the studies are moderate, and systematic reviews have called for larger, better-designed trials. Official guidelines do not yet recommend bromelain as a standard treatment, but it is sometimes included in over-the-counter sinus remedies in Europe and elsewhere.

In summary, bromelain’s use for sinus infections is scientifically justified as a supportive treatment, with moderate evidence for symptom relief, but it should not replace conventional medical care for serious or persistent cases.

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