Evidence supporting the use of: Bromelain
For the health condition: Sprains

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Synopsis

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

Bromelain, a mixture of proteolytic enzymes derived from pineapple stems, has been studied for its potential role in supporting the healing of sprains and other soft tissue injuries. The justification for its use is primarily scientific, with a moderate level of evidence (rated 3/5) supporting its efficacy. Several clinical studies and reviews suggest that bromelain may help reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling associated with acute musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains. The proposed mechanisms include its ability to modulate inflammatory mediators, enhance the resorption of hematomas, and possibly accelerate the healing process.

One of the key studies in this area is a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which bromelain supplementation led to significant reductions in swelling, pain, and recovery time in patients with ankle sprains compared to placebo. Systematic reviews have echoed these findings, although they also note variability in study quality and sample sizes. Bromelain has been compared favorably to conventional anti-inflammatory medications in some trials, with fewer gastrointestinal side effects.

Despite these promising results, the overall body of evidence is moderate due to heterogeneity in study design, dosing regimens, and outcome measures. While not universally recommended in mainstream guidelines, bromelain remains a popular adjunctive therapy for sprains in integrative medicine, supported by a reasonable scientific rationale and a favorable safety profile for short-term use.

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