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Dietary supplement

Bromelain 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NaturesPlus

Tablet Or Pill Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Bromelain 500 mg is a dietary supplement by NaturesPlus with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for inflammation and swelling, sinus and nasal congestion, digestion support.Based on those ingredients, 141 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Natural Pineapple Bromelain Complex. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bromelain 500 mg by NaturesPlus

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • “Natural Pineapple Bromelain Complex” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (500 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product has 2 active ingredients: bromelain (the main one, at 500 mg per tablet) and a natural pineapple bromelain complex. Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme extracted from pineapple that's used to support various functions in the body.

The tablet also contains several inactive ingredients — binders and fillers like microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, and magnesium stearate — that hold it together.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Bromelain's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: digestive health, joint and muscle support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Knee pain, Osteoarthritis, Postoperative pain, Postoperative swelling — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Bromelain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Bromelain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Osteoarthritis, Knee pain, Rhinosinusitis, and more.

The evidence we hold for bromelain doesn't reach a clear conclusion for any condition listed on this product. For allergic rhinitis (hay fever), burns, cancer, chemotherapy-related nerve pain, chronic venous insufficiency, and diabetes, the research is insufficient to rate whether bromelain actually works.

If you're considering this product for a specific health reason, that's worth discussing with your pharmacist or doctor — they can help you weigh what limited evidence exists outside our data.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Bromelain

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Bromelain taken by mouth is generally well tolerated short-term, though long-term safety data is sparse. Common side effects include diarrhea, flatulence, stomach upset, and headache.

Some people may have allergic reactions — ranging from minor itching or hives to more serious allergic swelling or asthma if inhaled, though these are less common. During pregnancy, there isn't enough safety data, so the evidence advises against it.

The same goes for breastfeeding — safety is unknown. If you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing, talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Bromelain

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Bromelain.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 141 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check your medications — especially anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin (Moderate risk of increased bleeding), and tetracycline antibiotics like doxycycline (Minor risk of increased antibiotic levels). No interactions are documented for the other ingredient we could check.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This is a single-enzyme supplement you'd consider if you're interested in bromelain's traditional uses and have no bleeding disorder or reason to avoid blood thinners. If you take anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, or tetracycline antibiotics, check with your pharmacist first.

Same goes if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a pineapple allergy.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 24, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Bromelain 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand NaturesPlus
Barcode (UPC) 097467044098
Net contents 90 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 24, 2024
DSLD ID 319146
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), No Allergies, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Bromelain 500 mg by NaturesPlus, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
097467044098
IngredientAmount% DV
Bromelain0 NP--
Natural Pineapple Bromelain Complex500 mg--
Pineapple0 NP--

Other ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Pharmaceutical Glaze

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme derived from pineapple with a wide range of benefits from digestive health to joint and muscle support.

Contains 300 gelatin digesting units (GDU) per tablet, derived from 600 GDU/g bromelain.

Pineapple Enzyme Standardized 600 GDU/g

Formulation

Free from synthetic: colors, preservatives. Free from milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy and sesame. Gluten Free

Vegetarian

Digestive Support

Storage

Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: One tablet daily. Tablets are designed to be swallowed, not chewed.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright Natural Organics

See for yourself

Bromelain 500 mg by NaturesPlus label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bromelain 500 mg by NaturesPlus

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Natural Pineapple Bromelain Complex

Interacts with
141 drugs
500 mg per serving

Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple that people take mainly for inflammation, swelling, and sinus problems. Some early st...

Natural Pineapple Bromelain Complex monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Pharmaceutical Glaze. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bromelain 500 mg by NaturesPlus Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bromelain 500 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
141Drugs
122 Moderate 19 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bromelain 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Natural Pineapple Bromelain Complex2 drug types · 141 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
There is one case report of a patient experiencing minor bruising while taking bromelain with naproxen. Bromelain is thought to have antiplatelet activity. Whether this interaction is of concern with topical bromelain is unclear. Interference with coagulation of burn wounds has been reported in a patient receiving bromelain-based enzymatic debridement. However, observational research has found that topical bromelain debridement is not associated with increases or decreases in laboratory markers of coagulation when compared with surgical debridement.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Laboratory research suggests that bromelain might increase the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics. However, a study in healthy adults reported no difference in tetracycline plasma levels when a 500 mg dose was taken with or without bromelain 80 mg.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Bromelain 500 mg, from the product label.

NaturesPlus

See all NaturesPlus products
Name
Natural Organics Laboratories, Inc. makers of Nature's Plus
Street Address
9500 New Horizons Blvd
City
Amityville
State
New York
ZipCode
11701
Web Address
www.naturesplus.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bromelain 500 mg by NaturesPlus: Common Questions

Does Bromelain 500 mg by NaturesPlus interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bromelain 500 mg has a known interaction with 141 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Bromelain 500 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm on a blood thinner?
No — not without talking to your doctor first. Bromelain may thin your blood further, raising your bleeding risk with drugs like warfarin or aspirin. Your doctor or pharmacist needs to weigh the risk for you specifically.
Is it safe to take long-term?
Short-term use looks generally well tolerated, but we don't have solid safety data for long-term daily use. If you're thinking of taking it regularly for months or longer, check with your pharmacist.
Will this help my hay fever?
The evidence we hold isn't strong enough to say whether bromelain actually helps allergic rhinitis. You'd want to talk with your doctor about whether it's worth trying alongside other treatments.
Can I take this while I'm nursing?
No — safety while breastfeeding isn't known, so it's best to avoid it. Once you're done nursing and have talked with your pharmacist, it'd be an option.
What's the difference between this and just eating pineapple?
This tablet delivers bromelain at a set dose in concentrated form. Pineapple has bromelain too, but cooking and digestion can break it down, so a supplement gives you a more reliable amount.
I'm allergic to pineapple — should I avoid this?
Yes — this comes from pineapple and may trigger an allergic reaction in you, ranging from mild itching to more serious symptoms. Skip it and talk with your doctor about alternatives.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Bromelain 500 mg is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Bromelain 500 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bromelain 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 19 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Bromelain 19 references
  1. Nettis E, Napoli G, Ferrannini A, Tursi A. IgE-mediated allergy to bromelain. Allergy 2001;56:257-8. PubMed
  2. Taussig SJ, Batkin S. Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and its clinical application. An update. J Ethnopharmacol 1988;22:191-203.. PubMed
  3. Bradbrook ID, Morrison PJ, Rogers HJ. The effect of bromelain on the absorption of orally administered tetracycline. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1978;6:552-4. PubMed
  4. Bush TM, Rayburn KS, Holloway SW, et al. Adverse interactions between herbal and dietary substances and prescription medications: a clinical survey. Altern Ther Health Med 2007;13:30-5.
  5. Brien S, Lewith G, Walker AF, et al. Bromelain as an adjunctive treatment for moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. QJM 2006;99:841-50. PubMed
  6. Mori S, Ojima Y, Hirose T, et al. The clinical effect of proteolytic enzyme containing bromelain and trypsin on urinary tract infection evaluated by double blind method. Acta Obstet Gynaecol Jpn 1972;19:147-53.
  7. Glaser D, Hilberg T. The influence of bromelain on platelet count and platelet activity in vitro. Platelets 2006;17:37-41. PubMed
  8. Heinicke R M, van der Wal L, Yokoyama M. Effect of bromelain (Ananase) on human platelet aggregation. Experientia 1972;28:844-5. PubMed
  9. Gailhofer, G., Wilders-Truschnig, M., Smolle, J., and Ludvan, M. Asthma caused by bromelain: an occupational allergy. Clin Allergy 1988;18(5):445-450. PubMed
  10. Mattei, O., Fabri, G., and Farina, G. [Occupational health experience regarding four cases of asthma due to bromelain (author's transl)]. Medicina del Lavoro 1979;70(5):404-409.
  11. Galleguillos, F. and Rodriguez, J. C. Asthma caused by bromelin inhalation. Clin Allergy 1978;8(1):21-24. PubMed
  12. Perez-Camo I, Quirce S, Duran MA, and et al. Latex allergy: evidence of cross-reactivity with papain and bromelain [abstract]. Allergy 1996;51(suppl 31):48.
  13. Martin GJ, Ehrenreich J, and Asbell N. Bromelain: pineapple proteases with anti-edema activity. Exp Med Surg 1962;20:227-247.
  14. Kasemsuk T, Saengpetch N, Sibmooh N, Unchern S. Improved WOMAC score following 16-week treatment with bromelain for knee osteoarthritis. Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Oct;35(10):2531-40. PubMed
  15. Kutlu Ö, DemirbaS A, Elmas ÖF, Güvenç U, Metin A. Fixed drug eruption: a new side effect of bromelain. Contact Dermatitis 2020. Online ahead of print. PubMed
  16. Shoham Y, Shapira E, Haik J, et al. Bromelain-based enzymatic debridement of chronic wounds: Results of a multicentre randomized controlled trial. Wound Repair Regen 2021;29(6):899-907. PubMed
  17. Pfister P, Garcia Wendel PD, Kim BS, et al. Coagulation side effects of enzymatic debridement in burned patients. Burns 2022. PubMed
  18. Hasham S, Riyat H, Fletcher A, O'Boyle CP, Alexander S. To bleed or not to bleed? Case series and discussion of haemorrhage risk with enzymatic debridement in burn injuries. Scars Burn Heal 2023;9:20595131231168333. PubMed
  19. Leelakanok N, Petchsomrit A, Janurai T, Saechan C, Sunsandee N. Efficacy and safety of bromelain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Health 2023. PubMed

See these in context on the Bromelain monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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