Bromelain—an enzyme from pineapple—showed modest pain relief when taken orally (about 27% better than placebo), and stronger results for wound healing when applied topically, cutting healing time by nearly a week. It may help with sinusitis but didn't work for heart disease. Side effects were mild: bloating, nausea, headaches for oral use; burning and pain for topical.

Researchers analyzed 54 clinical studies published through August 2022, with 39 included in their statistical analysis. They assessed study quality and combined results to measure overall effectiveness and safety.

Funding not disclosed in abstract