Supplements
bromelain improves sinusitis
In plain terms: Does bromelain help sinusitis?
Part of: 🧪 bromelain
The evidence is old and thin — a 1960s trial and a pediatric study suggested faster recovery, but that's not enough to establish it.
📅 Last reviewed: 2026-07-15 ⓘ
Evidence ladder
How far up the ladder this claim has climbed. A high consensus on a low rung means "consistent so far," not "proven in people."
Top evidence so far: All trials, pooled (Meta-analysis)
How the studies fall
What the evidence shows
Thin and dated. A 1960s trial and a later pediatric study suggested faster recovery from sinusitis with bromelain, and it does reach sinus tissue — but the controlled evidence is old, sparse, and not enough to establish a benefit.
The evidence (5)
| Source | Grade | Stance | Quality | Finding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wu AW et al 2020 · study_type: observational | observational | supports | moderate | Systematic review (2066 titles, 220 full-text) plus modified-Delphi consensus among rhinology experts on alternative therapies for sinusitis/rhinitis rated bromelain (with acupuncture, capsaicin, butterbur) as having 'low to moderate-high' |
| Hine 1966 · Jibi Inkoka | RCT | supports | low | Early clinical trial (1966): bromelain (Ananase) improved chronic sinusitis symptoms. |
| Guo 2006 · Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg | meta-analysis | mixed | low | Systematic review of herbal medicines for rhinosinusitis: bromelain evidence limited and low-quality. |
| Passali 2018 · Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital | observational | mixed | low | Study: bromelain penetrates sinonasal mucosa in chronic rhinosinusitis patients (mechanistic plausibility). |
| Leelakanok N et al 2023 · study_type: meta-analysis | meta-analysis | supports | moderate | Systematic review and meta-analysis (54 articles qualitative, 39 in meta-analysis) found bromelain 'may be effective against sinusitis'; pooled oral bromelain pain reduction slightly but significantly better than controls (MD -0.27, 95% CI |
Disagree, or know a study we missed?
We grade by evidence, not opinions. The way to weigh in is to point us to a study we haven't cited (check the evidence table above first), or to flag a problem with one we have. Every submission is reviewed; if it holds up, the grade updates and shows in Science Changes Its Mind.
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Educational only, not medical advice. Grades and scores reflect published evidence weighted by study design and quality; see the methodology.