Bromelain – a mixture of proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzymes from the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus) – has been shown to promote healing and reduce temporary and minor swelling and bruising following trauma or surgical procedures – including dental surgery.* Bromelain's efficacy is attributable to its significant proteolytic activity.* Plastic surgeons have shown interest in bromelain because of its ability to increase the resorption rate of hematomas following surgery.* One study of patients with bone fractures found bromelain decreased post-operative swelling.