Liposomal Quercetin and Bromelain

Quercetin is a chemical compound found in a number of fruits and vegetables. It is an example of a bioflavonoid substance. All flavonoid substances act as antioxidants in the human body. Bromelain is a group of enzymes found in the fruit and stem of the pineapple plant. The combination of bromelain and quercetin is thought to be ideal for effectively inhibiting inflammatory response in both acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Quercetin reportedly has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may help address systemic inflammation. Quercetin has been studied by many academics in relation to Covid-19 and other SARS respiratory disease. Quercetin has been found to have an interesting inhibitory effect on inflammatory responses. It not only inhibits the production of NLRP3 inflammasome components but also reportedly suppresses inflammation through interference in various signalling pathways.

Saeedi-Boroujeni, A., Mahmoudian-Sani, MR. Anti-inflammatory potential of Quercetin in COVID-19 treatment. J Inflamm 18, 3 (2021).

Bromelain is a natural enzyme extracted from the pineapple plant, widely used for its anti-inflammatory and protein-digesting properties. It’s commonly taken to reduce swelling and inflammation, particularly following surgery, injury or in conditions such as osteoarthritis and sinusitis. By breaking down proteins and thinning mucus, bromelain also supports respiratory health and relieves nasal congestion, making it helpful for those with sinus issues or seasonal allergies.

In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, bromelain aids digestion by helping the body break down proteins more efficiently. It may also support muscle recovery, joint health, and wound healing by reducing pain, bruising and tissue swelling. When combined with other compounds like quercetin, bromelain can enhance absorption and deliver synergistic benefits, particularly for immune support and chronic inflammation.

GDU stands for Gelatin Digesting Units. It's a measure of bromelain’s enzymatic activity, specifically how effectively it breaks down proteins like gelatin.

Rather than measuring the amount of bromelain in milligrams, GDU quantifies its functional potency. For example, a bromelain supplement labelled "2400 GDU" means that one gram of the powder can digest a specific amount of gelatin under standardised lab conditions.

A higher GDU value indicates stronger enzymatic activity, which can translate to greater effectiveness in supporting digestion, reducing inflammation and aiding tissue repair.

Ethanol is used in certain lipolife® formulations to ensure the efficacy, stability, and integrity of the active ingredients, particularly plant-derived compounds such as curcumin, quercetin, and boswellia. These natural molecules are often poorly soluble in water and can be chemically unstable when exposed to oxygen or light. Ethanol serves a critical function as a solvent and stabilising agent, allowing these compounds to be effectively incorporated into liposomes, the delivery system we use to optimise bioavailability.

In liposomal formulations, ethanol helps:

Dissolve hydrophobic (fat-loving) compounds that don’t mix well with water, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the liposome.

Stabilise the liposomal bilayer, preserving the structure and function of the delivery system.

Enhance shelf life by reducing microbial growth and preventing oxidation.

At lipolife®, we use the minimum effective amount of ethanol, just enough to support the formation and stability of the liposomes, while keeping consumer safety and comfort in mind. The amounts used are well within safety guidelines and are comparable to those found in common foods like ripe fruit or fermented products.

Our goal is always to deliver a product that is not only scientifically sound, but also safe, effective and transparent in its formulation.

Bromelain is gaining popularity for post-workout recovery because of its natural ability to reduce inflammation, relieve muscle soreness, and support tissue repair, all key factors in helping the body bounce back after intense physical activity.

As a proteolytic enzyme, bromelain breaks down proteins involved in inflammation and swelling, helping to reduce exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Unlike synthetic anti-inflammatories, bromelain doesn’t just mask symptoms, it works at the biochemical level to modulate the body’s inflammatory response, which is crucial for recovery without interfering with muscle growth or adaptation.

Additionally, bromelain may enhance circulation and help clear out metabolic waste products like lactic acid, supporting faster recovery and less muscle fatigue. For athletes and active individuals seeking a natural, non-pharmaceutical approach to recovery, bromelain offers an effective and well-tolerated option, often paired with other compounds like quercetin for enhanced benefits.