Updates include the latest studies on Bromelain applications.

Yao H, Guo X, Zhou H, et al. Mild Acid Responsive "Nanoenzyme Capsule" Remodeling of Tumor Microenvironment to Increase Tumor Penetration [published online ahead of print, 2020 Apr 6]. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2020;10.1021/acsami.0c03022. doi:10.1021/acsami.0c03022

Jun-Hui X, Hui-Juan C, Bin Z, Hui Y. The mechanistic effect of bromelain and papain on tenderization in jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) muscle. Food Res Int. 2020;131:108991. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2020.108991

Szerszunowicz I, Kłobukowski J. Characteristics of Potential Protein Nutraceuticals of Plant Origin with Antioxidant Activity. Molecules. 2020;25(7):E1621. Published 2020 Apr 1. doi:10.3390/molecules25071621

Hirche C, Kreken Almeland S, Dheansa B, et al. Eschar removal by bromelain based enzymatic debridement (Nexobrid®) in burns: European consensus guidelines update [published online ahead of print, 2020 Mar 30]. Burns. 2020;S0305-4179(19)30897-6. doi:10.1016/j.burns.2020.03.002

Homayun B, Choi HJ. Halloysite nanotube-embedded microparticles for intestine-targeted co-delivery of biopharmaceuticals. Int J Pharm. 2020;579:119152. doi:10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119152

Reddy VK, Nagar P, Reddy S, et al. Bromelain vs Papain Gel for Caries Removal in Primary Teeth. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2019;20(11):1345–1349. Published 2019 Nov 1.

Bakare AO, Owoyele BV. Antinociceptive and neuroprotective effects of bromelain in chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain in Wistar rats. Korean J Pain. 2020;33(1):13–22. doi:10.3344/kjp.2020.33.1.13

Hidayat M, Prahastuti S, Riany DU, et al. Kidney therapeutic potential of peptides derived from the bromelain hydrolysis of green peas protein. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2019;22(9):1016–1025. doi:10.22038/ijbms.2019.33945.8075

Knackstedt R, Gatherwright J. Perioperative Homeopathic Arnica and Bromelain: Current Results and Future Directions. Ann Plast Surg. 2020;84(3):e10–e15. doi:10.1097/SAP.0000000000002043

Sharafeddin F, Safari M. Effect of Papain and Bromelain Enzymes on Shear Bond Strength of Composite to Superficial Dentin in Different Adhesive Systems. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2019;20(9):1077–1081. Published 2019 Sep 1.

Mohamad NE, Abu N, Yeap SK, Alitheen NB. Bromelain Enhances the Anti-tumor Effects of Cisplatin on 4T1 Breast Tumor Model In Vivo. Integr Cancer Ther. 2019;18:1534735419880258. doi:10.1177/1534735419880258

Valle SJ, Akhter J, Mekkawy AH, et al. A novel treatment of bromelain and acetylcysteine (BromAc) in patients with peritoneal mucinous tumours: A phase I first in man study [published online ahead of print, 2019 Oct 31]. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2019;S0748-7983(19)30913-8.

Lee JH, Lee JT, Park HR, Kim JB. The potential use of bromelain as a natural oral medicine having anticarcinogenic activities. Food Sci Nutr. 2019;7(5):1656–1667. Published 2019 Apr 1. doi:10.1002/fsn3.999

Chang TC, Wei PL, Makondi PT, Chen WT, Huang CY, Chang YJ. Bromelain inhibits the ability of colorectal cancer cells to proliferate via activation of ROS production and autophagy. PLoS One. 2019;14(1):e0210274. Published 2019 Jan 18. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0210274

Bromelain is a biomolecule, a proteolytic enzyme that is extracted from the fruit and stem of the pineapple (Ananas comosus), but is also present in the skin and leaves.

It's composed of ananaine, comosaine, cystatin, calcium, carbohydrates.

It is used as an anti-inflammatory, to relieve pain caused by arthritis, wound healing  with reduced side effects when compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Bromelain has a direct impact on cancer cells and their microenvironment and also acts on the modulation of the immune, inflammatory and haemostatic systems (1).

Bromelain based on selective enzymes is also an effective treatment modality for delayed presentation burns and chronic wounds (2).

From this preliminary study it can be deduced that the use of the gastro-resistant formulation containing the mixture of Boswellia and bromelain supplements can be a valuable non-pharmacological tool to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from different forms of osteoarthritis (3).

Scientific insights on Bromelain

Enzyme Commission (EC) Number 3.4.22.32 formerly EC 3.4.22.4

EC Number 253-387-5

CAS Number 37189-34-7     

MDL number MFCD00081423 

NACRES NA.54


References_________________________________________________________________________

(1) Chobotova K, Vernallis AB, Majid FA. Bromelain's activity and potential as an anti-cancer agent: Current evidence and perspectives. Cancer Lett. 2010;290(2):148–156. doi:10.1016/j.canlet.2009.08.001

(2) Harats M, Haik J, Cleary M, Vashurin I, Aviv U, Kornhaber R. A Retrospective Review of an Off-label Bromelain-based Selective Enzymatic Debridement (Nexobrid®) in the Treatment of Deep, Partial, and Full Thickness Burns and Hard to Heal Wounds. Isr Med Assoc J. 2020;22(2):83–88.

(3) Italiano G, Raimondo M, Giannetti G, Gargiulo A. Benefits of a Food Supplement Containing Boswellia serrata and Bromelain for Improving the Quality of Life in Patients with Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study. J Altern Complement Med. 2020;26(2):123–129. doi:10.1089/acm.2019.0258