Bromelain: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Anti-inflammatory

Bromelain exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by altering leukocyte activation and inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins and bradykinins. However, it is still unclear whether this substance can reach concentrations sufficient to accomplish this anti-inflammatory activity outside the gastrointestinal tract. Indeed, plasma contains protease inhibitors that can inactivate bromelain. Furthermore, a clinical study shows that in healthy young adults, orally administered bromelain does not affect chemokines and interleukin cytokines (IL)-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-13 and MCP-1, but rather increases interferon-gamma compared with placebo. The increase in interferon-gamma may play a role in bromelain's anti-inflammatory effects. Also, as a proteolytic enzyme, bromelain removes necrotic tissue and separates it from healthy tissue. Thus, it is now included in the preparation of medicated creams and dressings to accelerate the resolution of inflammation and the healing of skin wounds.

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Antiplatelet agents / Anticoagulant

In vivo and in vitro research shows that bromelain is a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation. This effect may be due to an increase in plasmin. Plasmin is a proteolytic enzyme produced by the body whose role is to dissolve fibrin, a protein involved in the formation of blood clots.

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Digestive effect

Supplementing with bromelain may facilitate the digestion of proteins. Bromelain takes part in the process of protein breakdown (proteolysis) like other proteolytic enzymes, such as trypsin and chymotrypsin produced by the pancreas. Indeed, it breaks the peptide bonds of proteins in order to break them down into smaller pieces. nnStudies focused on bromelain and its action on digestion are still few. However, the initial results obtained are encouraging. A study published in 2008 concluded that "plant-derived enzymes, such as bromelain from pineapple, are effective digestive aids for the breakdown of proteins." Therefore, bromelain could compensate for pancreatic insufficiency.nn

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Immunomodulatory

In a mouse study, bromelain simultaneously enhanced and inhibited certain aspects of T cell responses.nnIn a human study, bromelain supplementation increased monocyte cytotoxicity in people with reduced activity. It also stimulated monocyte secretion of interleukin-1 beta and reduced CD44 expression. nnBromelain appears to act as a signaling molecule, capable of influencing various cell signaling cascades, many of which are important for cell survival.nn

Wound healing

Removal of damaged or dead tissue (wound debridement) exposes healthy tissue, promotes healing, and provides a clear bed for skin grafting. Debridement can be performed surgically, chemically, or by using enzymes such as bromelain, which work without destroying the underlying healthy tissue.nnThe ability of bromelain to assist in wound debridement is based on its capacity to hydrolyze proteins into oligopeptides and amino acids. nn

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Anticancer

Studies show that bromelain acts as an immunomodulator by inducing the production of cytokines (such as interleukin-1β, IL-6 and IL-8, as well as tumor necrosis factor-γ), and by increasing the immunocytotoxicity of monocytes against tumor cells. Animal studies also suggest anti-metastatic properties with inhibition of tumor cell growth.nnAn in vitro study on glioma cells (a primary brain tumor) showed that bromelain significantly and reversibly reduced glioma cell adhesion, migration, and invasion.nn

Anti-aging

As we age, various degenerative diseases appear, particularly after the age of 50. The aging process is accompanied by decreased hormone secretion, immune system function, and enzyme production. The symptoms of aging could be, at least in part, the consequence of these reductions in enzymatic activity. Bromelain has been shown to fight arthritis, high blood pressure, cancer, and many other age-related disorders. It is also effective against wrinkles. Bromelain is widely incorporated into lotions, creams, scrubs, facial masks, and other skin care products, where it helps remove dead skin cells.