Therapeutic Effects of Bromelain: Benefits, Mechanisms and Clinical Applications

Abstract

Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes called proteolytic enzymes (or proteinases), which are mainly extracted from the fruit and stem of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus), and have a biological function of converting protein into amino acids or smaller peptides. Bromelain is a mixture of various thiol endopeptidases and other sources such as peroxidase, cellulase, phosphatase. It has a glycoprotein structure and contains oligosaccharides such as xylose, fucose, mannose and N-acetyl glucosamine. It has a long history of traditional medicinal use in various cultures, especially in Central and South America, where the pineapple is native. Bromelain is a complex mixture of protease enzyme extract obtained from the stem and fruit of the pineapple plant and has a history of use in folk medicine. Bromelain is known to have numerous biological effects, most commonly used as an anti-inflammatory agent. Additionally, although its potential as an anticancer and antimicrobial agent has been discovered, it has been reported to have positive effects on the circulatory, digestive and respiratory systems, and potentially the immune system. This systematic review will examine the history, structure, chemical properties and medical indications of bromelain. Bromelain was first described in 1876. However, it was not fully isolated, purified and characterised until much later. Bromelain was isolated and characterised in the late 19th century by researchers in Europe who described its proteolytic properties. Since then, bromelain has gained recognition in both traditional and modern medicine for its potential therapeutic effects.