Bromelain：used in medicine, cosmetics, and food industries.

General description

Bromelain is a group of enzymes found in the fruit and stem of the pineapple plant. Bromelain is a type of proteolytic enzyme derived from the stems and juice of pineapples (Ananas comosus). It belongs to the family of cysteine proteases and is composed of a mixture of enzymes including stem bromelain, fruit bromelain, and pineapple protease comosain. Protein-digesting and milk-clotting enzymes found in PINEAPPLE fruit juice and stem tissue. Enzymes from the two sources are distinguished as fruit bromelain and stem bromelain[1,2].

Figure 1. Bromelain is a group of enzymes found in the fruit and stem of the pineapple plant.

Application and Pharmacology

Bromelain finds widespread application in several areas, such as the cosmetic and food industries, as well as medicine. Since the application of bromelain in the cosmetic and food industries has been reviewed elsewhere in the literature, it focuses on the therapeutic applications of this enzyme. Bromelain has a wide range of therapeutic applications due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and digestive properties. It is commonly used as a natural remedy for conditions such as arthritis, asthma, allergies, sinusitis, digestive disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Bromelain works by breaking down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, which can be easily absorbed and utilized by the body. This enzyme has been shown to improve digestion and reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. Application of such multiaction activities of bromelain, further exploration of the mechanism of its action is needed. It is supposed that the antiviral, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective and anti-coagulatory activity of bromelain may become a complementary therapy for COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 patients. During the irrepressible spread of novel variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, such beneficial properties of this biomolecule might help prevent escalation and the progression of the COVID-19 disease.

Synthesis

Several studies on the purification of bromelain from crude extracts using a wide range of techniques such as liquid–liquid extractions by aqueous two-phase system, ultrafiltration, precipitation, and chromatography, have been reported[3]. Finally, the various applications of bromelain are presented. The main properties of bromelain, aiming to provide an up-to-date compilation of the data reported on this enzyme. In addition, some purification techniques have not yet been applied to bromelain extraction/purification, such as precipitation with polyelectrolytes, or the aqueous micellar two-phase systems with ionic liquids. Bromelain is available in supplement form, usually in the form of tablets or capsules. It is also used as a meat tenderizer and in the food industry to prevent gelatin from setting. Bromelain is naturally synthesized in the stem and fruit of the pineapple plant, and can be extracted using various methods such as aqueous extraction, ethanol extraction, or chromatographic separation[4].

The extraction process involves grinding or crushing the pineapple plant to release the enzyme, followed by filtration and concentration to obtain a pure form of bromelain. This purified enzyme can then be formulated into supplements or used in various industries such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Alternatively, bromelain can also be synthesized using recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting the gene that codes for bromelain into a host cell, such as bacteria or yeast, to produce large amounts of the enzyme in a controlled and efficient manner. Overall, the synthesis of bromelain can be achieved through natural extraction methods or through recombinant DNA technology.

Toxicity and safety

Bromelain is generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses. However, high doses may cause adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and allergic reactions in some individuals. Here are some safety considerations and toxicity information related to bromelain:

1.Allergic reactions: People who are allergic to pineapple may experience allergic reactions to bromelain. Symptoms may include itching, hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing. It is recommended to avoid bromelain if you have a pineapple allergy.

2.Bleeding: Bromelain may increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people who are taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking bromelain if you are taking blood-thinning medications.

3.Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is insufficient information regarding the safety of bromelain during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is recommended to avoid using bromelain during these times unless advised by a healthcare provider.

4.Toxicity: Studies have shown that high doses of bromelain can be toxic to cells, although this is not typically a concern at recommended doses. However, individuals with liver or kidney disease should use caution when taking bromelain as it may worsen their condition.

5.Interactions with medications: Bromelain may interact with certain medications, such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before taking bromelain if you are taking any medications.

In summary, bromelain is generally safe when taken at recommended doses. However, it is important to use caution if you have a history of allergies, bleeding disorders, or liver/kidney disease, and to consult with a healthcare provider before taking bromelain if you are taking any medications or are pregnant/breastfeeding.

Reference:

1. Maurer H. R., "Bromelain: biochemistry, pharmacology and medical use," Cell Mol Life Sci, Vol.58, No.9(2001), pp.1234-1245.

2. Hikisz P. & Bernasinska-Slomczewska J., "Beneficial Properties of Bromelain," Nutrients, Vol.13, No.12(2021), p.4313.

3. 

4. 

General description

Bromelain is a group of enzymes found in the fruit and stem of the pineapple plant. Bromelain is a type of proteolytic enzyme derived from the stems and juice of pineapples (Ananas comosus). It belongs to the family of cysteine proteases and is composed of a mixture of enzymes including stem bromelain, fruit bromelain, and pineapple protease comosain. Protein-digesting and milk-clotting enzymes found in PINEAPPLE fruit juice and stem tissue. Enzymes from the two sources are distinguished as fruit bromelain and stem bromelain[1,2].                                    

Figure 1. Young pineapple fruits between leaves suggested tosecrete bromelain

Application and Pharmacology

Bromelain finds widespread application in several areas, such as the cosmetic and food industries, as well as medicine. Since the application of bromelain in the cosmetic and food industries has been reviewed elsewhere in the literature, it focuses on the therapeutic applications of this enzyme. Bromelain has a wide range of therapeutic applications due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and digestive properties. It is commonly used as a natural remedy for conditions such as arthritis, asthma, allergies, sinusitis, digestive disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Bromelain works by breaking down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, which can be easily absorbed and utilized by the body. This enzyme has been shown to improve digestion and reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory mediators.

Synthesis

Several studies on the purification of bromelain from crude extracts using a wide range of techniques such as liquid–liquid extractions by aqueous two-phase system, ultrafiltration, precipitation, and chromatography, have been reported[3]. Finally, the various applications of bromelain are presented. The main properties of bromelain, aiming to provide an up-to-date compilation of the data reported on this enzyme. In addition, some purification techniques have not yet been applied to bromelain extraction/purification, such as precipitation with polyelectrolytes, or the aqueous micellar two-phase systems with ionic liquids. Bromelain is available in supplement form, usually in the form of tablets or capsules. It is also used as a meat tenderizer and in the food industry to prevent gelatin from setting. Bromelain is naturally synthesized in the stem and fruit of the pineapple plant, and can be extracted using various methods such as aqueous extraction, ethanol extraction, or chromatographic separation[4].

The extraction process involves grinding or crushing the pineapple plant to release the enzyme, followed by filtration and concentration to obtain a pure form of bromelain. This purified enzyme can then be formulated into supplements or used in various industries such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Alternatively, bromelain can also be synthesized using recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting the gene that codes for bromelain into a host cell, such as bacteria or yeast, to produce large amounts of the enzyme in a controlled and efficient manner. Overall, the synthesis of bromelain can be achieved through natural extraction methods or through recombinant DNA technology.

Toxicity and safety

Bromelain is generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses. However, high doses may cause adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and allergic reactions in some individuals. Here are some safety considerations and toxicity information related to bromelain:

1.Allergic reactions: People who are allergic to pineapple may experience allergic reactions to bromelain. Symptoms may include itching, hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing. It is recommended to avoid bromelain if you have a pineapple allergy.

2.Bleeding: Bromelain may increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people who are taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking bromelain if you are taking blood-thinning medications.

3.Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is insufficient information regarding the safety of bromelain during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is recommended to avoid using bromelain during these times unless advised by a healthcare provider.

4.Toxicity: Studies have shown that high doses of bromelain can be toxic to cells, although this is not typically a concern at recommended doses. However, individuals with liver or kidney disease should use caution when taking bromelain as it may worsen their condition.

5.Interactions with medications: Bromelain may interact with certain medications, such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before taking bromelain if you are taking any medications.

In summary, bromelain is generally safe when taken at recommended doses. However, it is important to use caution if you have a history of allergies, bleeding disorders, or liver/kidney disease, and to consult with a healthcare provider before taking bromelain if you are taking any medications or are pregnant/breastfeeding.

Reference

1. Maurer H. R., "Bromelain: biochemistry, pharmacology and medical use," Cell Mol Life Sci, Vol.58, No.9(2001), pp.1234-1245.

2. Hikisz P. & Bernasinska-Slomczewska J., "Beneficial Properties of Bromelain," Nutrients, Vol.13, No.12(2021), p.4313.

3. Ramli A. N., Aznan T. N. & Illias R. M., "Bromelain: from production to commercialisation," J Sci Food Agric, Vol.97, No.5(2017), pp.1386-1395.

4. De Lencastre N. L., Jozala A. F. & Lopes A. M. et al., "Stability, purification, and applications of bromelain: A review," Biotechnol Prog, Vol.32, No.1(2016), pp.5-13.