Bromelain Modern Research and Potential Health Benefits

Bromelain Modern Research and Potential Health Benefits

Pineapple has been investigated as a food that may naturally support healthy digestion and help reduce swelling associated with sore throat, gout, or arthritis.4 The high dietary fiber content of fresh pineapple can support healthy digestion and elimination. Bromelain is promoted as an alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is currently manufactured and sold as a dietary supplement for reducing pain and inflammation.6 According to modern research, bromelain has potential uses as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant with potential benefits for alleviating symptoms of chronic degenerative conditions like arthritis, preventing or minimizing the severity of heart attacks, and enhancing oral health as well as post-surgical recovery.

Research indicates that bromelain

• acts as an anti-inflammatory by increasing fibrinolytic (blood clot-preventing) activity, and decreases bradykinin (a peptide causing inflammation) and fibrinogen (a glycoprotein complex involved in the formation of blood clots) levels, which reduces excessive clotting and regulates blood pressure, helping reduce pain and fluid retention (edema);
• decreases pro-inflammatory, cyclooxygenase (COX)-mediated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane A2 levels, which are both associated with acute inflammation;
• modulates specific immune cell surface adhesion molecules that are typically problematic in the pathogenesis of arthritis.

Cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease includes vascular and heart disease, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, heart failure, and congenital heart disease. Studies have shown that bromelain can inhibit platelet aggregation, thereby minimizing the risk of blood clots. Bromelain supplements may reduce risk factors for heart disease. In addition, bromelain reduces the risk of developing thrombophlebitis (blood clots, usually in the legs) through its potent fibrinolytic activity.

Periodontitis

Studies have shown that the use of bromelain as an adjuvant in a periodontitis treatment regimen reduces the growth of problematic periodontal microorganisms; proteolytically removes important cell surface molecules (such as CD25) in white blood cells (leukocytes); downregulates levels of inflammatory mediators; And reduce bone-degrading osteoclasts, reducing alveolar bone loss. Bromelain has been widely used in the natural treatment of periodontitis and inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans, Actinobacillus congeners, and Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Acne treatment

Acne is a common skin disorder that affects the oil glands of the skin and can be caused by opportunistic pathogens, including Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus. 13 Due to its antibacterial activity, bromelain is used clinically for the treatment of acne and folliculitis (a condition in which the hair follicles become inflamed). The cosmetic uses of bromelain are similar to papain in papaya for smoothing wrinkles and soothing dry skin. The facial cleanser prepared with bromelain has an antibacterial effect on bacteria commonly found in acne, especially Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus.

Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds in Pineapple