Effects on fibrinogen, fibrin, and blood coagulation of proteolytic extracts from fruits of Pseudananas macrodontes, Bromelia balansae, and B. hieronymi (Bromeliaceae) in comparison with bromelain

Abstract

Extracts rich in cysteine proteases obtained from fruits of Pseudananas macrodontes (Pm), Bromelia balansae (Bb), and B. hieronymi (Bh) have previously shown an anti-inflammatory effect on animal models. Given the close relationship between hemostasis and inflammation, it is attractive to investigate therapeutic agents capable of modulating both systems. The aim of this work was to study the effect of Pm, Bb, and Bh on fibrin(ogen) and blood coagulation compared with stem bromelain (Bro). Action on fibrinogen was electrophoretically and spectrophotometrically evaluated, fibrinolytic activity was measured both electrophoretically and by the fibrin plate assay, and the effect on blood coagulation was studied by conventional coagulation tests (PT and APPT). All extracts showed the same proteolytic preference for fibrinogen subunits, that is Aα> Bβ, whereas γ was partially hydrolyzed by 100-fold concentration increase. Unlike Bro, cysteine proteases of Pm, Bb, and Bh increased absorbance at 540 nm of fibrinogen solution, suggesting thrombin-like activity, which was time-dependent and reached maximum values at lower concentration. All extracts showed the same proteolytic preference for fibrin subunits; however Pm, Bb, and Bh showed lower fibrinolytic activity than Bro at the assayed concentrations. Although Bb acted only as anticoagulant, Pm, Bh, and unexpectedly Bro showed dual action on blood coagulation: at low concentration showed procoagulant effect and at high concentration anticoagulant effect. Results reveal new plant species as potential sources of pharmacological agents for the treatment of a wide range of hemostatic disorders as well as to wound healing.

Toxicological evaluation and anti-inflammatory potential of an ethanolic extract from Bromelia balansae (Bromeliaceae) fruit

“…There is a lack of information available in the literature regarding the therapeutic or toxic effects of this species. According to Errasti et al (2016), B. balansae fruits demonstrated anti-coagulant and procoagulant effects in vitro. Given the close relationship between haemostasis and inflammation, it is of interest to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of this species.…”

In Vitro and In Vivo Study on Humans of Natural Compound Synergy as a Multifunctional Approach to Cellulite-Derived Skin Imperfections

“…Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme used in medicine to counteract edematous swellings caused by inflammatory processes. This enzyme in fact acts on fibrin, facilitating the drainage of the inflamed part and reabsorption of the edema [81]. Additionally, this activity was tested for the nutraceutical ingredient, which showed high proteolytic activity, most likely due to the action of the kiwi and pineapple extracts.…”

Structures of the free and inhibitors-bound forms of bromelain and ananain from Ananas comosus stem and in vitro study of their cytotoxicity

“…A dual action was also obtained with A. comosus stem extract on human plasma fibrin(ogen) and blood coagulation. While at low concentration a procoagulant effect was observed, an anticoagulant activity was shown at high concentration 30 . This paradoxical effect should be linked to the observation that while A. comosus stem extract administered orally showed effectiveness in reducing ecchymosis 31,32 , the assessment of the dose of this complex mixture to be used remains a critical factor.…”