Recent Advances and Insights into Bromelain Processing, Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Uses

Abstract

Bromelain is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes that is extracted primarily from pineapples. It is present in almost all the aerial parts of the plant—the peels, leaves, stems and fruit—although only the fruit and stems contain significant amounts. The market-demand for bromelain is quickly increasing, especially in the health sector as it can be used as a drug and/or nutraceutical. Although the complete molecular mechanism has not been fully identified, bromelain possesses several properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oedema, antithrombotic and fibrinolytic, mucolytic, anticancer and cicatrizing effects that have been evaluated in several clinical trials. However, one of the main limitations for the clinical use of this supplement is the varying composition of extracts, which leads to heterogeneity in results and, therefore, difficulty in making evidence-based prescriptions. In fact, different geographic locations, land and modes of cultivation, as well as extraction methods, can all give extracts with different activities, depending on the plant part used. Additionally, although novel extraction techniques have been developed to improve bromelain purification and extraction and give higher yields without loss in enzymatic activity, these methods are still expensive and challenging. This review will describe the state of the art in the main conventional and unconventional extraction and purification methods of bromelain and discuss the advantages and limitations of these strategies. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles and the clinical applications that have arisen from randomized controlled clinical trials are also discussed. Finally, future perspectives for bromelain extracts will be presented.

Beneficial Properties of Bromelain

“…Due to its low calorific value, and at the same time, an enormous wealth of nutrients, it has become a frequent component of diets in people who are concerned with their weight. However, it is worth noting that pineapple and its compounds were formerly successfully used in folk medicine for various health problems [3].…”

“…In addition to the clinical approach, bromelain also has applications in many branches of the food industry, such as food industries, breweries, flesh processing, textile, and cosmetics industries. Such a large number of potential applications of bromelain indicates therapeutic value resulting from its biochemical and pharmacological properties, which have generated a substantial increase in interest in this compound among scientists and the pharmaceutical and food industries [3,5]. In recent years, commercial production of bromelain extracts has increased significantly, which has contributed to the development of faster and more effective large-scale enzyme production and purification techniques.…”

Production of Plant Proteases and New Biotechnological Applications: An Updated Review

“…It was also documented that the oral consumption of bromelain significantly reduces the risk of acute thrombophlebitis [253] . An extensive recompilation of bromelain applications (sports injuries, perioperative, and osteoarthritis, among others) was reported by Colleti et al [254] …”

“…It was also documented that the oral consumption of bromelain significantly reduces the risk of acute thrombophlebitis. [253] An extensive recompilation of bromelain applications (sports injuries, perioperative, and osteoarthritis, among others) was reported by Colleti et al [254] Papain is used for the treatment of edemas, gluten intolerance, hypochlorhydria, digestive disorders, and infections. Papain also shows potent activity against the following bacteria: Alicyclo bacillus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Proteus vulgaris.…”

Encapsulation of Bromelain in Combined Sodium Alginate and Amino Acid Carriers: Experimental Design of Simplex-Centroid Mixtures for Digestibility Evaluation

“…Despite the pharmacological effects [ 13 ], the oral administration of bromelain is still a challenge due to its degradation in the stomach, which is associated with the low pH and digestive enzymes [ 14 , 15 ]. Recent advances and insights into bromelain processing, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic uses have also been reported [ 16 ].…”