Abstract

A REVIEW ON POTENTIAL PROPERTIES AND THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS OF BROMELAIN

Bharat Kwatra*

ABSTRACT

Bromelain is a protease enzyme derived from the stems of pineapples that is composed of a mixture of different thiol endopeptidases and other components. Bromelain is a mixture of different thiol endopeptidases and other components like phosphatase, glucosidase, peroxidase, cellulase, escharase, and several protease inhibitors.[14] In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that bromelain exhibits various anti edematous, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Bromelain is considerably absorbable in the body without losing its proteolytic activity and without producing any major side effects. Bromelain accounts for many therapeutic benefits like the treatment of angina pectoris, bronchitis, sinusitis, surgical trauma, and thrombophlebitis, debridement of wounds, and enhanced absorption of drugs, particularly antibiotics. It also relieves osteoarthritis, diarrhea, and various cardiovascular disorders. Bromelain also shows some potential in anti-cancerous activities and promotes cell death by apoptosis. The paper reviews the important properties and therapeutic applications of bromelain, along with the possible mode of action.

Keywords: phosphatase, glucosidase, peroxidase, cellulase, escharase.