Is Bromelain an Antibiotic?

No!

Bromelain, also known as pineapple enzyme or pineapple protease, is a natural plant enzyme extracted from the stem, leaves, and skin of pineapples. It undergoes purification, concentration, enzyme immobilization, and freeze-drying to obtain a fine gray powder with a molecular weight of 33,000 and an isoelectric point of 9.55. Higher quality bromelain is derived from the pineapple’s core, processed through ultrafiltration, and freeze-dried. It is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Applications of Bromelain in Medicine and Supplements

1. Inhibition of Cancer Cell Growth
   Clinical studies have shown that bromelain can inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
2. Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment
   As a proteolytic enzyme, bromelain is beneficial for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases. It can inhibit platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, alleviate angina symptoms, ease arterial constriction, and accelerate the breakdown of fibrinogen.
3. Burn Debridement
   Bromelain selectively removes dead tissue, facilitating earlier skin grafting. Animal studies have demonstrated that bromelain has no adverse effects on adjacent healthy skin. The use of topical antibiotics does not interfere with bromelain’s effectiveness.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
   Bromelain effectively reduces inflammation and edema in various tissues (including thrombophlebitis, muscle injuries, hematomas, oral ulcers, diabetic ulcers, and sports injuries). It has the potential to activate inflammatory responses and can also help alleviate diarrhea.
5. Enhancing Drug Absorption
   When combined with various antibiotics (such as tetracycline and amoxicillin), bromelain can enhance their effectiveness. Studies suggest that it promotes the delivery of antibiotics to infection sites, potentially reducing the required dosage. It is also believed to have similar effects on anti-inflammatory drugs. Additionally, bromelain can enhance nutrient absorption.

Antibiotics are secondary metabolites produced by microorganisms (including bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes) or higher plants and animals, which possess the ability to interfere with the development of other living cells.

The distinction is clear and requires no further elaboration. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!