The Amazing Bromelain

Bromelain is a natural plant enzyme extracted from the fruit, leaves, and stem of pineapples. It is widely used in both the food and pharmaceutical industries. Bromelain is a glycoprotein composed of various enzymes with different molecular weights and structures, including at least five types of proteolytic enzymes. In addition, it may contain phospholipases, peroxidases, cellulases, other glycosidases, and non-protein substances. It is more effective than the body's own proteases at breaking down food proteins in the digestive tract and can increase the permeability of the intestinal mucosa, aiding in the absorption and utilization of amino acids.

Bromelain has many medical applications. Its first use in medicine was in 1957, when it was successfully applied to inhibit certain inflammatory metabolites that would otherwise accelerate and worsen inflammatory responses. Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory agent without the side effects typically associated with drugs. It is used for sports injuries, trauma, arthritis, and other types of swelling. Its primary applications include treatment for sports injuries, gastrointestinal issues, phlebitis, sinusitis, and post-surgical recovery. A dosage of 200 mg of bromelain has been shown to be an effective alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Bromelain is also used to alleviate symptoms of conditions such as arthritis, chronic venous insufficiency, minor bruising, gout, hemorrhoids, menstrual pain, autoimmune diseases, and ulcerative colitis.

Research indicates that bromelain is effective in reducing excessive platelet aggregation and lowering blood clot formation, especially in arterial blood.

Bromelain may also have effects on diseases related to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Applications of Bromelain in Medicine and Health Supplements

1. Inhibiting Tumor Cell Growth
   Clinical studies have shown that bromelain can inhibit the growth of tumor cells.
2. Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases
   As a proteolytic enzyme, bromelain is beneficial in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases. It can inhibit platelet aggregation that leads to strokes, relieve angina symptoms, ease arterial constriction, and accelerate the breakdown of fibrinogen.
3. Burn Debridement
   Bromelain can selectively remove dead skin, facilitating early skin grafting. Animal studies have demonstrated that bromelain does not adversely affect adjacent healthy skin. The use of topical antibiotics does not interfere with the effectiveness of bromelain.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
   Bromelain effectively reduces inflammation and swelling in various tissues, including thrombotic phlebitis, muscle injuries, hematomas, oral inflammation, diabetic ulcers, and sports injuries. It also has the potential to activate inflammatory responses and can help alleviate diarrhea.
5. Enhancing Nutrient and Drug Absorption
   Combining bromelain with various antibiotics (such as tetracycline and amoxicillin) can enhance their effectiveness. Studies suggest it promotes the transport of antibiotics to infection sites, thereby reducing the required dosage. It is also presumed to have similar effects for anticancer drugs. Additionally, bromelain can improve nutrient absorption.

Bromelain in the Beauty and Cosmetics Industry

Bromelain has excellent properties for skin softening, whitening, and spot reduction.

Basic Mechanism of Action: Bromelain acts on the aging stratum corneum of the skin, promoting its degradation, breakdown, and removal, thus enhancing skin metabolism and reducing hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure, leading to a healthier, fairer complexion.