Abstract
- Introduction
Bromelain is a complex, naturally occurring mixture of thiol proteases and diverse non-proteolytic constituents commercially extracted primarily from the stem of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus). Substantial evidence derived from numerous in vitro and in vivo investigations highlights its exceptional oral bioavailability, highly favorable safety profile devoid of major side effects, and a broad spectrum of clinically relevant medical efficacies. Among its extensive therapeutic properties, bromelain’s antiphlogistic (anti-inflammatory) activities are recognized as particularly valuable. Consequently, bromelain has been widely utilized for the efficient clinical management and treatment of numerous inflammatory disorders, ranging from degenerative joint conditions like osteoarthritis and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases to complex cancer-related inflammation.
- Methods
The primary objective of this current study was to critically assess and validate the anti-inflammatory efficacy of bromelain specifically after subjecting it to in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion. To evaluate its physiological impact across multiple anatomical tracts, human cellular models representing the stomach (AGS), intestine (Caco-2), and articular cartilage/chondrocytes (SW1353) were utilized to assay post-digestion biological activity and inflammatory modulation.
- Results
The experimental findings successfully demonstrated the preserved capability of digested bromelain to significantly reduce and attenuate inflammatory stimuli. By faithfully reproducing its exposure to harsh gastric and enteric simulated environments in vitro and subsequently testing its biological activity across human cell lines derived from stomach, intestinal, and chondrocyte tissues, the study confirmed that bromelain retains its functional anti-inflammatory potency.
- Conclusion
Consistent with previously published scientific data, this work robustly underpins the clinical relevance and therapeutic potential of bromelain in the development of safer, highly effective, and orally bioavailable anti-inflammatory pharmacological therapies.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20587384211034686