Major research findings

Bromelain is an enzyme extracted from pineapple, and it has been reported to have various biological effects. 2 found that bromelain maintained the antioxidant activity of Riceberry bran protein hydrolysate and enhanced its antioxidant activity during digestion. 3 showed that oral supplementation of bromelain and curcumin may improve retinal function in patients with diabetic macular edema. 4 reported that encapsulating bromelain in nanoparticles could reduce the inflammatory and cytotoxic effects of gliadin on Caco-2 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells in celiac patients. 5 found that bromelain and ficin facilitated the digestion of gliadin and improved cell junction integrity in the intestines of celiac patients. 6 found that bromelain has a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-rheumatic effects. 7 found that a supplement containing bromelain, Lentinula edodes, and quercetin improved gastrointestinal health and psycho-physical conditions in dogs. 8 found that bromelain and ficin had inhibitory effects on ACE2 expression in colon cancer cells. 9 found that bromelain had ameliorative effects on aluminum-induced Alzheimer's disease in rats by modulating the TXNIP pathway. 10 found that bromelain had protective effects against cadmium-induced pulmonary intoxication in rats. 11 found that bromelain-loaded sodium alginate nanoparticles incorporated into chitosan hydrogel had debridement effects in animal models. 12 found that bromelain exerted antiarthritic effects through chondroprotection and the suppression of TNF-α-induced NF-κB and MAPK signaling. 13 found that bromelain has various pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-thrombotic, fibrinolytic, and apoptosis-promoting effects. 14 found that the combination of bromelain and cisplatin had synergistic anticancer effects on the human prostatic carcinoma cell line, PC3. 15 found that bromelain improved the eating quality of smoked salted duck. 16 found that bromelain and papain enzymes had effects on the shear bond strength of composite resin to enamel. 17 found that bromelain had anti-inflammatory and mineralization effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation of human dental pulp cells. 18 found that bromelain reduced pro-inflammatory mediators as a common pathway that mediated antinociceptive and anti-anxiety effects in sciatic nerve ligated Wistar rats. 19 found that stem bromelain had antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and fibrinolytic activities. 20 found that bromelain embedded in a double emulsion had effects on the physicochemical properties of pork loin. 21 found that bromelain had antinociceptive and neuroprotective effects in chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain in Wistar rats. 22 found that bromelain enhanced the anti-tumor effects of cisplatin on a 4T1 breast tumor model in vivo. 23 found that bromelain had effects on motor responses following intra-medial forebrain bundle 6-OHDA injection in a rat model of Parkinsonism. 24 found that the combination of cisplatin and bromelain exerted synergistic cytotoxic effects against the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 in vitro. 1 found that bromelain supplementation had effects on inflammatory markers in adults.

Benefits and Risks

Benefits Summary

Bromelain is a natural enzyme with a variety of potential benefits, including reducing inflammation, fighting cancer, preventing blood clots, and breaking down blood clots. It may also be helpful in treating conditions such as arthritis, digestive problems, cancer, allergies, and cardiovascular disease. Bromelain is generally considered safe as a supplement, but it may cause side effects under certain conditions.

Risks Summary

While generally considered safe, bromelain may cause some side effects in some people, such as: * Digestive issues: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. * Allergic reactions: itching, rash, and difficulty breathing. * Increased risk of bleeding: Bromelain can thin the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding. * Drug interactions: Bromelain can interact with certain medications.

Comparison of studies

Commonalities

These studies show that bromelain has a variety of biological effects. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-thrombotic, and fibrinolytic effects. Bromelain also has the potential to improve the quality of food and aid in wound healing. These studies suggest that bromelain has beneficial effects in a variety of fields.

Differences

The studies differed in terms of the research subjects and methods used to evaluate bromelain. For example, some studies investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of bromelain, while others investigated its anti-cancer effects. The research methods also varied, including in vitro experiments, animal experiments, and clinical trials. By comprehensively evaluating the results of these studies, we can gain a deeper understanding of the safety and efficacy of bromelain.

Consistency and contradictions of results

These studies have shown that bromelain has various biological effects. However, the specific effects and mechanisms of action of bromelain are not yet fully understood. Also, there may be variations in the effects and side effects of bromelain depending on the study. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when using bromelain.

Cautions for application in real life

Bromelain is found in a variety of foods and supplements. When consuming bromelain, it is important to carefully read product labels and choose products that are appropriate for your body type. Bromelain can interact with certain medications. It is important to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking bromelain.

Limitations of current research

Research on bromelain is still in its early stages and more studies are needed to fully understand its effects and side effects. The mechanisms of action of bromelain, as well as the optimal dosage, are not fully understood.

Future research directions

More clinical trials are needed to gain a deeper understanding of the safety and efficacy of bromelain. The mechanism of action of bromelain needs to be elucidated, and the optimal dosage and administration methods need to be established. Interactions between bromelain and other medications need to be investigated in greater detail.

Conclusion

Bromelain has been shown to have a variety of biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-thrombotic, and fibrinolytic effects. Bromelain also has the potential to improve the quality of food and aid in wound healing. Bromelain is generally considered safe as a supplement, but it may cause side effects in some people. When consuming bromelain, it is important to carefully read product labels and choose products that are appropriate for your body type. Bromelain can interact with certain medications. It is important to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking bromelain.