- BROMELAIN :
Bromelain is a crude extract
from the pineapple that contains, among other components, various closely
related proteinases, demonstrating, in vitro and in vivo, antiedematous,
antiinflammatory, antithrombotic and fibrinolytic activities. The active
factors involved are biochemically characterized only in part. Due to
its efficacy after oral administration, its safety and lack of undesired
side effects, bromelain has earned growing acceptance and compliance
among patients as a phytotherapeutical drug. A wide range of therapeutic
benefits has been claimed for bromelain, such as reversible inhibition
of platelet aggregation, angina pectoris, bronchitis, sinusitis, surgical
traumas, thrombophlebitis, pyelonephritis and enhanced absorption of
drugs, particularly of antibiotics. Biochemical experiments indicate
that these pharmacological properties depend on the proteolytic activity
only partly, suggesting the presence of nonprotein factors in bromelain.
Recent results from preclinical and pharmacological studies recommend
bromelain as an orally given drug for complementary tumor therapy: bromelain
acts as an immunomodulator by raising the impaired immunocytotoxicity
of monocytes against tumor cells from patients and by inducing the production
of distinct cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin (Il)-1beta,
Il-6, and Il-8. In a recent clinical study with mammary tumor patients,
these findings could be partially confirmed. Especially promising are
reports on animal experiments claiming an antimetastatic efficacy and
inhibition of metastasis-associated platelet aggregation as well as
inhibition of growth and invasiveness of tumor cells. Apparently, the
antiinvasive activity does not depend on the proteolytic activity. This
is also true for bromelain effects on the modulation of immune functions,
its potential to eliminate burn debris and to accelerate wound healing.
Whether bromelain will gain wide acceptance as a drug that inhibits
platelet aggregation, is antimetastatic and facilitates skin debridement,
among other indications, will be determined by further clinical trials.
The claim that bromelain cannot be effective after oral administration
is definitely refuted at this time.
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