Bromelain-Based Therapeutics in Inflammatory and Cancer Treatments

Bromelain, a mixture of cysteine proteases derived predominantly from pineapple stems and fruit, has attracted increasing interest for its multifaceted therapeutic properties. In inflammatory conditions, bromelain modulates key mediators of the immune response, including cytokine release, neutrophil migration and signal-transduction pathways such as NF-κB, thereby reducing oedema and tissue damage. In oncology, bromelain exerts cytotoxic effects on malignant cells through induction of apoptosis, autophagy and reactive oxygen species, as well as disruption of tumour-associated extracellular matrix components that facilitate invasion and metastasis. Its low toxicity profile and capacity to enhance the bioavailability of chemotherapeutic agents have led to investigations of combination regimens, often pairing bromelain with N-acetylcysteine or established cytotoxics to achieve synergistic antitumour activity. Formulation challenges—such as enzyme stability, proteolytic autolysis and targeted delivery—have spurred the development of encapsulation, nanoparticle conjugates and surface immobilisation strategies that preserve activity in circulation while minimising off-target effects. Collectively, these advances underscore bromelain’s potential as a natural adjuvant in both inflammatory disorders and cancer, offering a global, cost-effective approach that bridges traditional use and modern pharmaceutical innovation.

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Bromelain-Based Therapeutics in Inflammatory and Cancer Treatments publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in bromelain-based therapeutics in inflammatory and cancer treatments across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Proteolytic enzyme: An enzyme that catalyses the breakdown of proteins into peptides or amino acids.

Cytokine: A small protein secreted by immune cells that regulates inflammation and cell communication.

Apoptosis: Programmed cell death characterised by DNA fragmentation and membrane blebbing, crucial for eliminating damaged cells.

Autophagy: A cellular process for degrading and recycling cytoplasmic components via lysosomal pathways.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen that can induce oxidative damage and signal transduction.

NF-κB: A transcription factor that controls genes involved in immune response, cell survival and inflammation.

References

1. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Bromelain: Applications, Benefits, and Mechanisms. Nutrients (2024).
2. Beneficial Effects Induced by a Proprietary Blend of a New Bromelain-Based Polyenzymatic Complex Plus N-Acetylcysteine in Urinary Tract Infections: Results from In Vitro and Ex Vivo Studies. Antibiotics (2024).
3. Bromelain a Potential Bioactive Compound: A Comprehensive Overview from a Pharmacological Perspective. Life (2021).