Anticancer properties of bromelain: State-of-the-art and recent trends

Abstract

Bromelain is a key enzyme found in pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.); a proteolytic substance with multiple beneficial effects for human health such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic, traditionally used in many countries for its potential therapeutic value. The aim of this updated and comprehensive review focuses on the potential anticancer benefits of bromelain, analyzing the cytotoxic, apoptotic, necrotic, autophagic, immunomodulating, and anti-inflammatory effects in cancer cells and animal models. Detailed information about Bromelain and its anticancer effects at the cellular, molecular and signaling levels were collected from online databases such as PubMed/MedLine, TRIP database, GeenMedical, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. The results of the analyzed studies showed that Bromelain possesses corroborated pharmacological activities, such as anticancer, anti-edema, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-coagulant, anti-osteoarthritis, anti-trauma pain, anti-diarrhea, wound repair. Nonetheless, bromelain clinical studies are scarce and still more research is needed to validate the scientific value of this enzyme in human cancer diseases.

An updated overview of anticancer effects of alternariol and its derivatives: underlying molecular mechanisms

“…MAPK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is vital for the adaptation of the cell to stress and its activation is highly involved in the inflammation process ( Motyka et al, 2023 ; Prasher et al, 2023 ). The cell inflammation induction by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers a series of signaling pathways including MAPK and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) ( Li et al, 2016 ; Capó et al, 2021 ; Pezzani et al, 2023 ). MAPKs are involved in the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK and p38 which regulate the expression of MSK 1/2 and then p65 ( Xie et al, 2019 ; Garzoli et al, 2022 ; Li et al, 2023 ).…”

Bromelain: a review of its mechanisms, pharmacological effects and potential applications

“…Additionally, bromelain had been shown to reduce the risk of blood clot formation by reducing platelet aggregation and decreasing the levels of certain clotting factors in the blood. 67 Lotz-Winter was one of the first researchers to study the role of fibrin synthesis in blood clotting. 68 It has been revealed that bromelain could increase the inhibition time of prothrombin, which could lead to the presence of inactive prothrombin in the blood, thereby reducing the time required for blood coagulation.…”

A comprehensive review on traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Paeonia emodi Wall. ex Royle: current landscape and future perspectives

“…Cancer occurs as a result of somatic mutations in the cells that make up tissues [128][129][130]. Random mutations that constantly accumulate without having a negative impact on cell survival are passenger mutations and they do not cause clonal expansion of a malignant transformed cell, they do not promote tumour growth instead driver mutations cause oncogenesis [131,132]. P. emodi plays a very important role in anti-mutagenic activity.…”