Abstract

A SHORT REVIEW ON THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND THE BIOLOGICAL APPLICATION OF BROMELAIN

*Syed Muzaffar Ahmad and Mohd Syeed Shah

ABSTRACT

Fruit bromelain and stem bromelain are prepared differently and they contain different enzymatic composition. “Bromelain” refers usually to the “stem bromelain.” Bromelain is a mixture of different thiol endopeptidases and other components like phosphatase, glucosidase, peroxidase, cellulase, escharase and several protease inhibitors. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that bromelain exhibits various fibrinolytic, anti-edematous, antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory activities. Bromelain is considerably absorbable in the body without losing its proteolytic activity and without producing any major side effects. Bromelain accounts for many therapeutic benefits like the treatment of angina pectoris, bronchitis, sinusitis, surgical trauma and thrombophlebitis, debridement of wounds and enhanced absorption of drugs, particularly antibiotics. It also relieves osteoarthritis, diarrhea and various cardiovascular disorders. Bromelain also possesses some ant cancerous activities and promotes apoptotic cell death.

Keywords: Bromelain, Glucosidase, Proteolytic, Apoptotic.