Bromelain
Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme found in pineapple. Although fruit bromelain is known, the most common form of bromelain is a mixture of various moieties derived from the stem of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus). Stem bromelain is known to contain at least five proteolytic enzymes but also non-proteolytic enzymes, including an acid phosphatase and a peroxidase; it may also contain amylase and cellulase activity. In addition, various other components are present. Bromelain has been shown to have a potentiating effect on antibody activity and is known to be synergistic with Lysozyme. Bromelain also has a potentiating effect on serum levels of a variety of antibiotics. Bromelain has been shown to have a strong Interleukin-2 (IL-2) like activity, stimulating, human natural killer cells against melanoma cells in vitro. Bromelain has shown a synergistic effect with IL-2. Bromelain aids in the digestion of heavy fats and also acts as an anti-inflammatory. Studies have shown that it increases permeability of the digestive tract, providing better absorption of nutrients. Papain is an enzyme from unripe papaya which aids in the digestion of proteins, and has been proven to loosen necrotic and encrusted waste material from the intestinal walls. Bromelain is also known to stimulate human blood lymphocytes to secrete tumor nucrosis factor-alpha and IL-2, thereby activating natural immune cells that are capable of attacking and killing tumor cells. Therefore, it is believed that Bromelain is a highly active immunomodulator that may augment anti-tumor defense processes in the body. The enzyme bromelain which is, in fact, a complex mixture containing materials including a number of hydrolytic and proteolytic enzymes has been used in the treatment of burns. Hydrated bromelain powder and some crude extracts of bromelain have been employed previously for debridement of eschar tissue. Bromelain is effective for dissolving hairballs based on its hydrolytic activity. Specifically, in addition to its ability to digest keratin proteins such as hair, it also apparently facilitates mucous digestion. Bromelain can be used in conjunction with antibiotics, forming synergistic compositions. Commercially available bromelain used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals is not a chemically homogeneous substance, but the principal component is a proteolytic enzyme that is a glycoprotein. The molecular weight of the protease in bromelain is approximately 33,000 Daltons.
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