Abstract
Bromelain, a standardized complex of proteases from the pineapple plant, is absorbed
unchanged from the intestine of animals at a rate of 40%; in animal experiments it
was found to have primarily anti-edema, antiinflammatory, and coagulation-inhibiting
effects. These effects are due to an enhancement of the serum fibrinolytic activity
and inhibition of the fibrinogen synthesis, as well as a direct degradation of fibrin
and fibrinogen. Bromelain lowers kininogen and bradykinin serum and tissue levels
and has an influence on prostaglandin synthesis, thus acting antiinflammatory. In
in vitro and in animal studies, experimentally induced tumours could be inhibited by bromelain.
Although many studies do not give extensive statistical data, the effects of bromelain
in animal studies seem to be dose-dependent. Further investigations have to be carried
out.
Key words
Bromelain -
Ananas comosus
- animal experiments - pharmacology
