ETHNOBOTANICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF PINEAPPLE PROTEASE (BROMELAIN): A REVIEW

Mahendra C. Gunde*, Dr. Nikhil. D. Amnerkar

ABSTRACT

Bromelain (EC 3.4.22.32) is a crude extract from the fruit or stem of pineapple (Ananas cosmosus Linn.) plant that contains, among other components various closely related proteinases (stem bromelain, fruit bromelain, comosain and ananain) demonstrating both in-vitro and in-vivo several therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory, fibrinolytic, inhibition of platelet aggregation, anticancer, mucolytic, skin debridment, digestive assistance, enhanced wound healing, cardiovascular and circulatory improvement, enhaced absorption of other drugs etc. Bromelain also contains peroxidase, acid phosphatase, several protease inhibitors and remain stable over a wide range of pH 2 to 9. It has earned universal acceptability as a phytotherapeutic drug because of its history of safe use and zero side effects. This review deals with the biochemistry, pharmacology and medicinal use of bromelain.

Keywords: Bromelain, Ananus cosmosus, proteinases, Phytotherapeutic.