Bromelain inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection, and its profound fibrinolytic activity suggests that bromelain or bromelain-rich pineapple could be used as an antiviral against SARS-CoV-2 and future outbreaks of other coronaviruses, according to Satish Sagar et al., “Bromelain inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection via targeting ACE-2, TMPRSS2, and spike protein,” Clinical and Translational Medicine, 2021 Feb, 11(2), e281, https://doi.org/10.1002/ctm2.281, JIF 8.554 (top 17% journals in Oncology and top 17% journals in Medicine, Research & Experimental).
Bromelain is a major sulfhydryl proteolytic enzyme found in pineapple plants, having multiple activities in many areas of medicine. Due to its low toxicity, high efficiency, high availability, and relative simplicity of acquisition, it is the object of inexhaustible interest of scientists. This review summarizes scientific reports concerning the possible application of bromelain in treating cardiovascular diseases, blood coagulation and fibrinolysis disorders, infectious diseases, inflammation-associated diseases, and many types of cancer. However, for the proper application of such multi-action activities of bromelain, further exploration of the mechanism of its action is needed. It is supposed that the anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective and anti-coagulatory activity of bromelain may become a complementary therapy for COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 patients, according to Pawel Hikisz et al., “Beneficial Properties of Bromelain,” Nutrients 2021, 13, 4313, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124313, JIF 6.706 (top 17% journals in Nutrition & Dietetics).
Bromelain exhibits various fibrinolytic, antiedematous, 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 anticancerous activities and promotes apoptotic cell death, according to Rajendra Pavan et al., “Properties and theraupetic application of bromelain: A review,” Biotechnology Research International, 10 December 2012, 976203, https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/976203, JIF N/A.
COVID-19 pathophysiology involves the activation of three main pathways: the inflammatory, the coagulation and the bradykinin cascades. Bromelain (a cysteine protease isolated from the pineapple stem) and curcumin (a natural phenol found in turmeric) exert important immunomodulatory actions interfering in the crucial steps of COVID-19 pathophysiology. Their anti-inflammatory properties include inhibition of transcription factors and subsequent downregulation of proinflammatory mediators. They also present fibrinolytic and anticoagulant properties. Additionally, bromelain inhibits cyclooxygenase and modulates prostaglandins and thromboxane, affecting both inflammation and coagulation, and also hydrolyzes bradykinin. Panagiotis Kritis et al., “The combination of bromelain and curcumin as an immune-boosting nutraceutical in the prevention of severe COVID-19,” Metabolism Open (2020), Volume 8, 100066, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.metop.2020.100066, JIF N/A.