Brief Summary
This video discusses the benefits of bromelain, a glycoprotein found in pineapples. It highlights five main benefits supported by evidence: anti-inflammatory properties, potential in suppressing cancer cell growth (in vitro), wound cleaning, aiding GI disorders (in lab settings), and improving blood health by inhibiting platelet aggregation and breaking up fibrin.
- Anti-inflammatory properties by increasing interferon gamma.
- Potential to suppress leukemia cell growth in lab settings.
- Aids in wound cleaning by breaking down proteins.
- May help with GI fluid secretion in cases of infections like cholera or E. coli (in lab settings).
- Inhibits platelet clumping and breaks up fibrin in the blood.
Basics of bromelain
Bromelain is a glycoprotein found in high concentrations in pineapples, especially in the center. As a glycoprotein, it consists of a carbohydrate chain attached to a protein molecule. The video aims to break down the benefits of bromelain based on available evidence, focusing on five main areas without delving into specific disease states, to provide a broad overview of its potential effects on the body.
Benefit #1
Bromelain is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, although the exact mechanism is not fully understood. It's uncertain whether high concentrations of bromelain can be achieved outside the GI tract due to potential breakdown by the body. Rather than decreasing inflammatory compounds like prostaglandins and bradykinin, bromelain is thought to increase interferon gamma, which helps regulate the inflammatory process.
Benefit #2
Bromelain has been studied for its potential in suppressing cancer cell growth in lab settings (in vitro). Specifically, it has shown the ability to inhibit the growth of leukemia cells in Petri dishes. This effect is believed to be related to bromelain's ability to break up fibrin and increase AMP concentrations, which is a breakdown product of ATP, the body's energy source.
Benefit #3 & #4
Bromelain shows promise in cleaning up wounds due to its fibrinolytic activity, which helps break down proteins in the wounds. Additionally, it has been studied in lab settings for its potential benefits in GI disorders. Bromelain may help regulate GI fluid secretion in individuals with infections like cholera or E. coli, potentially alleviating severe diarrhea.
Benefit #5
Bromelain's effects on blood health have been extensively studied, particularly its ability to inhibit platelet aggregation, which is a key part of the blood clotting process. It can also inhibit the growth of malignant cells in the blood, further connecting to its potential in cancer treatment. The ability of bromelain to break up fibrin in blood clots is a significant factor in these benefits.
