ABSTRACT
Proteases are a unique class of enzymes which occupy an important position with respect to their enormous physiological and commercial applications. Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme present in pineapple along with closely related proteinases. Bromelain have found application in the food, animal feed, and textile industries. It has gained importance as a phytotherapeutic agent because of its safety and efficacy coupled with lack of unwanted side effects after oral administration. Numerous therapeutic advantages have been stated for bromelain including improved absorption of antibiotics and other drugs, platelet aggregation inhibition, surgical traumas, angina pectoris, bronchitis, sinusitis, pyelonephritis, and thrombophlebitis. Bromelain also modulates immune functions and has the potential to remove burn debris, accelerates wound healing, and acts as an anticancer agent. Bromelain will earn wide recognition as an antimetastatic drug, platelet aggregation inhibitor, skin debridement facilitator, along with other therapeutic applications after advanced clinical trials.216
