| After a short description of the uses of pineapple as folk medicine
by the natives of the tropics, the more important new pharmaceutical
applications of bromelain, reported between 1975 and 1978, are
presented. Although the exact chemical structure of all active
components of bromelain is not fully determined, this substance has
shown distinct pharmacological promise. Its properties include: (1)
interference with growth of malignant cells; (2) inhibition of
platelet aggregation; (3) fibrinolytic activity; (4) anti-
inflammatory action; (5) skin debridement properties. These
biological functions of bromelain, a non-toxic compound, have
therapeutic values in modulating: (a) tumor growth; (b) blood
coagulation; (c) inflammatory changes; (d) debridement of third
degree burns; (e) enhancement of absorption of drugs. The mechanism
of action of bromelain affecting these varied biological effects
relates in part to its modulation of the arachidonate cascade.
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