Pineapple bromelain is a mixture of cysteine proteases extracted from the stem of Ananas comosus (pineapple). It is produced through juice extraction, ultrafiltration, and lyophilization to preserve enzymatic activity. Bromelain's proteolytic activity is measured in GDU (gelatin digesting units) or CDU (casein digesting units).
The enzyme complex demonstrates anti-inflammatory, fibrinolytic, anti-edema, and immunomodulatory properties. It enhances protein digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Commercially, bromelain is widely used in digestive enzyme supplements, sports recovery products, food processing (meat tenderization), and pharmaceutical preparations.
