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A review of the use of bromelain in cardiovascular diseases
Chit Moy Ley1, Amalia Tsiami, Qing Ni
1Social Care and Human Sciences, School of Psychology, University of West London, Middlesex, TW8 9GA, UK.
Insights
Bromelain, a supplement, shows potential in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors by decreasing platelet aggregation and offering cardio-protective effects. However, more human studies are needed to confirm its clinical efficacy for cardiovascular diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) caused 17.1 million global deaths in 2004.
- CVDs are a leading cause of death and disability, particularly for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
- Nutritional supplements are being explored as potential adjuncts for CVD prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of bromelain, a food supplement, in mitigating cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.
- To synthesize existing research on bromelain's effects relevant to cardiovascular health.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases from November 2009 to March 2010.
- Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials, human, animal, and experimental studies on bromelain for CVDs.
- Data from 3 animal and 3 human trials were extracted and analyzed for quality and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Six studies (3 animal, 3 human) met the inclusion criteria.
- Bromelain demonstrated potential in treating acute thrombophlebitis.
- Evidence suggests bromelain decreases platelet aggregation, offers cardio-protection, and reduces thrombus formation.
Conclusions:
- Currently, there is a lack of substantial clinical studies on bromelain's effects on cardiovascular diseases in human populations.
- Limited research on bromelain and CVDs has been published between 1948 and 2010.
- Further research exploring bromelain's role in cardiovascular disease is warranted.
Background:
In 2004 an estimated 17.1 million people died from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) worldwide, representing 29% of all global deaths. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease and stroke are the main cause of death and disability among people with type 2 diabetes. Additional safe and effective approaches are needed for the prevention and management of CVDs which may include nutritional supplements.
Objective:
To identify the potential of bromelain (a food supplement) on the risk factors associated with CVDs.
Search Strategy:
An electronic and manual search was conducted during November 2009 to March 2010. The databases searched included: Ovid MEDLINE; All EBM Reviews-Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Cochrane DSR), American College of Physicians (ACP) Journal Club, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CCTR), Cochrane Methodology Register (CMR), Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database (NHSEED); Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED); British Nursing Index and Archive; EMBASE; Health Management Information Consortium (HMIC); Science Direct and Electronic Thesis Online Services (ETHOS). Only papers in the English language were included.
Inclusion Criteria:
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), human studies, animal studies and experimental studies related to bromelain for CVDs.
Data Extraction And Analysis:
The quality assessment of all the selected studies was conducted by the authors. Data from 3 animal trials and 3 human trials were included in the review. Data collected included: type of trial, drug dosage, duration, outcome measures, characteristics of bromelain used, significance of results and conclusion.
Results:
Out of 223 papers retrieved, 6 papers met the inclusion criteria and could be included in the review. These comprised of 3 animal and 3 human trials, each of which investigated the use of bromelain for CVDs. Results suggested that bromelain could be used for treating acute thrombophlebitis, as it decreases aggregation of blood platelets, has a cardio-protective effect, ameliorates rejection-induced arterial wall remodelling, prevents thrombin-induced human platelet aggregation as well as reduces thrombus formation.
Conclusion:
No substantive study of bromelain and clinical CVDs has been carried out in human populations. Only a few studies on bromelain and CVDs were published from 1948 to 2010. This may be an area worthy to be explored in future CVDs research.
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