Use of bromelain in cutaneous wound healing in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats: an experimental model

To assess the effect of bromelain on different aspects of the wound healing process in type 1 diabetic rats.

In this study, 112 streptozocin-diabetic (type 1) male Wistar rats were euthanised; 28 each on days three, five, seven and 15, after a wound incision had been made. To estimate changes in a number of different cellular and tissue elements, histological sections were provided from all wound areas and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Some 1.056mm² of total wound area from all specimens were evaluated, by assessment of 4200 microscope photos provided from all histological sections, by stereological methods. A biomechanical test of each wound area was performed with an extensometer to evaluate the work-up to maximum force and maximum stress of the healed wound on day 15.

In the experimental groups, bromleain caused significant wound contraction and reduced granulation tissue formation by day 7 (p=0.003); increased neovasculars (new small vessels that appear in the wound area during wound healing) on days three, five and seven (p=0.001); significantly increased fibroblasts on day five but decreased by day seven (p=0.002); and significantly decreased macrophage numbers and epithelium thickness on all days of study (p=0.005). Wound strength significantly increased in experimental groups by day 15.

Bromelain has a wide range of therapeutic benefits, but in most studies the mode of its action is not properly understood. It has been proved that bromelain has no major side effects, even after prolonged use. According to the results of this study, bromelain can be used as an effective health supplement to promote and accelerate wound healing indices, reduce inflammation and improve biomechanical parameters in diabetic wounds.