Bromelia pinguin Extract Mitigates Glyphosate-Induced Toxicity in Human Cells

Extensive agricultural activity results in significant exposure to pesticides, particularly glyphosate, which has been linked to immunological disorders, including apoptosis and inflammation. Bromelia pinguin, a species from the Bromeliaceaefamily native to Mexico, is traditionally used in folk medicine for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory effects. This research aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Bromelia pinguin extract on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) exposed to Faena®, a commercially available glyphosate-based herbicide.

PBMCs were isolated from healthy donors. Cells were exposed to varying concentrations of glyphosate commercial formulation Faena®, pure potassium glyphosate salts, and Bromelia pinguin extract alone and in co-exposure studies with the extract. Dose-response curves were performed to determine IC₅₀. Cell viability was assessed, and the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic markers, including Caspase-1, NLRP3, and PARP-1, was analyzed.

Exposure of PBMCs to glyphosate salts and Faena® resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of cell viability, with IC₅₀ values of 669.376 µg/mL and 6.555 µg/mL, respectively. Co-exposure of cells with Bromelia pinguin, extract significantly improved cell viability up to 25% in both herbicide-treated groups. Western blot analysis revealed increased levels of Caspase-1, NLRP3, and PARP-1 after herbicide exposure, indicating activation of apoptotic and inflammatory pathways. Treatment with Bromelia pinguin, extract mitigated the expression of these markers.

The extract of Bromelia pinguin can enhance cell viability and reduce the upregulation of inflammatory and apoptotic markers in human PBMCs exposed to glyphosate-based herbicides. These results provide new insights into the therapeutic potential of plant-based interventions in pesticide-induced immunological and inflammatory problems.