Bromelain
Ananas comosus
You might need bromelain if . . .
Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes found in pineapple stems and fruit. While it’s known in the health world for reducing inflammation and supporting digestion, bromelain also shines as a natural, biodegradable cleaning enzyme. It breaks down proteins, making it ideal for cleaning up food stains, grease, or other organic matter, especially in eco-conscious or commercial spaces seeking enzyme-based solutions.
Bromelain is a great choice if:
- You’re looking for a natural, effective way to break down food residues or tough organic stains
- You want an eco-friendly alternative to chemical cleaners
- You’re developing or using enzyme-based products for cleaning
- You’re curious about plant-based enzymes for surface, fabric, or kitchen use
Benefits of Bromelain
- Powerful protein-digesting enzyme ideal for natural cleaning solutions
- Breaks down proteins on surfaces, fabrics, and dishes
- Gentle and non-toxic, making it safer for home and commercial use
- Naturally derived from pineapple, making it biodegradable and eco-friendly
- Also known for reducing inflammation and supporting healing when used internally
Common Ways to Use Bromelain
- As an active ingredient in natural enzyme cleaners
- In industrial cleaning for protein-rich waste or buildup
- As a component in wound cleansers or medical debriding products
- Internally (in supplements) for inflammation, digestion, and sinus relief
How it is made
1. Sourcing - Bromelain is mainly derived from the stem of the pineapple plant, often using the byproduct of pineapple processing.
2. Extraction – After harvesting, the pineapple stems are crushed and pressed to extract juice containing the enzymes.
3. Purification – The liquid undergoes centrifugation and filtration to remove fibers and any impurities.
4. Concentration—Depending on the application, the enzyme is then freeze-dried or spray-dried into a powder or kept in liquid form.
5. Formulation - Bromelain powder or liquid is blended with other plant enzymes, surfactants, and stabilizers to create enzyme-based cleaning products.
This process maintains the enzymes' natural ability to digest proteins without synthetic chemicals, making it perfect for natural and eco-friendly cleaning lines.
Safety Concerns
In this article, we focus mainly on its use in cleaning. It is a very safe natural cleaner, but consider using gloves for a highly concentrated cleaning product.
Select Studies About Bromelain
Thesis Bromelain Enzyme As Cleaning Agent
This document presents a preliminary study on the effectiveness of pineapple juice as a cleaning agent. Three students from Universiti Teknologi MARA conducted it. The study aims to determine if pineapple juice can be an effective cleaner due to its bromelain enzyme content. 300 ml of pineapple juice was mixed with 150 ml of 85% ethanol to produce the pineapple juice cleaner. Its effectiveness was tested on marker pen, sauce, and chocolate stains and compared to a commercial cleaner. The results showed that the pineapple juice cleaner was able to remove all three stains within one minute, performing better than the commercial cleaner.
In this article, bromelain -- a proteolytic enzyme primarily extracted from pineapple stems -- is reviewed for its therapeutic potential, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties. It discusses bromelain’s biochemical composition, extraction methods, low toxicity, and interaction with nanoparticles to enhance drug delivery. The review highlights its diverse medical applications, such as treating arthritis, infections, and gastrointestinal issues, while emphasizing the need for further research to harness its clinical potential fully.