Proteolytic enzymes, which break down proteins, are produced by the pancreas and also are found in some plant foods, notably certain fruits. Research into the health effects of proteolytic enzymes as part of the diet or taken in supplement form has revealed a variety of promising health benefits. Allergic reactions to fruit proteolytic enzymes may occur in susceptible individuals and it is best to consult a qualified health professional prior to supplementing with them.
Pineapple
Pineapple contains the proteolytic enzyme bromelain, which reduces inflammation in the colon, according to a U.S. study published in the December 2010 "Inflammatory Bowel Diseases." Bromelain is usually extracted from pineapple stems, with different proportions of the enzyme present in the fruit. The study sought to evaluate the benefits of pineapple juice in the diet and concluded that long-term consumption of fresh or unpasteurized frozen pineapple juice safely and effectively decreased inflammation and tumor formation in the colons of laboratory mice. Pineapple may be a healthy addition to the diet for prevention and management of inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer.
Papaya
Papaya contains large amounts of enzymes that break down the amino acid cysteine and help digest proteins that contain the cysteine, according to a Brazilian study published in the March 2010 "Burns" journal. The enzymes are primarily present in unripe papayas and are useful in accelerating the process of wound healing. In the study, skin burns and stomach ulcers in laboratory rodents showed improved rates of cell repair. The researchers noted that their results represent a new application for the healing properties of papaya enzymes.
Beach Bromelia
Bromelia antiacanthia, also known as beach bromelia, a tropical plant with sharp chartreuse-colored spines, contains proteolytic enzymes with potential health benefits, according to a Uruguayan study published in the February 2007 "Enzyme and Microbial Technology" journal. The enzyme belongs to the cysteine-digesting family of enzymes. In a separate study on bromeliads the protein-digesting enzyme hieronyman III was identified from the unripe fruit of Bromelia hieronymi Mez. The new enzyme is one of a family of three proteolytic enzymes recently discovered in bromeliads, each with a slightly different mechanism of action. Their unique effects make the enzymes potentially useful tools for healing purposes, according to the researchers.
Kiwi
A new variety of kiwi fruit contains proteolytic enzymes that may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, according to a British study published in the December 2005 "Pediatric Allergy and Immunology" journal. Gold kiwi, a new variety, elicited an immune response in four out of five patients who also had an allergic response to gold kiwi, an older variety of the fruit.
References
- Science Direct: Characterization of news proteolytic enzymes from ripe fruits of Bromelia antiacantha Bertol
- PubMed.gov: Dietary supplementation with fresh pineapple juice decreases inflammation and colonic neoplasia in IL-10-deficient mice with colitis
- PubMed.gov: Comparison of the allergenicity of Actinidia deliciosa (kiwi fruit) and Actinidia chinensis
- PubMed.gov: Wound-healing activity of a proteolytic fraction from Carica candamarcensis on experimentally induced burn
- PubMed.gov: Purification and characterization of hieronymain III. Comparison with other proteases previously isolated from Bromelia hieronymi Mez
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