Pineapple Enzyme Fights COVID-19 in Lab Study?

study PMID: 32995771

Quick Summary: Researchers found that bromelain, an enzyme from pineapples, may help fight the COVID-19 virus in lab tests. It seemed to reduce the virus's ability to infect cells.

What The Research Found

This study looked at how bromelain, a natural enzyme found in pineapple stems, affects the COVID-19 virus. The researchers discovered that bromelain:

Reduced the virus's ability to enter cells: Bromelain seemed to block the virus from attaching to and infecting cells in the lab.

Lowered key proteins: It decreased the levels of proteins (ACE-2 and TMPRSS2) that the virus uses to get into cells.

Slowed viral spread: In lab tests, bromelain significantly reduced the amount of COVID-19 virus.

Study Details

Who was studied: The study used VeroE6 cells, which are lab-grown cells similar to those found in the body.

How long: The study's duration isn't specified in the summary.

What they took: The cells were treated with bromelain, an enzyme extracted from pineapple stems.

What This Means For You

This research is promising, but it's important to understand what it doesn't mean.

Not a cure: This study was done in a lab, not on humans. It doesn't mean bromelain can cure or prevent COVID-19.

More research needed: Scientists need to do more studies to see if bromelain works in people and if it's safe.

Talk to your doctor: Always talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements, especially if you have health conditions or take other medications.

Study Limitations

Lab setting: The study was done in a lab, not in the human body. Results in a lab don't always translate to real-world results.

No human testing: The study didn't involve any people.

Dosage unknown: The specific amount of bromelain used in the study isn't detailed.

More research needed: This is just one small study. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

Key Findings

This study demonstrated that bromelain, a protease derived from pineapple stem, significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection in VeroE6 cells. Key outcomes included:
- Reduced ACE-2 and TMPRSS2 expression: Bromelain treatment decreased levels of the host cell receptor ACE-2 and the protease TMPRSS2, both critical for viral entry.
- Lowered S-Ectodomain binding: The interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S-Ectodomain) and VeroE6 cells was markedly reduced.
- Antiviral efficacy: Bromelain significantly diminished SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro, suggesting potential antiviral properties.

Study Design

Type: In vitro experimental study using VeroE6 cells (African green monkey kidney epithelial cells).
Methodology:
S-Ectodomain was expressed in Tni insect cells with GFP tagging and enriched sialic acid glycosylation.
Binding to human ACE-2 was confirmed via surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and Luminex assays.
Cells were treated with bromelain, followed by assessment of ACE-2/TMPRSS2 expression and viral infection.
Sample Size: Not explicitly stated; standard in vitro protocols likely used.
Duration: Not specified.

Dosage & Administration

Dosage: The study did not report specific bromelain concentrations or dosing regimens in the provided summary.
Administration: Bromelain was applied directly to VeroE6 cell cultures, isolated from pineapple stem and used as a treatment agent.

Results & Efficacy

ACE-2/TMPRSS2 expression: Bromelain treatment reduced expression of both proteins, though quantitative data were not provided.
S-Ectodomain interaction: Binding between the spike protein and VeroE6 cells was significantly inhibited.
Viral infection: SARS-CoV-2 infection in bromelain-treated cells was "significantly diminished," but exact effect sizes (e.g., p-values, confidence intervals) were not detailed in the summary.

Limitations

In vitro model: Results may not translate to in vivo systems or human physiology.
Lack of dosing data: Specific concentrations or treatment timelines for bromelain were not disclosed.
Mechanistic focus: The study did not assess clinical outcomes, immune responses, or long-term safety.
Cell line limitations: VeroE6 cells, while commonly used for viral studies, may not fully recapitulate human respiratory cell biology.
Need for validation: Further research is required to confirm efficacy in animal models or human trials.

Clinical Relevance

This study suggests bromelain may have antiviral potential against SARS-CoV-2 by targeting host-virus interactions. However, findings are preliminary and based on cell cultures, not human subjects. Supplement users should not interpret this as evidence for bromelain’s effectiveness in preventing or treating COVID-19. While bromelain is available as a dietary supplement, its therapeutic application remains speculative without clinical data. Future research must establish safe dosing, bioavailability, and efficacy in human systems before practical recommendations can be made.

Note: The study’s URL (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32995771/) was not accessed for additional details beyond the provided summary.