Which Is Better, Bromelain Or Papain?

Bromelain enzyme powder and papain enzyme powder are both widely used enzymes of plant origin. They have a powerful protein hydrolysis effect. Therefore, they have important applications in the food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. Although they have similar functions, there are differences in their sources, chemical structures, mechanisms of action, and application effects.

①Bromelain

• Chemical composition and structure of pineapple protease

Bromelain is a complex enzyme, consisting of several protease components. It mainly includes bromelain A, bromelain B and so on. Its molecular structure contains several different subunits with strong protein hydrolysis activity. By hydrolysing the peptide bonds in proteins, bromelain can effectively break down macromolecular proteins.

• Mechanism of action of bromelain

Bromelain has a strong hydrolysis effect. It can react with the peptide bonds in protein molecules, breaking down complex protein molecules and releasing amino acids and small peptides. This makes pineapple protease widely used in meat tenderisation and digestion improvement.

• Health Benefits of Bromelain

Studies have shown that bromelain enzyme powder has a wide range of biological activities. This includes anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects. Bromelain enhances the functioning of the body's immune system, reduces inflammatory responses, and improves digestive health. It has also been used to reduce muscle pain and swelling and to aid in post-operative recovery.

② Papain

Papain is an enzyme extracted from the papaya fruit. It has the same powerful protein hydrolysis that breaks down peptide chains in proteins and is widely used in food processing and health care.

• Chemical composition and structure of papain

Papain is mainly composed of papainogen and an active enzyme with strong hydrolysis ability. Its structure is similar to other proteases with the function of catalyzing the hydrolysis of proteins. Papain is a typical amidase with broad-spectrum protein hydrolysis activity.

• Mechanism of action of papain

The mechanism of hydrolysis of papain is similar to that of other proteases, by destroying peptide chains in proteins and releasing amino acids or small peptides. It has a strong role in the digestive system, helping to break down proteins and promote digestion.

• Health Benefits of Papain

Papain aids in digestion and can ease discomfort caused by indigestion. It also has multiple biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Studies have shown papain to be effective in reducing gastrointestinal inflammation, promoting wound healing, and inhibiting the growth of tumor cells.

①Source and Extraction

Bromelain powder bulk is derived from pineapple fruit and stem. Papain bulk powder is mainly extracted from papaya fruit. Both belong to proteases of plant origin, but in the natural environment, Bromelain is relatively widely distributed. It is especially common in pineapple cultivation in the tropics. Papain is mainly concentrated in the fruit of the papaya tree.

② Chemical structure and enzyme activity

Both pineapple and papain enzyme powder are cysteine proteases. Their active centers contain a cysteine residue and a histidine residue. Both have some similarities in chemical structure and enzyme activity, and both can break down proteins by hydrolyzing the peptide chains in proteins. However, bromelain is more active. The efficiency of its protein hydrolysis is more significant than that of papain, especially at high temperatures or in acidic environments. Papain is usually milder in its activity and is more capable of breaking down a wide range of proteins. However, its activity is reduced in acidic environments.

• Bromelain

Bromelain is a complex of proteases containing a variety of isoenzymes. Its main component is a sulfur-containing cysteine protease with a molecular weight of about 33 kDa and a complex structure. Its active region is highly hydrophilic and can bind stably to peptide chains, thus hydrolyzing proteins efficiently.

• Papain

Papain has a small molecular weight of about 23-27 kDa and a relatively simple chemical structure. Its enzymatic activity is dependent on the maturity of the emulsion. Papain has a wide range of binding capacity to proteins but is less efficient on some specific substrates.

①Food processing

Both bromelain enzyme powder and papain have important roles in food processing. Especially in meat tenderisation, juice production and other protein hydrolysis processes.

• Application of bromelain in food processing:

One of the main applications of bromelain is in meat tenderisation. It is particularly effective in the tenderisation of hard meats such as seafood and beef. Its strong hydrolysis capacity makes it effective in breaking down the peptide chains in proteins, thus softening the meat. In addition, pineapple protease is also used to improve the texture and enhance the flavor of certain vegetables and fruits.

• Papain in food processing:

Papain, on the other hand, is commonly used in the processing of fruit juices and canned foods. They help to break down the proteins in the pulp, making the juice taste creamier and smoother. It is also widely used to hydrolyze proteins in food. It is especially used for protein degradation during fermentation.

② Health care products

Both pineapple protease and papain are widely used in health care products. Especially it has an important role in digestive function, immunomodulation, and anti-inflammation.

• Bromelain is used in nutraceuticals:

Bromelain has strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. Bromelain enzyme powder has been used in nutraceuticals to help improve gastrointestinal discomfort, reduce inflammation, and promote digestion. Studies have shown that bromelain has significant benefits for certain gastrointestinal issues, muscle recovery after exercise, and more. It is commonly found in digestive health products and anti-inflammatory supplements.

• Papain Protease in Nutraceuticals:

Papain, on the other hand, is mostly used to aid digestion. It is especially suitable for those who suffer from indigestion and flatulence. It promotes the secretion of pepsin and improves digestion and absorption. Therefore, it is commonly found in digestive health products and gastrointestinal health supplements.

③Cosmetics

In cosmetics, papain is widely used for its gentle exfoliating action. Bromelain, on the other hand, is commonly used in skin care products for sensitive skin due to its anti-inflammatory and restorative properties.

• Papain in cosmetics:

Papain is used for its ability to gently exfoliate. Papain enzyme powder is therefore widely used in products such as exfoliating masks and creams. It works by breaking down the cuticle on the surface of the skin. This makes the skin smoother and more delicate, helps to remove aged keratin and promotes metabolism.

• Bromelain in cosmetics:

Bromelain, on the other hand, has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and is able to alleviate skin inflammation caused by factors such as UV exposure. Therefore, it is often used in skin care products for sensitive skin. Such as repair creams and anti-inflammatory masks. In addition, pineapple protease is also used in some anti-aging skin care products to help improve the health of the skin.

①Bromelain

Bromelain enzyme powder has a wide range of health benefits. In particular, it has strong research support in the areas of anti-inflammation, anti-tumor and immunomodulation. It is able to mitigate the risk of diseases caused by immune system disorders by reducing the inflammatory response in the body. The antioxidant effects of bromelain also play an important role in fighting aging and preventing related diseases. It is also effective in promoting digestion and improving gastrointestinal health. It is especially suitable for relieving gastrointestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel disease.

②Papain

Papain bulk powder is mainly used to promote digestion. It is particularly suitable for use in relieving gastrointestinal problems. Such as indigestion and flatulence. It helps to improve gastrointestinal function and promote nutrient absorption by enhancing gastric juice secretion. In addition, papain has an antibacterial effect, which can effectively resist the invasion of certain bacteria and enhance the body's immunity. Its antioxidant function also provides support to assist in the treatment of certain diseases.

When choosing between Bromelain and Papain, the decision needs to be based on specific needs. If the main purpose is to improve digestion and promote protein breakdown, papain may be more suitable. Whereas, if anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects are considered, Bromelain has a distinct advantage. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. In practical applications, the choice is usually based on different needs and specific product functions. Guanjie Biotech has focused on papain enzyme powder and bromelain enzyme powder. If you want to use our products, welcome to inquiry us: info@gybiotech.com.