Effects of bromelain on endocannabinoid system and oxidative stress in a rat model of endometriosis.

Herguner I.; Onat T.; Kaymak E.; Ergül Z.; Fadiloglu S. · Revista da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992) · 2026

**Background & Methods** This preclinical study evaluated bromelain's effects on endocannabinoid levels and oxidative stress markers in a rat model of surgically induced endometriosis. Twenty-four female Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to three groups (n=8): Sham control, untreated endometriosis, and endometriosis treated with bromelain, with serum biomarkers measured via ELISA and analyzed using one-way ANOVA. **Key Findings** • Endometriosis induction significantly depleted serum endocannabinoids (2-arachidonoylglycerol and anandamide) and antioxidant markers (superoxide dismutase and glutathione) while elevating the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde compared to sham controls (p<0.05). • Bromelain treatment significantly restored endocannabinoid and antioxidant parameters in the endometriosis+bromelain group compared to untreated endometriosis animals (p<0.05), suggesting dual modulation of inflammatory and redox pathways. • The findings indicate bromelain may target interconnected endocannabinoid system dysfunction and oxidative stress—two pathophysiological mechanisms implicated in endometriosis progression. **Dosage & Administration** Bromelain was administered orally at 20 mg/kg/day for 15 consecutive days. **Safety & Adverse Effects** Not reported. **Evidence Quality** This is a basic preclinical animal study with significant limitations for clinical translation. The sample size is small (n=8 per group), and findings are restricted to a rodent model of surgically induced endometriosis, which may not fully replicate the human disease pathophysiology. The study measures only serum biomarkers and does not assess tissue-level changes or clinical outcomes. No pharmacokinetic data, mechanism of action details, or safety parameters were evaluated. The authors characterize this as a "Review" despite presenting original research methodology, raising questions about publication classification. These results provide preliminary mechanistic rationale for bromelain investigation but represent early-stage evidence requiring validation through dose-response studies, longer-term exposure protocols, histopathological assessment, and eventual human clinical trials before any therapeutic claims are justified. The study quality is Level IV (animal research).

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