Hepato(Geno)toxicity Assessment of Different Bromelain Food Supplements in HepG2 Cell Line Model by the Comet Assay

Introduction: Food supplements have become increasingly popular to support nutrition, improve overall health, and prevent diseases, yet their safety and efficacy remain under scrutiny due to limited regulation and inconsistent quality standards. Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme mixture derived from pineapples, has gained attention due to its traditional medicinal uses and anti-inflammatory, antiedematous, and antithrombotic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the hepato(geno)toxicity potential of bromelain food supplement samples on human liver cell lines, purchased from a pharmacy and an online retailer. In view of the increasing usage of bromelain, its promising pharmacological activities, and the limited toxicological data, the research highlights the potential risks associated with unregulated and widely accessible bromelain products, particularly those purchased online. Methods: A colorimetric MTT (3-dimethylthiazol-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was conducted to determine the IC50 concentrations, while the genotoxic potential of bromelain food supplement samples on human liver cell lines, were evaluated using the alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis assay (Comet Assay). Results: No statistically significant differences in genotoxic potential were observed for either product in the HepG2 cell line when compared to the solvent control and the negative control at both tested concentrations (IC25 and IC50). Conclusion: Although no risks were identified for the tested products, the safety and authenticity of food supplements purchased online remain uncertain. Addressing regulatory and safety gaps requires harmonized vigilance systems, stricter marketing regulations, and increased public awareness to ensure their safe use.