Bromelain as a multifunctional anticancer agent: targeting proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in breast and liver cancer cells

• Bromelain inhibits breast and liver cancer cell proliferation. • It suppresses migration and induces apoptosis via BAX/BCL2 regulation. • Bromelain is a natural, multi-targeted anticancer therapy candidate. This study investigates the anticancer potential of bromelain, a natural proteolytic enzyme derived from pineapple stems, against two of the most prevalent cancers in Saudi Arabia: MCF-7 breast cancer and HepG-2 liver cancer cells. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay following treatment with increasing concentrations of bromelain for 24 and 48 h, with Taxol serving as a positive control. The anti-migratory effect was evaluated by wound-healing assays, while apoptosis was quantified using Annexin V/7-AAD staining and flow cytometry. Expression of apoptosis-related genes (BAX and BCL2) was analyzed by real-time PCR. Bromelain significantly reduced cancer cell proliferation and migration in a dose- and time-dependent manner, induced both apoptotic and necrotic cell death, and shifted the BAX/BCL2 ratio toward apoptosis. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that bromelain exerts multi-targeted anticancer effects and highlight its potential as a safe, natural adjunct or alternative to conventional chemotherapy in breast and liver cancers.