Bromelain Restores Glutamatergic Homeostasis via Regulation of NR2A, GLT-1, EAAC1, and xCT in Arsenic-Induced Cerebral Cortex and Hippocampal Neurotoxicity

Bromelain provides multi-target neuroprotection in arsenic neurotoxicity, rescuing glutamatergic homeostasis by coordinated upregulation of NMDA receptor NR2A and the transport network (GLT-1, EAAC1, xCT), accompanied by spatial learning and memory improvement. The demonstrated dose-response, showed numerically greater effects over 15 mg/kg donepezil, although direct superiority comparisons were not pre-specified. Also, the lack of overt adverse effects support its translational potential as a safe, plant-based adjunct to excitotoxic diseases and toxin-exposed populations.