NATURAL CYSTEINE PROTEASES IN FOCUS: BIOMEDICAL AND INDUSTRIAL PERSPECTIVES OF PAPAIN, BROMELAIN, AND FICIN

Abstract

Natural cysteine proteases-Papain, Bromelain, and Ficin-are plant-derived enzymes that have attracted considerable attention for their therapeutic and industrial relevance. Sourced respectively from Carica papaya, Ananas comosus, and Ficus carica species, these proteolytic enzymes demonstrate significant bioactivities such as anti-inflammatory, wound healing, fibrinolytic, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial effects. Their application spans multiple fields including pharmaceuticals, food processing, cosmetics, and textiles, owing to their biodegradability and non-toxic nature. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the biochemical characteristics, extraction methods, and biological activities of these enzymes, with emphasis on their individual therapeutic potentials. Challenges such as formulation standardization, low bioavailability, and limited clinical validation are critically discussed. Furthermore, the review explores future directions including the scope for human clinical trials, patent trends, and commercial perspectives that underline the potential of these enzymes in modern therapeutics and industries. The combined analysis highlights both the promises and the gaps that need to be addressed to support their transition from traditional remedies to scientifically validated bio-therapeutics. By compiling and analyzing recent scientific data, this review aims to provide a useful resource for researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals involved in natural enzyme-based product development and application.