Antibacterial Efficacy of Bromelain and Pineapple-Derived Extracts against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Streptococcus sanguinis: A Systematic Review
Tania Saskianti*, Sindy Cornelia Nelwan2, Alda Winona Nur Ramadhani3, Choon Yee Fan4
Abstract
Periodontal disease is a highly prevalent, biofilm-driven inflammatory condition, with severe periodontitis ranked among the most prevalent health conditions worldwide. Within the oral biofilm, Streptococcus sanguinis acts as an early coloniser that facilitates bacterial adhesion, while Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is implicated in the initiation and progression of periodontitis. Concerns regarding the adverse effects of long-term chlorhexidine use and rising antimicrobial resistance have stimulated interest in naturally derived alternatives. Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme derived from Ananas comosus (pineapple), has demonstrated antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-inflammatory properties. This systematic review aimed to evaluate and synthesise evidence on the antibacterial efficacy of bromelain and pineapple-derived extracts against A. actinomycetemcomitans and S. sanguinis. The review was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261497522) and conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 Statement. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to 19 July 2026 without restrictions on publication year or language. Of 789 records identified, five in vitro experimental studies published between 2014 and 2025 met the eligibility criteria, while no eligible in vivo animal study was identified. Four studies evaluated preparations against A. actinomycetemcomitans, showing variable antibacterial activity, whereas one study demonstrated stronger activity of pineapple peel extract against S. sanguinis. No study achieved low risk of bias; four were rated medium risk and one high risk. Overall, bromelain and pineapple-derived extracts showed promising but inconsistent antibacterial activity, influenced by the plant part and extraction method. Further standardised studies and well-designed clinical trials are required before clinical recommendations can be made.
Keywords
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans; Ananas comosus; Streptococcus sanguinis; Bromelain; Medicine
Cite This Article
Saskianti, T., Nelwan, S. C., Ramadhani, A. W. N., Fan, C.Y. (2026). Antibacterial Efficacy of Bromelain and Pineapple-Derived Extracts against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Streptococcus sanguinis: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 7| Issue 5: Sep – Oct 2026, Pages 723-733. URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Volume7-Issue5-Sep-Oct-No.1093-723-733.pdf
Volume 7 | Issue 5: Sep – Oct 2026
