Bromelain and NAC: Can They Break Down the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein?

Audio updated March 29, 2026, for Apple device compatibility.

🇪🇸 Spanish (Latinoamérica)

Hoy exploraremos si la bromelina y la NAC pueden ayudar a descomponer la proteína espiga del SARS-CoV-2 y qué significa esto para tu salud.

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🇨🇳 中文（简体）

今天我们将说明菠萝蛋白酶和NAC是否能够分解SARS-CoV-2的刺突蛋白，以及这对您的健康代表什么。

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Introduction

In early 2021, researchers explored whether two widely available substances—bromelain and N-acetylcysteine (NAC)—might work together to weaken or fragment the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in laboratory settings. Their combination, called BromAc, has been used in oncology for rare conditions like pseudomyxoma peritonei, and scientists wanted to understand whether its biochemical properties could also act on viral proteins.

This updated review summarizes what the published laboratory study found, what it did not investigate, and why the findings continue to draw interest. It is important to clarify up front that these results come from in-vitro (test-tube/cell culture) experiments, not human trials. They do not establish treatment effects in people, but they help scientists understand possible biochemical interactions worth studying further.

Why Bromelain and NAC Were Studied

Bromelain is a mixture of proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzymes extracted from pineapple stems and fruit. NAC is a mucolytic compound best known medically as the antidote for acetaminophen overdose and as a respiratory support medication in hospital settings. Both agents can modify proteins through different mechanisms:

• Bromelain breaks glycosidic linkages, potentially affecting glycoproteins.
• NAC can reduce disulfide bonds, which help maintain protein structure.

Because the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein contains both glycosidic structures and disulfide bonds—especially in the receptor-binding domain—researchers hypothesized that combining bromelain and NAC might destabilize the protein’s structure.

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Overview of the Study

The study titled “The Combination of Bromelain and Acetylcysteine (BromAc) Synergistically Inactivates SARS-CoV-2” was carried out by teams in Australia and France. One co-author is affiliated with Mucpharm, the developer of BromAc.

Researchers exposed recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and envelope protein to several conditions:

• Bromelain alone
• NAC alone
• BromAc (Bromelain + NAC)
• A cell-culture assay to test cytopathic effects

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Key Laboratory Findings

1. NAC alone did not fragment the spike protein

In all tested concentrations, NAC reduced some disulfide bonds but did not break down the spike protein by itself.

2. Bromelain partially fragmented the spike protein

At 50 μg/mL, bromelain disrupted part of the spike protein’s structure.

3. BromAc at higher concentrations led to complete fragmentation

The combination of:

• 100 μg/mL bromelain
• 20 mg/mL NAC

produced complete fragmentation of the spike protein in vitro.

4. Cell-culture assays supported the biochemical findings

Cells exposed to live virus without BromAc showed cytopathic effects.
Cells exposed to virus treated with BromAc did not demonstrate detectable cytotoxicity in this model.

Important clarification:
This result does not prove antiviral effects in humans. It only shows that the treated viral preparation did not damage cultured cells under the tested conditions.

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Significance and Limitations

The study is noteworthy because it demonstrates a plausible biochemical mechanism through which enzymes and reducing agents might destabilize viral proteins.

However:

• No human trials have tested BromAc for COVID-19 prevention or treatment.
• No dosing, timing, or safety data exist for such use in people.
• In-vitro results often do not translate to clinical effectiveness.

Because of these gaps, BromAc should not be interpreted as a treatment. The findings simply add to the scientific understanding of how enzymes and reducing agents interact with viral structures.

Safety Notes

Bromelain

• May have antiplatelet effects, similar to aspirin.
• Should be used cautiously—or avoided—by individuals taking anticoagulants such as:
  warfarin, apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, edoxaban, or others.
• Should be avoided before and after surgery.
• Should not be taken by individuals with pineapple allergy or cross-reactive allergies.

NAC

• Generally well-tolerated when used appropriately.
• Can interact with certain medications.
• Should be discussed with a healthcare professional before use.

General Recommendation

Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any nutritional supplement, especially if you have medical conditions or take prescription medications.

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Conclusion

The bromelain-and-NAC combination (BromAc) showed complete fragmentation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in laboratory experiments. These early findings help researchers understand potential biochemical interactions, but they cannot be used to infer clinical benefit. At present, no human studies confirm whether BromAc influences COVID-19 infection, recovery, symptoms, or long-term effects.

Continued research—especially well-designed human trials—is needed before any therapeutic claims can be made.

Safety:

Avoid using bromelain if you take a blood thinner, such as warfarin, dabigatran,  rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban and betrixaban, and others.

Bromelain, like aspirin, may have an antiplatelet effect on the blood,  increasing the potential for excessive bleeding. For this reason, avoid bromelain use before and after surgery.

Bromelain should not be used by people allergic to pineapple or other substances that may elicit an allergic reaction in those allergic to pineapple (cross-reactivity).

NAC is generally regarded to be safe. Bottomlineinc.com has an excellent article about it.

Talk to your doctor or ask the pharmacist before taking any nutritional supplements. Drug interactions and side effects can occur.

Where to get:

Bromelain at 1700 mg/capsule and 500 mg/capsule.

The least expensive NAC ($0.15/count) with 4.5 stars and more than 10,000 reviews is NOW Supplements at 1,000 mg/capsule.

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Reference:

1. Akhter J, Quéromès G, Pillai K, Kepenekian V, Badar S, Mekkawy AH, Frobert E, Valle SJ, Morris DL. The Combination of Bromelain and Acetylcysteine (BromAc) Synergistically Inactivates SARS-CoV-2. Viruses. 2021 Mar 6;13(3):425. doi: 10.3390/v13030425. PMID: 33800932; PMCID: PMC7999995.
2. Pavan R, Jain S, Shraddha, Kumar A. Properties and therapeutic application of Bromelain: a review. Biotechnol Res Int. 2012;2012:976203. doi: 10.1155/2012/976203. Epub 2012 Dec 10. PMID: 23304525; PMCID: PMC3529416.

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