Bromelia pinguin Extract Mitigates Glyphosate-Induced Toxicity in Human Cells

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Introduction: Extensive agricultural activity results in significant exposure to pesticides, particularly glyphosate, which has been linked to immunological disorders, including apoptosis and inflammation. Bromelia pinguin, a species from the Bromeliaceae family native to Mexico, is traditionally used in folk medicine for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory effects. This research aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Bromelia pinguin extract on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) exposed to Faena®, a commercially available glyphosate-based herbicide. Methods: PBMCs were isolated from healthy donors. Cells were exposed to varying concentrations of glyphosate commercial formulation Faena®, pure potassium glyphosate salts, and Bromelia pinguin extract alone and in co-exposure studies with the extract. Dose-response curves were performed to determine IC50. Cell viability was assessed, and the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic markers, including Caspase-1, NLRP3, and PARP-1, was analyzed. Results: Exposure of PBMCs to glyphosate salts and Faena® resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of cell viability, with IC50 values of 669.376 µg/mL and 6.555 µg/mL, respectively. Co-exposure of cells with Bromelia pinguin, extract significantly improved cell viability up to 25% in both herbicide-treated groups. Western blot analysis revealed increased levels of Caspase-1, NLRP3, and PARP-1 after herbicide exposure, indicating activation of apoptotic and inflammatory pathways. Treatment with Bromelia pinguin, extract mitigated the expression of these markers. Conclusion: The extract of Bromelia pinguin can enhance cell viability and reduce the upregulation of inflammatory and apoptotic markers in human PBMCs exposed to glyphosate-based herbicides. These results provide new insights into the therapeutic potential of plant-based interventions in pesticide-induced immunological and inflammatory problems.