Pineapple in Herbal Medicine: Pineapple Properties

Scientific name

Family

Origin

Used Parts

Chemical constituents

• Highly digestible proteins;
• Vitamins (A, B, C);
• Minerals;
• Proteolytic enzymes (bromelain);
• Sugars.

Pineapple in Herbal Medicine: Pineapple Properties

The fibers of the pineapple stem can be used to increase the intestinal fecal mass, and enter into the composition of numerous fiber supplements.

Enzymes such as bromelain exhibit modest anti-inflammatory and anti-edema activity (useful in the presence of tendinitis, fibromyositis, sprains, hematomas, rhinosinusitis, inflammation).

Biological activity

The most important active ingredient contained within the pineapple is, most likely, bromelain (a mixture of sulphidric proteolytic enzymes). In fact, anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, fibrinolytic and digestive properties are ascribed to bromelain.

The aforementioned anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous properties attributed to bromelain are probably due to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory prostaglandin production that this substance appears to exert.

The fibrinolytic properties, on the other hand, are attributable to the ability of bromelain to favor the degradation of fibrin, thereby inhibiting platelet aggregation.

Moreover, bromelain used externally can be useful in promoting the healing of wounds and burns, so much so that this particular therapeutic application is the only one to have been officially approved.

However, bromelain is also part of the composition of different topical preparations used to favor the reabsorption of hematomas, edemas and exudates.

Preparations for oral use containing bromelain are also available, with indications for the treatment of digestive disorders, microcirculation disorders and to combat cellulite blemishes.

Some research has also highlighted the potential help that bromelain can provide in decreasing pain and inflammation in patients undergoing oral surgery and in patients suffering from osteoarthritis.

Finally, bromelain is used in the food industry to soften meat (similarly to papain which is extracted from papaya).

Do not forget the diuretic properties of pineapple, due to the organic acids (malic, citric and oxalic acid) it contains.

Pineapple in folk medicine and homeopathy

The properties of pineapple have long been known in folk medicine which involves the use of this plant to counteract edema, digestive disorders and inflammations, but not only. In fact, pineapple is also used to treat fever, asthma in children and as a wormer.

In Indian medicine, on the other hand, pineapple and in particular its fruit - as well as being used to promote digestion and fight fever - is also used to treat constipation, dysmenorrhoea and vomiting.

Pineapple is also used in homeopathy, it is available in the form of granules and available in different dilutions. In this context, pineapple has indications for the treatment of edema, pancreatic insufficiency, digestive disorders, gastrointestinal spasms and flatulence.

The dose of product to be taken and the frequency with which to take it may vary depending on the homeopathic dilution used.

Side effects

Pineapple is well tolerated and gastric intolerance can rarely occur. However, in some individuals diarrhea and gastric disorders may occur, while in sensitive individuals allergic reactions may occur.

Contraindications

Pineapple should not be used in cases of peptic ulcer or hypersensitivity to one or more components.

Furthermore, as a precautionary measure, the use of pineapple and / or bromelain preparations by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers is not recommended.

Pharmacological Interactions

• interacts with the metabolism of tetracyclines, increasing their blood levels;
• increases the efficacy of certain chemotherapy drugs (5-fluorouracil and vincristine);
• Pineapple stem extracts are rich in fiber, so they can reduce the absorption of drugs taken at the same time.