Pineapple (Ananas comosus (A. sativus) Bromeliaceae)

Other Names: Ananas, Pine Apple

Native to South America, pineapple is a perennial with a robust stem reaching up to a meter in height. It features fleshy, prickly, spear-shaped leaves and dense inflorescences of flowers at the stem’s top. The fruit, crowned with leaves, consists of yellow or reddish-yellow plates fused together.

Parts for Use

Ripe and Unripe Fruit, Stem

1. Ripe raw fruit or its juice is ideal for consumption.
2. Stems are harvested after fruit collection.
3. Dried fruit is used for powders or capsule extracts.

Ingredients

Pineapple’s fruit and stem contain bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme that breaks down proteins. The fruit is also rich in vitamins A and C.

Use in Treatment

Bromelain, pineapple’s key medicinal component, aids protein digestion and offers anti-inflammatory and healing properties, making it effective for post-injury or post-surgical swelling. It inhibits inflammatory pathogens and blood cell accumulation, supporting its use in thrombosis treatment. Unripe pineapple stimulates appetite and aids indigestion, while ripe fruit reduces stomach acid and bloating. Its fibrous content promotes bowel function, and leaves may help alleviate delayed menstruation and menstrual pain.

Cultivation

Pineapple thrives in tropical climates or heated greenhouses with controlled temperatures.

Preparation and Dosage

For Internal Use (Indigestion)

1. Capsules (500 mg): Take 2 capsules with water in the morning and 2 in the evening.
2. Pure Juice: Drink 1 glass daily.

Warnings

1. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
2. Fruit and juice are generally safe but avoid giving to children under 6 due to potential mucous membrane irritation from bromelain.
3. Excessive consumption may cause stomach pain, diarrhea, or allergic reactions.
4. Large amounts of pineapple juice may induce uterine contractions in pregnant women.
5. Avoid with anti-clotting treatments, as it may reduce the effectiveness of some medications.