Pineapple (Ananas comosus)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Table of Contents

Other names for pineapple

Pineapple Fruit
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple Extract

Synopsis of pineapple

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical fruit native to South America and part of the Bromeliaceae family. In addition to being rich in vitamin C, manganese, and dietary fiber, pineapple is especially valued in medicinal and nutritional contexts for its content of bromelain—a group of proteolytic enzymes concentrated in the stem and juice of the fruit. Bromelain is responsible for many of pineapple’s therapeutic benefits, particularly its anti-inflammatory, digestive, and immune-supportive properties.

Bromelain helps break down proteins in the digestive tract, making pineapple a traditional remedy for indigestion, bloating, and sluggish digestion. It also exhibits systemic anti-inflammatory effects, reducing swelling, bruising, and pain in soft tissue injuries or after surgeries. As a natural anticoagulant, bromelain may support cardiovascular health by reducing platelet aggregation and improving circulation.

In modern phytotherapy, bromelain from pineapple is used to help manage arthritis, sinusitis, wound healing, and even allergies due to its immune-modulating effects. Pineapple also contains antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which contribute to cellular protection against oxidative stress. The fruit is consumed fresh, juiced, or dried, while bromelain is often extracted and sold as a concentrated supplement.

Historical Use in Medicine:
Pineapple has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in its native regions of Central and South America. Indigenous peoples of the Amazon and surrounding areas used pineapple juice and pulp to aid digestion, reduce intestinal parasites, and treat wounds and inflammation. They also used it as a diuretic and to relieve sore throats and coughs.

With the introduction of pineapple to Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries—following its discovery by Spanish explorers—the fruit quickly became a symbol of luxury and health. European herbalists noted its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, although its therapeutic use was limited due to rarity and perishability.

In Indian folk medicine (Ayurveda), pineapple was used to stimulate digestion, treat constipation, and promote menstruation due to its "warming" and carminative effects. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), pineapple was sometimes used to reduce phlegm and ease respiratory congestion.

Bromelain was first isolated in the late 19th century and gained medical interest in the 20th century, especially in Germany, where it became widely used for inflammatory and post-surgical conditions. Today, pineapple remains both a food and a therapeutic ingredient, with bromelain recognized for its clinical potential in managing inflammation, swelling, and digestive imbalances.

Pineapple is used for these health conditions

Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Allergies (respiratory) (Scientific)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Arthritis (Scientific)
Bruises (healing) (Scientific)
Bruises (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (decongestant) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Scientific)
Edema (Scientific)
Fever (Traditional)
Gas and Bloating (Scientific)
Hangover (Traditional)

pineapple is used to support these body systems

Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Joints (Scientific)
Respiratory System (Scientific)
Sinuses (Scientific)
Stomach (Scientific)