Pineapple

Authors:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

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Last updated on: 17.04.2021

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Synonym(s)

Bromelain; Bromelainum of the pineapple comosus; comosus pineapple; pineapple (engl.)

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

The pineapple (Ananas comosus or Ananas sativus) is a plant species of the family Bromeliaceae. The home of the pineapple is in tropical South America. Today, numerous varieties are spread over the entire tropical region. They are usually grown in large plantations. The plant reaches a height of 50cm up to 2m. The leaves of the pineapple grow up to 1m long and form a leaf rosette with a central funnel. They are firm, curved and often have thorns.
The pineapple fruit is rich in vitamins (especially vitamin C) and minerals as well as enzymes (including bromelain and invertase).

Bromelain, a mixture of endopeptidases, is obtained from the fruit stems of harvested plants (also contained in the fruits). Bromelain is used for meat preparation in a similar way to papain (from papaya) (meat becomes more tender through enzymatic pretreatment with bromelain).
Bromelain is used medicinally as a systemic therapy to aid digestion. It is also used for postoperative oedema and as an anti-inflammatory agent. It is also used in local therapy to promote wound healing(data available on this is ultimately unsatisfactory).

Trade namesThis section has been translated automatically.

Wobenzym® N ointment, Bromelain Pos® , dosage 1-2 tbl / day, higher in individual cases

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Bekhit AA et al (2014) Exogenous proteases for meat tenderization. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 54:1012-1031.
  2. Ho D et al (2016) Is There a Role for Arnica and Bromelain inPrevention of Post-Procedure Ecchymosis or Edema? A Systematic Review of the Literature. Dermatol Surgery 42:445-463.
  3. Modi GM et al (2009) Irritant contact dermatitis from plants. Dermatitis 20:63-78.
  4. Pavan R et al (2012) Properties and therapeutic application of bromelain: a review. Biotechnol Res Int. 2012:976203.
  5. Rathnavelu V et al (2016) Potential role of bromelain in clinical and therapeutic applications. Biomed Rep 5:283-288.
  6. Reddy KK et al (2013) Common complementary and alternative therapies with potential use in dermatologic surgery: risks and benefits. J Am Acad Dermatol 68:e127-135.

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Last updated on: 17.04.2021