Powerful protein-digesting, or proteolytic, enzymes are extracted from the stems of pineapples. Bromelain, the name of this group of enzymes, is particularly useful for reducing muscle and tissue inflammation and as a digestive aid.
* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
Powerful protein-digesting, or proteolytic, enzymes are extracted from the stems of pineapples. Bromelain, the name of this group of enzymes, is particularly useful for reducing muscle and tissue inflammation and as a digestive aid.
Bromelain is a natural blood thinner and anti-inflammatory. It works by breaking down fibrin, a blood-clotting protein that can impede good circulation and prevent tissues from draining properly. Bromelain also blocks the production of compounds that can cause swelling and pain. When inflammation is reduced, blood can move more easily to a traumatized area, easing pain and speeding healing.
Pineapple stems bring a new hope for cancer sufferes Source: Health care reporter: Sophie Scott
Researchers in Australia are using pineapples as a possible source for anti-cancer drugs, after a accidental discovery of their potential healing properties.
Researchers at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) have always known that pineapple stems contain enzymes that can help digestion.
QIMR's Tracey Mynott says they have now also discovered two molecules hidden inside the stem that could change the cancer treatments.
One molecule stimulates the body's immune system to kill cancer cells; the other molecule stops a protein found in 30 per cent of all cancer cells.
"The discovery of the biological properties was quite by accident - it was one of those true serendipitous discoveries," Dr Mynott said.
While the research is only just begun, scientists say initial lab tests have shown the molecule can stop the progress of cancerous tumour cells in different types of cancer, including breast, lung, bowel and ovarian.
"We've found that these molecules are very effective in blocking tumour growth in animal studies," QIMR spokesman Dr Christian Engwerda was quoted as saying.
Dr Mynott also added: "We've shown we can inhibit tumour growth by 70 per cent and what's more important was that there was no evidence of any toxicity in these animals at all."
The researchers have just won a study grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council which will allow them to conduct clinical trials within two years using drugs based upon pineapple stems.
The study grant was part of a total $100 million in Australian Government research and development funds announced by Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott.
"Our Government is very conscious of the good our health and medical researchers do and the importance of ever increasing investment, if Australia is to retain its world leading edge," Mr Abbott said.
User Group Forum
Share your questions and information with the ZooScape community!
Kriszt - May 2, 2006, 15:24
#10000324
Greetings! What part of the pineapple is the stem?
ZooScape Moderator - May 2, 2006, 15:35
#10001336
The 'stem', or 'shoot', refers to the group of green leaves which grow out of the top of the pineapple.
Directions
Take 1 to 2 capsules with meals to aid digestion and heartburn. Take 1 to 3 capsules daily, between meals, for muscle aches, strains, gout, bronchitis, arthritic pain, sinusitis, or insect bites or stings.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
