Pineapple: A rich source of nutritional and pharmacological value for health benefits
Abstract
Pineapple [Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.] is a tropical and non-climacteric fruit. Pineapple contains considerable amount of vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in phytochemicals such as phenols, flavonoids, β-carotenes and it has potent antioxidant properties. Bromelain is the major proteolytic enzyme found in pineapple. Bromelain provides considerable health benefits. It is marketed as a digestive aid and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Bromelain is used against skin burns, sinus inflammation, osteoarthritis, hay fever, upper respiratory tract infection and cardio vascular diseases. Bromelain also reduced tumor cell growth and cancer progression.
Keywords
Bromelain, colonic inflammation, nutrional and pharmacentical value, Ananas comosus
