Research Shows Promise of Pineapple Extract for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

[Mazen]

http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/070108.htm

To assess the effect of a bromelain preparation on the production of cytokines, colon biopsies obtained from patients with UC, CD, and normal controls were treated in the lab (in vitro) with bromelain. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines was then measured. The researchers report that bromelain reduced production of several pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that are elevated in IBD and play a role in the progression of IBD. The authors conclude that bromelain treatment could potentially benefit IBD patients if similar changes also occur when colon tissues are exposed to bromelain inside the body.

 

[dad_01]

Very interesting. The article said the study was funded by NCCAM - who are they?

Also, it said that "bromelain reduced production of several pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that are elevated in IBD and play a role in the progression of IBD." Do we know how much it reduced production and how much of a role it played?

 

[Kev]

National Center for Complimentary & Alternative Medicine, which is a US funded agency intended to research the claims of alternative medicines. As for whether this body does the job it was intended to, it depends on who you ask. Googling it brings up an interesting write up in Quackwatch.

 

[dad_01]

National Center for Complimentary & Alternative Medicine, which is a US funded agency intended to research the claims of alternative medicines. As for whether this body does the job it was intended to, it depends on who you ask. Googling it brings up an interesting write up in Quackwatch.

Hmmm. I read the posting on quackwatch and I'm not convinced of the soundness of NCCAM. And I'm a firm supporter of alternative / complimentary medicine. My criticism has to do with how conventional medical practitioners seem to have had so little formal training in nutrition, and how the vested interests (doctors, pharmaceutical companies) have a strong vested financial interest in consumers not looking toward alternative / complimentary medicine.

 

[hippie4lyfe]

pineapple is great for anti-inflammatory properties. i haven't tried it for crohn's yeet but def something to look into. i wonder about the possible acidity though?

 

[GoJohnnyGo]

Fresh pineapple flesh gives me a happy tummy. I have it in salads and stir frys all the time.

Pineapple juice (prepared or fresh from the fruit itself) not at all. Really irritating.

Even dried pineapple doesn't bother me. Sometimes I have that when the fresh thing is not available.

 

[Kev]

Well, I take either extremes of the spectrum with a grain of salt. Read an item on Quackwatch (if I recall correctly) about chiropractic treatment for low back pain being non effective, non reliable and risky. OK, I know the risks, my chiropractor trots them out.. part of the informed consent ritual.. before every session. Still, it fixes my back every time. Quachwatech provides a very valuable service.. but I'm not sure if they pre-sceen to weed out any contributors for bias, etc., before 'their' opinions are posted.

Now, me... I'm not allowed fresh fruit or veggies, but I can tolerate quite nicely ham N pineapple pizza... I haven't tried pineapple juice, but I think I will give it a try

 

[hippie4lyfe]

kev why cant you juice fresh fruits and veggies? they are the most healing.