Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is sometimes used to support respiratory health, particularly allergies, due to its high content of the enzyme bromelain. Bromelain has been studied for its anti-inflammatory and mucolytic (mucus-thinning) properties, which may help alleviate symptoms related to respiratory allergies such as nasal congestion and sinusitis. Some clinical studies and laboratory research suggest that bromelain can reduce nasal inflammation, improve breathing, and enhance the effects of conventional allergy treatments. For example, a few randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that bromelain supplementation can decrease symptoms of sinusitis and allergic rhinitis when used alongside standard therapies.

However, the number of high-quality studies directly examining pineapple or bromelain for allergy treatment is limited, and most positive results are associated with purified bromelain supplements, not the fruit itself. While pineapple has a long history of use in traditional medicine for digestive and anti-inflammatory purposes, its specific use for respiratory allergies is primarily supported by modern research into bromelain rather than traditional practices. The evidence is promising but not robust enough for unequivocal clinical recommendations. Overall, while there is some scientific validation for the use of bromelain (and by extension, pineapple) in managing allergic respiratory conditions, the level of evidence remains moderate, justifying a rating of 2 out of 5.

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