Can pineapple help arthritis?

I heard that pineapple can help relieve arthritis pain, is this true?

Pineapple has indeed been studied as a treatment for arthritis. Pineapple also appears on ayurvedic sites and guides to eating in a healthy ayurvedic way. Pineapple contains a group of enzymes called bromelain which has promising anti-inflammatory and pain relief effects. Bromelain appears in high amounts in the fruit core and stem, from which it is extracted for therapeutic doses.

Bromelain appears to work on both anti-inflammatory signalling molecules and pro-inflammatory signalling molecules to produce an overall anti-inflammatory effect. It also acts to decrease plasma bradykinin which helps to reduce blood vessel permeability and fluid, which reduces pain and swelling. It may be used as a safe and natural alternative to NSAIDs. Studies suggest bromelain has another anti-inflammatory effect by interrupting the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway. Arachidonic acid is a fatty acid present in high amounts in animal foods (meat, dairy) and is a precursor for molecules that play a role in inflammation, pain, and blood clotting. Interfering in the metabolism of this fatty acid leads to a reduction in those physiological effects of inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

A 2004 review of clinical studies on bromelain as a treatment for osteoarthritis concluded that studies on the mechanism of action of bromelain were of poor quality and more research needs to be done on how this really works.

Is it safe long-term?

More studies need to be done. Further studies on long-term supplementation, kidney effects, and contraindications with anticoagulants and antibiotics need to be completed. In human studies, there appeared to be good tolerability and safety in the lower dosages (540mg/day) and at that dose, as effective as standard treatment. Dosages studied range from 200-2000mg/day.

Food or supplement?

It is not accurately known how much bromelain is in pineapple flesh as different varieties of the fruit contain different amounts. Bromelain extract from the core and stem differs from that of the fruit, but due to its commercial preparation and use, these extracts are used in studies rather than the fruit. We do know that it is best consumed in fresh and raw form to get the highest amounts of bromelain as higher temperatures as used in cooking, inactivates the enzyme.

If you want to know if bromelain as a supplement is right for you, consult both your GP or rheumatologist and nutritionist or naturopath before commencing.