Pineapple powder (Ananas comosus)

Pineapple powder (Ananas comosus)

Product Name: Ananas comosus, Ananas comosus, Ananaspflanze, Piña, Ananas, أناناس, สับปะรด

Synonyms: Ananas comosusобыкновенный, Ananas comosusсъедобный, Ananas comosusнастоящий, pineapple, edible pineapple, gemeine Ananas, piña tropical, ananas comestible, أناناس مأكول, สับปะรดป่า, สับปะรดผลใหญ่, nanas (разг.), pine (разг.)

Main Indications for Ananas comosus Use: Flatulence, dyspepsia, constipation, hypoacid gastritis, chronic colitis, hypercholesterolemia, overweight, atherosclerosis, lymphedema, edematous syndrome, chronic venous insufficiency, cellulite, asthenic syndrome, post-infectious weakness, iron deficiency anemia, hypovitaminosis C, B vitamin deficiency.

Use of Ananas comosus in mixtures and complexes: Hypertension, early stages of type 2 diabetes, chronic pancreatitis in remission, hepatic steatosis, post-hepatitis condition, arthralgia, varicose veins, neurovegetative dystonia, chronic stress, anxiety states, perimenopausal syndrome.

Pharmacological Properties of Ananas comosus: digestive, hypocholesterolemic, mild diuretic, vitaminizing, antioxidant, general tonic, anti-edematous, refreshing, mild antiseptic, anti-inflammatory (moderate), weak venotonic.

Pharmaceutical Forms and Dosages of Ananas comosus

Powder — Ananas comosus

Standard Dosage (Powder): 500–1000 mg of powder 2 times a day during meals. May be taken with warm water. Fat support is not required. Course of use — from 14 to 30 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 1500 mg 2 times a day during meals, with good tolerance. The powder can be mixed with fermented milk products or warm porridge. Course of use — up to 21 days.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): Up to 3000 mg per day, divided into 2–3 doses. Use strictly during meals. Course use is permissible for no more than 10 days with condition monitoring.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: Recommended dose — 10–15 mg/kg body weight per day. For example, with a weight of 70 kg — 700–1050 mg per day.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): Permissible from 6 years of age. Calculation — 5–7 mg/kg body weight per day. Divide into 2 doses, mix with food. Course — 10–14 days.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): Recommended for adults with physical inactivity, digestive disorders, tendency to edema and vitamin deficiencies. 500 mg once a day for 21 days. Repeat courses — no more than once every 2 months.

Lethal Dose LD₅₀: Toxicological data for fruit powder are absent. Studies on animals regarding the whole dry product have not been conducted.

Reference: absent (no data found in PubMed, TOXNET, EMA databases).

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in an airtight glass container shielded with food foil, in a dry, dark place at a temperature of +5 °C to +25 °C and relative humidity not exceeding 60%. Standard shelf life — 12 months. Under conditions, a shelf life of up to 18 months is possible.

Face/Body Mask — Ananas comosus

Indications for use (Mask): Increased dry skin, dull complexion, hyperkeratosis, superficial pigmentation, atonic skin, post-inflammatory acne marks, decreased skin turgor, age-related changes, enlarged pores, excessive oiliness (in combination with clay), seasonal skin dehydration.

Standard Dosage (Mask): Dilute 1 teaspoon of pineapple powder in 1–2 teaspoons of warm water, hydrolate or herbal infusion. Apply a thin layer to cleansed skin of the face, neck or body. Exposure duration — 10–15 minutes. Frequency — 1–2 times a week. Course — 5–7 procedures.

Enhanced Dosage (Mask): For an enhanced effect, mix pineapple powder with enzymatically active components (e.g., papaya or pumpkin extract), apply up to 3 times a week to areas of pigmentation or rough skin. Exposure — up to 20 minutes.

Maximum Dosage (Mask): No more than 3 procedures per week, no more than 20 minutes per procedure. With increased skin sensitivity — limit to once a week.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: Not required.

Pediatric and Adolescent Dosage (Mask):) Use is permissible from 10 years of age for oily and problematic skin. Exposure duration — no more than 10 minutes, no more than once a week. Use under adult supervision.

Preventive use (Mask): Recommended once a week for a tendency to loss of skin tone, dull complexion, seasonal skin stress. Course — 4–6 procedures with a break of 2–3 weeks.

Preparation method (Mask): Mix 1 part pineapple powder with 1–2 parts warm water (+30...+40 °C), hydrolate or chamomile/lavender decoction. Stir until a paste consistency is obtained, apply to the skin. Do not use metal utensils. Perform a wrist test before use.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Mask): The finished mask is used immediately. Storage is not allowed. Store dry powder in an airtight glass container at a temperature of +5...+25 °C, away from moisture.

Scrub / Peel — Ananas comosus

Indications for use (Scrub / Peel): Rough skin, comedones, dull complexion, hyperkeratosis, uneven skin texture, peeling, decreased skin tone, clogged pores. Especially effective on the back, shoulders, thighs, arms.

Standard Dosage (Scrub / Peel): Mix 1–2 teaspoons of powder with 1 tsp. of warm water or yogurt to a paste-like consistency. Apply to wet skin with light massaging movements for 1–2 minutes, avoiding the eye area. Rinse with warm water. Apply 1–2 times a week.

Enhanced Dosage (Scrub / Peel): Add ½ tsp. of ground oatmeal or honey to the mixture. Apply no more than 3 times a week for pronounced thickening of the stratum corneum. Massage time — up to 3 minutes. Suitable for the décolleté, elbows, knees.

Maximum Dosage (Scrub / Peel): No more than 3 applications per week. Not recommended for use on skin with rosacea, inflammation or after acid procedures.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: Not required.

Pediatric Dosage (Scrub / Peel):) Not used in children under 10 years of age. In adolescents — spot application for oily skin, no more than once a week.

Preventive use (Scrub / Peel): Recommended for patients with clogged skin, a tendency to blackheads and peeling. Course — once a week, 4–6 procedures.

Preparation method (Scrub / Peel): Mix the powder with a small amount of liquid (water, kefir, honey, herbal decoction). Use immediately after preparation. For the body, the addition of fine salt is permissible.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Scrub / Peel): The finished scrub is not subject to storage. Store the powder in an airtight glass container at a temperature of +5...+25 °C, in a dry and dark place.

Contraindications of Ananas comosus

Oral administration: Internal use may be limited in case of individual intolerance to components, in childhood, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as in conditions requiring control of metabolic load. It is not recommended to take without medical supervision in patients with pronounced metabolic disorders or reduced functional reserve of detoxification systems.

Application to the skin: External use may be contraindicated in case of increased skin sensitivity, in the presence of acute inflammatory reactions or impaired integrity of the skin. In childhood and in persons with high skin reactivity, it is recommended to limit the area of application, duration of use and monitor skin reaction.

Contact with mucous membranes: Forms that involve contact with the oral or nasolabial mucosa (e.g., masks, scrubs) require a preliminary assessment of tolerance. Contraindications may be associated with irritation of the mucous membranes, violation of their integrity, as well as individual hypersensitivity. During pregnancy, lactation and in childhood, the use of these forms requires increased attention and, if necessary, adaptation of the regimen of use.

Note: In the presence of chronic conditions, reduced general tolerance, as well as when using the drug for the first time, it is necessary to conduct a preliminary assessment of the individual reaction. In case of doubt, a specialist consultation is required. All these contraindications are template and do not replace a clinical decision.

Side Effects of Ananas comosus

Oral administration: With internal use, reactions from the digestive system, changes in general well-being, individual sensitivity are possible. Side effects may include subjective discomfort, digestive reactions or short-term changes in mood and sleep. In most cases, the reactions are mild and reversible upon discontinuation of the drug. If persistent or increasing symptoms occur, the intake should be discontinued.

Application to the skin: External use may be accompanied by local reactions, such as burning sensation, redness, itching, dry skin or peeling. In some cases, increased sensitivity of the skin to external stimuli may be observed. With increased dosage, prolonged use or application under a bandage, skin maceration is possible. All reactions are completely reversible after cessation of use.

Contact with mucous membranes: Upon contact with sensitive areas of the mucous membrane (lips, nasolabial area), irritation, tingling, burning or dryness are possible. In rare cases — hyperemia, swelling, increased sensitivity. Symptoms are reversible and resolve on their own after cessation of use.

Note: Side effects, as a rule, are associated with an individual reaction of the body, exceeding the recommended dosage, prolonged continuous use or non-compliance with the route of administration. Before use, it is recommended to conduct a trial use or skin test. All symptoms are reversible with the right tactics. In case of persistent or systemic reactions, it is necessary to stop using the drug and, if necessary, consult a specialist.

Pharmacodynamics of Ananas comosus

The pharmacological activity of pineapple fruit powder is due to the content of organic acids, B vitamins, ascorbic acid, sugars, trace elements and dietary fibers. The drug has a predominantly local and systemic effect within the gastrointestinal tract, indirectly affecting metabolism and skin functions. Mild antioxidant, digestive-stimulating, moderate anti-inflammatory and detoxification properties are noted. Indirect modulating effects are present with respect to the barrier and lymphatic systems, as well as effects on water-salt metabolism.

Pharmacokinetics of Ananas comosus

Upon oral use, pineapple fruit powder undergoes stages of mechanical dispersion and partial enzymatic transformation in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Nutrients, including water-soluble vitamins and sugars, are absorbed mainly in the small intestine. Dietary fibers are not absorbed, have a prebiotic effect and are partially metabolized by the microflora of the large intestine. The distribution of active components is limited to systemic circulation. Excretion of metabolic products is carried out through the kidneys and intestines. Transdermal penetration during external use is minimal and is predominantly superficial in nature.

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale of Ananas comosus

The complex of bioactive compounds of the pineapple fruit, including organic acids, vitamin C and polyphenolic structures, can have a modulating effect on signaling cascades involved in the regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress. Studies show that extracts and pulp powder of pineapple can affect the expression of cytokines, the activity of inflammatory mediators and the level of oxidative products. At the cellular level, the participation of antioxidant systems and possible modulation of the activity of macrophages and intestinal epithelial cells are observed. An effect on peristalsis, secretion and absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract has also been established, without a pronounced effect on enzyme receptors or membrane proteins.

References: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213453020300115; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30558398/

Synergy of Ananas comosus

Pineapple fruit powder demonstrates a potentiating interaction with plants that have hepatoprotective, digestive and drainage activity. Synergy with turmeric (Curcuma longa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been established in terms of enhancing detoxification and antioxidant effects. An additive effect is noted with the combined use of artichoke leaf (Cynara scolymus) and dandelion extracts (Taraxacum officinale) in complex formulas to support metabolism and lymph drainage. Modulating compatibility with plants containing flavonoids has also been confirmed by improving the absorption and bioavailability of hydrophilic compounds.

References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0753332220310025

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine of Ananas comosus

Pineapple is a tropical plant of American origin, originating from the regions of modern Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina. It is believed that the first cultivation of pineapple took place in pre-Columbian South America, especially among the Guarani and Tupi — peoples of the Amazon basin, where the fruits of the plant were used for food, and the juice was used for body washing, compresses and ritual cleansings. After the spread of pineapple to the Caribbean region, in particular to the islands of Haiti and Cuba, it became part of the medicinal and ritual practices of the Taíno and Arawak, where it was used as the "fruit of the sun", a symbol of renewal and purification.

From the 16th century, pineapple was introduced to the countries of Africa and Southeast Asia by Portuguese and Spanish navigators. In Thailand, Laos and the Philippines, the fruits of the plant became not only a food product, but also a component of traditional skin and hair care — in the form of purees and juices applied to the face and body in hot weather. In the Indian system of folk medicine (Ayurveda), pineapple was mentioned as a refreshing and cleansing agent used for compresses and wraps. In Mexico and Central America, the powdered pulp of ripe fruits was used as external applications.

In the folk medicine of the island peoples of Oceania, including Samoa and Fiji, pineapple was considered a plant of female fertility and purification, used during traditional baths and initiation rites. In the ritual practice of some Amazonian tribes, the fruit pulp was used as part of body paints and as a symbol of renewal during rain ceremonies.

Ethnographic sources note that in the 19th–20th centuries, powdered dried pineapple fruit was made artisanally and used as a cosmetic component in India, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, especially in facial and hand skin care. In Thai culture, pineapple is widely represented in folklore as a symbol of purification and hospitality. At the ritual level, it was used in offerings to spirits and in thanksgiving ceremonies for the harvest.