Traditional Use, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.(Family Bromeliaceae): An Update

Abstract

Background: Ananas comosus belongs to the family Bromeliaceae and commonly known as pineapple, anannas and anannaasa. Objective: The present review gives detailed information about synonyms, geographical distribution, taxonomical classification, cultivation, pharmacognostical and phytochemical profile as well as about therapeutic potential of Ananas comosus. Methods: For the preparation of manuscript, all the information was collected from scientific engines and databases (Web of Science, Scifinder, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, Taylor & Francis online) using different keywords. Result: Recent studies of A.comosus are based on traditional use, phytochemistry and pharmacology. The nutritional properties of the fruit are well known. The fruit contains various biological active phytoconstituents such as polyphenol compounds, volatile compound and carotenoids etc. which are therapeutically active. A.comosus is used for digestive issues, inflammation, in sea sickness and in a sore throat. Different studies on A.comosus have been conducted due to ethanopharmacological profile. It possesses antimalarial, antidiabetic, abortifacient, anticancer, antioxidant and antidiarrhoeal activity etc. Finally Industrial applications and ongoing clinical trials on pineapple are also summarized. Conclusion: This review would assist researchers in formulating a therapeutically active herbal remedy.