Fwd: Pineapple Plant Extract Found to Reduce Asthma in Mice

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CC:"HAH" Thu, 2 Sep 2004 16:33:23 -0700 (Pacific Daylight Time) Pineapple Plant Extract Found to Reduce Asthma in MiceALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ASTHMA NATUROPATHIC HERBAL TREATMENTS SEATTLE Available for logged-in reporters onlyDescriptionNew systematic research results demonstrates that bromelain, derived frompineapple plant stem, is effective in reducing inflammation associated withasthma, an inflammatory disease of the lungs characterized by reversible (inmost cases) airway obstruction. Newswise — The pineapple, first encountered by Christopher Columbus on hissecond voyage to the New World, was for centuries so rare that it wasconsidered the treat of kings. Over time, it came to symbolize

hospitalityand wealth. Bromelain: The Pineapple Stem’s By-Product is an Anti-InflammatoryToday, fruit is accessible to everyone – explorers, kings and the rest of usBut few know that the pineapple plant also contains an extract -- bromelain-- that is a natural blood thinner and anti-inflammatory agent, whichtranslates into beneficial effects for the body. Precisely the way that bromelain works is unknown, but preliminary studieshave shown effects of breaking down fibrin, a blood-clotting protein thatcan impede circulation and prevent tissues from draining properly. Bromelainalso alters the production of compounds that can cause swelling and pain.When inflammation is reduced, blood can move more easily to a traumatizedarea, reducing pain and speeding healing. Bromelain is a powerfulprotein-digesting (or proteolytic) enzyme. Consequently, a number ofover-the counter supplements are made from this enzyme. A New StudyEric

R. Secor, Jr., ND, MS, LAc., MPH Candidate, of the University ofConnecticut, Farmington, CT, is the primary researcher for the studyentitled “The Anti-inflammatory Effects of Bromelain.” Dr. Secor, anaturopathic physician, and NIH Post Doctoral Fellow, will present hisfindings at the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) 19thAnnual Convention & Exposition, being held September 8-11, 2004, at theWashington State Convention & Trade Center, Seattle, WA. His study offers a systematic research result which demonstrates thatbromelain is effective in reducing inflammation associated with asthma, aninflammatory disease of the lungs characterized by reversible (in mostcases) airway obstruction. According to the National Institutes of Health(NIH), some 17 million Americans have the disease.MethodologyDr. Secor’s animal study encompassed three distinct phases. The first phasewas to select a high quality bromelain

product; phase two consisted ofcreating a suitable dose response, and determining the amount of bromelainnecessary to cause a physiological reaction in an experimental model ofacute asthma; the final phase of the experiment was to induce asthma intothe test animals (mice), and then analyze the anti-inflammatory effects ofbromelain in this asthma model. Three groups of mice were included in the study. All were induced with acute(seven day) asthma; the control group was treated with saline; the two othergroups were treated with two different doses of bromelain, (2mg/Kg) and(6mg/Kg). All mice received eight days of treatment to test bromelain’seffect on reducing inflammation normally found in acute, seven-day asthma. ResultsBlood, lung tissue, and lung lavage samples from all three groups wereexamined. The key findings from the research were: * Compared to the control group: bromelain treatment significantly reducedthe total

white blood cell count, which increases with the onset of asthma.* The cell markers for inflammatory asthma, eosinophils, were reduced over50 percent following treatment with bromelain.* The effectiveness of the enzyme treatment corresponded with the doseresponse; in other words, increased doses of bromelain produced moreeffective results.* No change was noted in the control group.Conclusions This study could offer a significant breakthrough in the treatment of apulmonary disorder that has reduced the quality of life for millions ofAmericans. Further research will indicate whether bromelain supplementscould be a useful treatment regimen for asthma and many other acute andchronic inflammatory diseases.About Naturopathic MedicineNaturopathic medicine is based upon a holistic philosophy, an approach tomedical care that emphasizes the study of all aspects of a person's health,with an emphasis on finding the underlying

cause of the patient’s conditionrather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment. This delivery ofhealthcare encompasses safe and effective traditional therapies with themost current advances in modern medicine. Naturopathic medicine isappropriate for the management of a broad range of health conditionsaffecting people of all ages.Headquartered in Washington, DC, the American Association of NaturopathicPhysicians (AANP) was founded in 1985 to provide alternative methods forhealing human diseases and disorders than have been traditionally offered inthe United States. Members must have graduated from one of the country’s sixgraduate schools of naturopathic medicine and served a clinical residency. For more information about naturopathic medicine, go to http://www.naturopathic.org.