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Claim: A Facebook page, Herbal Magic, claimed that pineapple leaf could cure stomach ulcers, cough, and waist pain.
Verdict: Misleading! Two out of the three claims are misleading, while one (Pineapple leaf could be used to cure stomach Ulcer) is false.
Full Text
Over the years, the pineapple has been a subject of interest for scientists exploring ideas for new medical innovations and people seeking alternative medicine generally. Due to this, it is not uncommon to see several claims about the perceived health benefits of pineapple on social media.
Recently, a Facebook page, Herbal Magic, claimed that pineapple leaf could cure stomach ulcers, cough, and waist pain and even contribute to overall wellness in the human body.
The page portrayed pineapple leaves as a waist pain remedy. It advised its followers to dice pineapple leaves into smaller pieces and add a bit of ginger to it. After that, the concoction is boiled with water and taken twice daily.
This post, which, as of March 7, 2025, has 2,900 likes and 643 shares, excited several users in the comment section. Most users believed it and asked how different people (pregnant and old) could take the remedy.
“Is it good for pregnant women?” Sani Zainab questioned.
“What can an elderly person use for back pain?” Abimbola asked.
Because many people are now resorting to natural remedies like this pineapple leaf for health-related problems, DUBAWA decided to investigate these claims.
Verification
Claim 1: Pineapple leaf could be used to cure waist pain
Lower back pain or waist pain is very common and usually results from many different injuries and conditions, according to an article by Cleveland Clinic.
While the pain is mostly temporary, it could be severe and long-lasting, making it difficult to sleep, walk, and do everyday tasks.
Pineapple has not only been consumed as fruit but has also been used as juice, syrup, jams, marmalade, in cereals, and even in wine production. In the Philippines and Taiwan, pineapple leaves are turned into beautiful fabric. The innovation, among others, underscores the economic benefits of the fruit.
Also, in 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a drug product containing bromelain, an enzyme extracted from pineapple, for topical use for debridement (removal of dead tissue or contaminants) of severe burns in adults.
Some studies have shown that bromelain has inhibitory effects on inflammation which may provide pain relief for people with arthritis. However, the method of extraction, amount of bromelain, preparation etc has to be taken into consideration.
Another study conducted on the use of bromelain in combination with trypsin (proteolytic enzymes) and plant flavonoid rutin in the treatment of osteoarthritis, concluded that this could be an effective and safe alternative to typical NSAIDs.
Also, a study conducted on rats showed the promising effect of the enzyme on Achilles tendon injury but more studies are required particularly on humans.
Verdict: Misleading! While studies have shown that pineapple’s properties, such as bromelain, are helpful for severe burns and inflammation and, in combination with other plants, can serve as an alternative for NSAIDs, there is no evidence that pineapple leaves heal waist pain.
Claim 2: Pineapple leaf could be used to cure stomach Ulcer
Stomach ulcers, on the other hand, are described as sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine that cause pain and indigestion. They have been linked to H.Pylori infection and overuse of NSAIDs.
There is no scientific evidence proving the benefit of pineapple stem extract on stomach ulcers, but one done on pineapple juice shows that it tends to predispose one to gastric ulcers.
The study further noted that the juice does not seem to have sufficient capability to protect the gastric epithelial layer from being eroded.
A report in Medical News Today noted that pineapple is an acidic fruit and could worsen acid reflux in some people.
Verdict: False! Contrary to the claim, available studies and reports reveal that pineapple juice predisposes people to gastric ulcers because it is an acidic fruit.
Claim 3: Pineapple leaf could be used to cure cough
A cough is a reflex action that expels mucus, germs, or dust from the throat and airways. While an occasional cough is normal, a lingering cough with other symptoms like shortness of breath, mucus production, or bloody phlegm could indicate a serious medical problem.
While some studies have claimed that bromelain can minimise congestion, increase ease of breathing, and suppress coughing when administered orally, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH) noted that there is not enough high-quality research to prove this.
While bromelain has good biological functions, lacks systemic cytotoxicity, and often has excellent benefits, patients with hypertension may avoid bromeliad extracts, as a study found that long-term bromelain administration may lead to tachycardia (fast heartbeat).
Other side effects of bromelain include gastrointestinal effects and heavy bleeding. People using blood thinners and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, among others, should only use bromelain under a physician’s supervision.
It is, therefore, advised that a person should always check with a doctor before trying a new supplement, particularly if they are pregnant, have other health conditions, or take other medications.
Verdict: Misleading!
While bromelain from pineapple has shown the potential to minimize congestion, increase ease of breathing, and suppress coughing when administered orally, there is still no evidence that it heals coughs, and there are dangerous side effects to its use.
Conclusion
Pineapple extracts have shown potential benefits to human health; however, caution should be exercised when using these supplements, and more research should be conducted on pain, ulcers, and cough.
