Anthelminthic property of Myanmar pineapple (Nanat) on experimental models

ABSTRACT

The anthelminthic property of Myanmar pineapple (Ananas sativa L.) juice was investigated by using both in vitro and in vivo test models on Ascaris suum. In the in vitro test model, the pineapple juice, at a concentration of 40-80 mg/ml was found to produce immobilization of the worms leading to death within a 2 day period. In the in vivo test model using pigs, the pineapple fruit, doses as low as 10 g ingested food were found to purge Ascaris suum within 16 hrs of ingestion. The lethal effect was assumed to be due to cuticle digestive effect of bromelain, which is present in an average of 0.29 mg percent in pineapple.