Australian scientists discovered that the enzymes present inside pineapples help cure diarrhea in piglets. Bromelain, the three enzymes, was first discovered in 1930. However, its antibiotic abilities were known only three decades ago. The study findings proved to be of significance because humans are quite similar to pigs in physiology and anatomy. The enzymes that treated piglets have a high possibility of working well in humans too, Rob Pike, biochemist from LaTrobe University in Melbourne, said. Pike also adds that our bodies have been indiscriminately administered antibiotics that has resulted in resistance of bacteria and also subsequent rise of superbugs.
The enzymes present in pineapples can become a healthier alternative to antibiotics. Unlike antibiotics that only work on the bacteria, the three enzymes found in pineapples worked on piglet's gut. This means that the bacteria will be unable to attach itself to cells along the gut. By targeting the gut cells, bacteria will be unable to evolve, thus stopping the diarrhea from occurring. This is the effect that the scientists hope to replicate in humans too.
According to the scientists, bacteria may already be resistant to colistin, which is the last resort that doctors use when nothing else works. Doctors should be advised to use antibiotics with caution so that they can protect the remaining effective ones, until new treatments come along.
With this new study, the researchers are hoping that the enzymes present in pineapples will be able to make their fight against the bacteria stronger. Professor Pike and his colleague, Lakshmi Wijeyewickrema, are currently working on an alternative treatment to antibiotics.
