Pineapple for Hair: What the Research Shows
Pineapple is a fruit, and its best-known compound for health research is bromelain, an enzyme mix. We found no study of pineapple or bromelain for hair growth. The research is on inflammation and on bruising after procedures, where results were mixed.
Here's what bromelain is, what the evidence says, and why the hair claims you may see are unproven.
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Key Takeaways
- Pineapple (Ananas comosus) produces bromelain, a group of enzymes studied for anti-inflammatory and other effects.
- A systematic review found insufficient data to support bromelain or arnica for preventing bruising and swelling after skin procedures.
- Bromelain is listed among botanical ingredients used in cosmeceuticals, but the review of such ingredients is general.
- We found no study of pineapple or bromelain for hair.
What Is Pineapple's Active Compound?
Pineapple produces bromelain, a group of enzymes containing sulfhydryl groups. It's studied in many areas of health.
Does Pineapple Help Hair?
No evidence says so. Eating fruit is a good part of a balanced diet, but pineapple hasn't been shown to change hair growth, thickness or shedding.
Using Bromelain Carefully
- Treat hair claims as unproven.
- Ask your doctor before taking bromelain supplements, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, have a condition or take medication.
What The Research Shows
What Bromelain Is
A review describes bromelain as a group of enzymes from pineapple with reported anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer and anti-rheumatic properties in preclinical and clinical studies, with new formulations being developed to improve bioavailability and stability (Kumar et al., 2023).
Bromelain After Skin Procedures
A systematic review of trials of arnica and bromelain for bruising and swelling after skin procedures included seven trials of oral bromelain. Results were mixed: some randomized trials reported improvement with bromelain (5 of 7). The authors concluded there is insufficient data to support their use and called for more research. No studies on topical bromelain were found (Ho et al., 2016).
Bromelain In Skin Care
A review of botanical ingredients in dermatology and cosmetics groups bromelain among more commonly used botanicals that are briefly considered, alongside arnica, caffeine, ferulic acid and others (Baumann, 2007).
See also: Ferulic Acid for Hair and Scalp: What the Research Shows · Propanediol in Hair Products: What It Is and What Safety Reviews Show
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pineapple help hair growth?
We found no study showing that it does.
What is bromelain?
A group of enzymes from pineapple, studied for anti-inflammatory and other effects.
Is bromelain safe?
Talk to your doctor before taking supplements. The studies we found didn't address hair.
References
- Kumar V, Mangla B, Javed S, et al. Bromelain: a review of its mechanisms, pharmacological effects and potential applications. Food Funct. 2023. PubMed
- Ho D, Jagdeo J, Waldorf HA. Is There a Role for Arnica and Bromelain in Prevention of Post-Procedure Ecchymosis or Edema? A Systematic Review of the Literature. Dermatol Surg. 2016. PubMed
- Baumann LS. Less-known botanical cosmeceuticals. Dermatol Ther. 2007. PubMed
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