A REVIEW OF PERENNIAL HERB ANANAS COMOSUS AND ITS MULTIPLE USES IN FOOD, DRUGS AND COSMETICS

*Shivani Naidu, Deepak Wasule and Tanmai Ayachit

ABSTRACT

Ananas comosus is one of the most wonderful fruit with nutritional and health benefits belonging to the family Bromeliaceae. Pineapples are rich in bromelain and vitamin C. Now-a-days consumers are moving more towards natural cosmetic products due to which various herbal ingredients are added in cosmetic formulations. It is traditionally used as a dynamic fruit for its multiple health benefits from relieving bowel to control over nausea, keeping the intestines and kidneys clean and so on. Apart from being a popular fruit for the consumption, its richness in vitamin C and bromelain prompts its uses in cosmetics that have antioxidant and antibacterial properties beneficial for the skin and oral care. Not only the fresh fruit but also its waste which otherwise is thrown is found to be helpful in production of ethanol, extraction of bromelain and has excellent antioxidant properties. Hence this article focuses on exploring fascinating benefits of the pineapple along with its waste in cosmetic industry.

Keywords: Ananas comusus, antimicrobial, antioxidant, benefits, cosmetic uses, pineapple waste.