Pineapple enzymes to become antibiotic replacement?
La Trobe University biochemist Rob Pike said the collection of enzymes found to treat diarrhoea in piglets would likely provide an alternative treatment for the condition in humans as well, given the similarities in physiology and anatomy between the two species.
Multi-drug resistant bacteria, known as superbugs, are predicted to kill more people than cancer if left unchecked - about 10 million people a year by 2050. About 500 superbug cases are detected in Australia each year.
Developing a natural alternative to treating diarrhoea in pigs and humans would significantly add to scientists' arsenal when tackling the global superbug problem.
Unlike antibiotics which target the bacteria, the three enzymes found in the pineapples work with the cells in the pig's gut, making it difficult for the bacteria to attach to the cells. This means diarrhoea doesn't take hold.
The three enzymes found in the pineapple stem and root are called bromelain, a collection of enzymes which were discovered in the 1930s. However it was only 30 years ago that their antibiotic qualities were discovered.
"The momentum to develop alternatives to antibiotics is there now because people believe antibiotics are on the way out and we need something to replace them," Professor Pike said.
Source: smh.com.au
