Pineapple for Immune Function

Research suggests that pineapple-derived compounds, particularly bromelain and a pineapple lectin called AcmJRL, may have properties relevant to immune function, with laboratory studies indicating that bromelain can reduce key viral entry proteins on cell surfaces and inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in cell lines, while AcmJRL has shown an ability to bind directly to the virus's spike protein in preliminary binding experiments. A separate study examining gut microbiome diversity and intestinal immune signaling provides broader context about how diet-related microbial changes can influence innate immune pathways, though this work was not specific to pineapple. All findings in this area come from in vitro cell-based laboratory studies, meaning none have been tested in animals or humans in controlled trials, which is a significant limitation when drawing conclusions about real-world immune effects. Overall, the available evidence is preliminary and directionally supportive for certain antiviral mechanisms, but it does not yet establish whether consuming pineapple or its derivatives produces meaningful immune benefits in people.