Pineapple Core Research Articles

Sustainable Removal of Cr(VI) by Lime Peel and Pineapple Core Wastes

The search for efficient and environmentally friendly adsorbents has positioned lignocellulosic materials as attractive and low-cost alternatives instead of synthetic materials. Consequently, the present work investigates the efficacy of untreated lime peel (LM) and pineapple core (PP) as biosorbents for Cr(VI) removal. The maximum adsorption capacities (acquired at 24 h) of these sorbents were 9.20 and 4.99 mg/g, respectively. The use of these sorbents is expected to offer a rapid and efficient solution to treat effluents containing Cr(VI). Pineapple core showed the best biosorption properties and good distribution coefficients (distribution coefficient KD 8.35–99.20 mL/g) and the optimization of the adsorption was carried out by a response surface methodology using the Box–Behnken design. Thus, the effect of pH, biosorbent dosage, and temperature were assessed during the whole procedure. Three different responses were studied—Cr(VI) removal, Cr biosorption, and distribution coefficient—and the optimal conditions for maximizing the responses were identified by numerical optimization applying the desirability function. The resulting optimal conditions were: initial solution pH 2.01, biosorbent dosage 30 g/L, and temperature 30.05 °C. Finally, the process scale-up was evaluated by the simulation of the process working with a column of 100 L using the Fixed-bed Adsorption Simulation Tool (FASTv2.1). This research presents the obtained environmental benefits: i) reduction of pineapple waste, ii) Cr(VI) reduction and biosorption, iii) shortest sorption time for Cr, iv) properties that allow the biosorption process on the flow system, and v) low-cost process.

Dissolution profiles of partially purified bromelain from pineapple cores [Ananas comosus (L.) Merr] encapsulated in glutaraldehyde-crosslinked chitosan

Dissolution profiles of partially purified bromelain from pineapple cores [Ananas comosus (L.) Merr] encapsulated in glutaraldehyde-crosslinked chitosan

Use of agro-industrial residue from the canned pineapple industry for polyhydroxybutyrate production by Cupriavidus necator strain A-04

BackgroundPineapple is the third most important tropical fruit produced worldwide, and approximately 24.8 million tons of this fruit are produced annually throughout the world, including in Thailand, which is the fourth largest pineapple producer in the world. Pineapple wastes (peel and core) are generated in a large amount equal to approximately 59.36% based on raw material. In general, the anaerobic digestion of pineapple wastes is associated with a high biochemical oxygen demand and high chemical oxygen demand, and this process generates methane and can cause greenhouse gas emissions if good waste management practices are not enforced. This study aims to fill the research gap by examining the feasibility of pineapple wastes for promoting the high-value-added production of biodegradable polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) from the available domestic raw materials. The objective of this study was to use agro-industrial residue from the canned pineapple industry for biodegradable PHB production.ResultsThe results indicated that pretreatment with an alkaline reagent is not necessary. Pineapple core was sized to − 20/+ 40 mesh particle and then hydrolyzed with 1.5% (v/v) H2SO4 produced the highest concentration of fermentable sugars, equal to 0.81 g/g dry pineapple core, whereas pineapple core with a + 20 mesh particle size and hydrolyzed with 1.5% (v/v) H3PO4 yielded the highest concentration of PHB substrates (57.2 ± 1.0 g/L). The production of PHB from core hydrolysate totaled 35.6 ± 0.1% (w/w) PHB content and 5.88 ± 0.25 g/L cell dry weight. The use of crude aqueous extract (CAE) of pineapple waste products (peel and core) as a culture medium was investigated. CAE showed very promising results, producing the highest PHB content of 60.00 ± 0.5% (w/w), a cell dry weight of 13.6 ± 0.2 g/L, a yield (Y_{{{P mathord{left/ {vphantom {P S}} right. kern-0pt} S}}}) of 0.45 g PHB/g PHB substrate, and a productivity of 0.160 g/(L h).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing pineapple waste products from the canned pineapple industry as lignocellulosic feedstocks for PHB production. C. necator strain A-04 was able to grow on various sugars and tolerate levulinic acid and 5-hydroxymethyl furfural, and a detoxification step was not required prior to the conversion of cellulose hydrolysate to PHB. In addition to acid hydrolysis, CAE was identified as a potential carbon source and offers a novel method for the low-cost production of PHB from a realistic lignocellulosic biomass feedstock.

PEMBUATAN DAN KARAKTERISASI METIL SELULOSA DARI BONGGOL DAN KULIT NANAS (Ananas comosus)

[MAKING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CELLULOSE METHOD OF BONGGOL AND LEATHER LEATHER (Ananas comosus)] Wastes of core and peel of pineapple are often not utilized properly, in fact the waste has nutritional content that can be useful. Carbohydrate content in the waste is large enough and allows to be utilized. The purpose of this research is for converting glucose into cellulose and synthesized into methylcellulose. The first stage is glucose from core and peel of pineapple converted into microbial cellulose with Acetobacter xylinum bacteria with the addition of nitrogen and carbon sources. The second stage is synthesis of methylcellulose with methylene chloride and the solvent aquadest/acetone. The dried microbial cellulose was firstly swelled with NaOH addition, then methylation by addition of solvent and methylene chloride and then refluxed at 50-60. Then methyl cellulose neutralized, washed and dried at 50.The FTIR results showed typical cellulose uptake for cellulose microbial pineapple core at wave number 3377.36 cm-1 for OH bonds and 2935.66 cm-1 for CH bonds and in cellulose microbialpineapple peel at wave number 3377.36 cm-1 for OH bonds and 2935.66 cm-1 for the CH bonds. The ratio OH/CH of methyl cellulose-acetone has a smaller value in the core and peel of pineapple concluded that acetone is more efficient to use as a solvent at the methylation. The substitution value of the core and peel of pineapple skin is estimated to below based on the solubility test results.

Extraction and identification of endopeptidases in convection dried papaya and pineapple residues: A methodological approach for application to higher scale

The use of agro-industrial waste for application in the obtention of products with high added value has become a trend in recent years, especially in tropical countries whose main economic sector is agricultural exports. In the present study, an applicable method to food industry of extracting proteolytic enzymes from dryed papaya and pineapple residues by convection was developed. Different to other scientific reports the heat treatment at 40 °C of waste residues, to reach 20% moisture, allowed an increase in total soluble protein content and did not alter the proteolytic activity of the extracts when phosphate buffer pH 7.0 was used as solvent. In the residues evaluated as candidates for the extraction of endopeptidases, we observed that green dried papaya peel and dried pineapple core, had higher activity values (914.34 ± 25.47 U/mg and 2152.36 ± 75.99 U/mg, respectively). These results, combined with one-dimensional electrophoresis and protein identification methods by MALDI TOF-TOF, showed the presence of signal peptides characteristic of papain, bromelain and other endopeptidases previously reported in extracts of fresh papaya and pineapple residues. These findings show that the drying of the residues by convection does not alter neither the activity nor the structure of the proteolytic enzymes. Finally, it is confirmed that the use of 20% ammonium sulfate as a precipitating agent allows to reach an efficiency of 74% in different work scales the use of purification and identification protocols in a more adaptable way, making them the most promising waste in Colombia, due to its potential for the production of bromelain on a larger scale.

In Vivo antiplatelet activity aggregation assay of bromelain fractionate by ethanol from extract pineapple core (Ananas comosus [l.] merr.)

Processed fruit from pineapple is one of largest commodities tropical fruit production in Indonesia and will bring the waste from the skin and core. This study aims to isolate bromelain from the pineapple core (Ananas comusus) are purified by fractionation using ethanol and continued by activity test as an antiplatelets agent by in vivo method using white mice male ddy type with acetosal as positive control. Fractionation of crude enzyme bromelain with ethanol produces highest specific activity on ethanol 30-60% fraction (fraction 2) 3.107 Unit/mg and the protein content 61.25 mg with the degree of purity of 155 times compared to crude enzyme. Antiplatelet aggregation tests from in vivo method shows that faction of bromelain with doses 70 μg/KgBW, 140 μg/KgBW, and 210 μg/KgBW can increase a meaningful bleeding time. The highest percentage of increase shown by the isolate at a dose of 210 μg/KgBW in the amount of 515.10 ± 182.23%, when compared to aspirin (231.20 ± 140.66), the value is relatively higher.

Stability Test of Partially Purified Bromelain from Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr) Core Extract in Artificial Stomach Fluid

This study aimed to isolate and purify bromelain from pineapple core (Ananascomosus (L.) Merr) accompanied by a stability test of its enzyme activity in artificial gastric juice. Purification steps start with fractionation by a precipitation method were carried out stepwise using several concentration of ammonium sulfate salt, followed by dialysis prosess and ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose column. Each step of purification produced an increasing specific activity in enzyme fraction, starting with crude extract, respectively: 0.276 U/mg; 14.591 U/mg; and 16.05 U/mg. Bromelain fraction with the highest level of purity was obtained in 50-80% ammonium sulphate fraction after dialyzed in the amount of 58.15 times compared to the crude extract. Further purification of the enzyme by DEAE-cellulose column produced bromelain which had a purity level 160-fold compared to crude enzyme. The result of bromelain stability test in artificial stomach juice by milk clotting units assay bromelain fraction have proteolytic activity in clotting milk substrate. Exposing bromelain fraction in artificial stomach juice which gave the highest core bromelain proteolytic activity was achieved at estimated volume of 0.4-0.5 mL. Exposure in a period of reaction time to artificial stomach juice that contained pepsin showed relatively stable proteolytic activity in the first 4 hours.

Screening of Acetic Acid Bacteria from Pineapple Waste for Bacterial Cellulose Production using Sago Liquid Waste

<p class="IsiAbstrakInggris"><span>Bacterial cellulose is a biopolymer </span><span lang="EN-GB">produced by fermentation process with the help of bacteria. It </span><span>has numerous applications in industrial sector with its characteristic as a biodegradable and nontoxic compound in nature. </span><span lang="EN-GB">The potential application of BC is limited by its production costs, because BC is produced from expensive culture media. The use of cheap carbon and nutrient sources such as sago liquid waste is an interesting strategy to overcome this limitation. The objective of this study was to obtain the AAB strain that capable to produce bacterial cellulose from sago liquid waste. Isolation of AAB strains was conducted using CARR media and the screening of BC production was performed on Hestrin-Schramm (HS) media with glucose as a carbon source. The strains of AAB then were evaluated for their cellulose-producing capability using sago liquid waste as a substrate. Thirteen strains of AAB producing BC were isolated from pineapple waste (pineapple core and peel) and seven of them were capable to produce BC using sago liquid waste substrate. One of the AAB strains produced a relatively high BC, i.e. isolate LKN6. The result of morphological and biochemical test was proven that the bacteria was </span><em><span>Acetobacter xylinum</span></em><span lang="EN-GB">. The result of this study showed that </span><em><span>A. xylinum </span></em><span lang="EN-GB">LKN6 can produce a high yield of BC, therefore this strain is potentially useful for its utilization as a starter in bacterial cellulose production. </span></p>

Producción de Hidrógeno a partir de la fermentación de residuos agroindustriales de la piña

<p>Se estudió la generación de hidrógeno a partir de la fermentación anaeróbica de residuos agroindustriales de corazón de piña utilizando como inóculo lodos pretratados provenientes de una planta de tratamiento de agua residual del tipo UASB. Mediante un diseño factorial 23, se determinaron los efectos de la concentración inicial de sustrato, del pH inicial del medio de fermentación y de la formulación de nutrientes, sobre el rendimiento en la producción de hidrógeno. Los mejores resultados se obtuvieron utilizando un pH inicial de 5,5, con una concentración inicial de sustrato de 5 (g de glucosa)/L y usando una formulación de nutrientes basada en magnesio, hierro, zinc y sodio. Posteriormente, utilizando las condiciones de operación anteriores, se realizó un escalamiento de la fermentación en un bioreactor de 5 L y se alcanzó un rendimiento máximo en la producción de hidrógeno de 1,541 (mol H2)/(mol glucosa). Este rendimiento es comparable con datos reportados en la literatura cuando se ha usado glucosa como sustrato. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que los residuos de corazón de piña podrían ser utilizados como una fuente renovable para la producción de hidrógeno.</p>

Antibacterial Potentiality Testing of Pineapple Core Extract (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr) Against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with Vancomycin Control

Staphylococcus aureus is one of major pathogens causing serious infection. Penicillin antibiotic is one of therapies against Staphylococcus infection. However, inadequate and irrational use of antibiotic causes resistance and emerges incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Herbal medicine from pineapple core extract is hopefully can reduce the incidence of antibiotics resistance. This research was conducted to investigate the antibacterial activity of pineapple core extract against MRSA. This research is true experimental with post-test controlled group design. Pineapple core was extracted by maceration method. Ethanol extract of pineapple core is dissolved with sterilized water and obtained concentration of 750, 500, 250, 187.5, 125, and 62.5 mg/ml. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by broth dilution test with five replications. Vancomycin was used as control group. MIC was observed visually by comparing turbidity of solutions after incubation at 37 o C for 24 hours. Then these solutions were cultured on nutrient agar plates at 37 o C for 24 hours. MBC was observed visually by inspecting the presence of bacterial colonies growth. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) could not be determined due to no turbidity changes. Vancomycin cannot be used for determining MIC. Cultures on nutrient agar plates had no colonies growth in concentrations of 750 and 500 mg/ml. Thus, the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) was 500 mg/ml. Pineapple core extract contains bromelain, flavonoid, saponin, and tanin, which have antibacterial effect. In summary, pineapple core extract has antibacterial effect against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with MBC of 500 mg/ml.

Treatment of Oily Waste Using Activated Carbon from Agriculture Waste

Malaysia is one of the main crude oil exporters among countries in Association of South East Asian Nations, ASEAN. Therefore, oil is widely used in many sectors, especially in transportation sectors, and it will produce a lot of oil-based waste that will harm environment. Activated carbon can help to treat this waste by using the permeable reactive barrier (PRB) concept. At the same time, Malaysia is also an agricultural based country which produces a massive amount of agricultural waste. In this study, sugarcane bagasse, corn cob and pineapple's core is chosen to produce activated carbon by using furnace heating processing and microwave processing.

Macerated-Pineapple Core Crude Extract-derived Bromelain Has Low Cytotoxic Effect in NIH-3T3 Fibroblast

BACKGROUND: Bromelain is a sulfhydryl proteolytic enzyme that can hydrolyze protein, protease or peptide. Bromelain can be found in pineapple stem, fruit and core. Bromelain is composed of 212 amino acid residues with cysteine-25 forming a polypeptide chain that can hydrolyze peptide bonds by H2O. In medicine, bromelain has been developed as antibiotic, cancer drug, anti-inflammatory agent and immunomodulator. In dentistry, bromelain has potential to reduce plaque formation on the teeth and to irrigate root canal.METHODS: Pineapple core was dried for 3 days to get simplicia. Then simplicia was extracted with water solvent for 24 hours. After that, the macerated-pineapple core crude extract-derived bromelain (PCB) was separated by Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) followed by Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB) staining to ensure the presence of bromelain. In cytotoxic test, NIH-3T3 fibroblast cultures were treated with extracts in various concentrations to for 24 or 48 hours. Number of fibroblasts was calculated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2- yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.RESULTS: Pineapple core extraction using maceration method produced relative high yield (concentration: 1.5424 g/mL) of bromelain, which was confirmed by CBB staining results with the molecular weight of 33 kDa. Based on cytotoxic test results of PCB on NIH-3T3 fibroblasts, 24-hours-incubation LD50 was 95.7 g/L, while 48-hours-incubation LD50 was 51.1 g/L.CONCLUSION: PCB has low cytotoxic effect in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts.KEYWORDS: bromelain, pineapple, extract, cytotoxic, MTT

The effect of pineapple core fiber on dough rheology and the quality of mantou

The consumption of dietary fiber offers the health benefit of lowering the risk of many chronic diseases. Pineapple core fiber (PCF) in this study was extracted and incorporated into dough and mantou (i.e., steamed bread). The effects of PCF substitution and fiber size on textural and rheological properties of dough and mantou were evaluated by a texture analyzer. The substitution of wheat flour by PCF resulted in a stiffer and less extensible dough with or without fermentation. The hardness and gumminess of mantou significantly increased as the PCF substitution increased from 0% to 15%, but the cohesiveness, specific volume, and elasticity significantly decreased with the fiber substitution. Ten percent PCF-enriched dough and mantou with various fiber sizes had similar rheological and textural properties, except for the k1 and k2 values. By sensory evaluation, 5% PCF-enriched mantou and the control bread had better acceptability in texture, color, odor, and overall acceptability, compared to mantous enriched with 10% or 15% PCF. Significant correlations existed between the rheological properties of dough and textural parameters of mantou and between the sensory quality and textural parameters of mantou. Therefore, we suggest that fiber-enriched mantou can be prepared with 5% PCF substitution to increase the intake of dietary fiber and maintain the quality of mantou.

Efficacy of reverse micellar extracted fruit bromelain in meat tenderization.

Reverse micellar extraction (RME) was used for the separation and purification of bromelain from pineapple core and efficacy of RME purified bromelain (RMEB) in tenderization of beef meat was compared with that of commercial stem bromelain (CSB). RME resulted in reasonably high bromelain activity recovery (85.0%) and purification fold (4.0). Reduction in meat toughness was higher in RMEB treated meat (52.1%) compared to raw (control) and CSB treated (26.7%). Significant increase in water holding capacity (WHC) was observed in RMEB treated meat (91.1%) as against CSB treated (55.6%) and control (56.6%). No change in cooking loss was observed in RMEB treated meat, whereas the loss increased by nearly 14.0% in case of CSB treated. While the meat color was retained, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) soluble protein content increased due to hydrolysis of protein in RMEB treated meat. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that RMEB treatment completely ruptures myofibril tissues, indicating a higher degree of tenderization.

Potential Use of Biofibers for Functional Immobilization of <i>Lactobacillus rhamnosus</i> NRRL 442

The present study aimed to characterize the agricultural residues of sugarcane bagasse {SB} and pineapple core {PC} for the use in immobilization of Lactobacillus rhamnosus NRRL 442. Using Standard Official Methods, SB and PC were found to contain approximately equal amount of nutrition content. The nutrition contents found include: 2.7-2.8 % of protein, 9.8-10 % of crude fiber, and 0.3-0.5 % of fat. On the other hand, SB demonstrated relatively higher solution holding capacity of 9.42 ± 2.3 g/g dry size sample than that of 6.04 ± 2.1 g/g dry size sample in PC. Under screening electron microscope, the fiber of SB has a flat and even surface; in contrast, the fiber of PC has a rough and overlapping surface which may promote the attachment or cell holding capacity during the immobilization process. However, the viability tests after cells immobilization have shown that SB provided higher cell survivability of 93.6 % than that of 64.1% in PC. These result highlighted the greater role of solution holding capacity of cellulose in ensuring a better cell survivability after immobilization process. As conclusion, this study showed the near future potentiality of SB and PC as immobilization carriers for Lactobacillus rhamnosus NRRL 442. It may substitutes proportionally of raw materials and be functional feed for ruminant.

Extraction of bromelain from pineapple core and purification by RME and precipitation methods

Demand for bromelain is increasing because of its application in various fields like medical, food and cosmetics. While bromelain extracted from pineapple stem is commercially known, presence of bromelain is reported also in core, peel and crown of pineapple fruit. Core, which is slightly harder in texture, is one of the major wastes generated (15% of the fruit) by the pineapple processing industry. The present work mainly focuses on optimization of conditions for extraction of bromelain from pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) core and purification of bromelain by reverse micellar extraction (RME) and precipitation techniques. Extraction conditions like type of buffer, pH, temperature and strength of buffer on bromelain activity and protein content were standardized. Storage stability study of the extract under refrigerated condition (5–8°C) showed decrease in bromelain activity with duration. Mineral analysis of extract showed the presence of calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium in the extract. RME, one of the promising liquid–liquid extraction techniques was employed for the primary purification of bromelain from pineapple core. Selective separation of bromelain (excluding polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD)) with 3.96-fold purification and activity recovery of 78.90% was achieved with this method. Acetone and ammonium salt precipitation methods resulted in 4.90 and 3.07-fold purification under optimized conditions. The studies indicate that extraction followed by RME or precipitation method could be employed for separation and purification of bromelain from extract obtained from pineapple core.

Browning inhibition in fresh-cut rose apple fruit cv. Taaptimjaan using konjac glucomannan coating incorporated with pineapple fruit extract

The effects of an edible coating, based on konjac glucomann incorporated with pineapple fruit extract, on browning inhibition of fresh-cut Taaptimjaan rose apple fruit during storage were investigated. The fresh-cut fruit were treated with pineapple peel, pulp or core extract at the concentrations of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 or 1:5 (pineapple extract:distilled water ratio). The lowest browning score was found in fruit treated with pineapple core extract at the concentration of 1:1. Thus, the pineapple core extract (PE) was selected to determine the effects of konjac glucomannan coating incorporated with pineapple extract on browning inhibition of the fresh-cut rose fruit during refrigerated storage. Both konjac glucomannan coating (KG) and the konjac glucomannan coating incorporated with pineapple core extract (KG+PE) were effective in reducing weight loss during storage. The konjac glucomannan coating incorporated with pineapple core extract was also effective in maintaining the whiteness of the fresh-cut fruit during storage by retarding browning, enhancing total phenols and inhibiting both PPO and POD activities.

Separation and Purification of Bromelain by Reverse Micellar Extraction Coupled Ultrafiltration and Comparative Studies with Other Methods

Reverse micellar extraction (RME) is a promising liquid-liquid extraction technique for downstream processing of biomolecules from dilute solutions. An integrated approach of coupling RME with ultrafiltration is attempted to improve the overall efficiency of extraction and purification of bromelain from aqueous extract of pineapple core. The performance of RME is compared with aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE), another potential liquid-liquid extraction technique and conventional ammonium sulphate precipitation technique. The reverse micellar system of cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide/isooctane/hexanol/butanol used for RME resulted in an activity recovery of 95.8% and purification of 5.9-fold. The purification of bromelain increased to 8.9-fold after ultrafiltration. Alteration of aqueous phase pH during RME facilitated the differential partitioning of bromelain and polyphenoloxidase. Comparison of RME results with ATPE (activity recovery of 93.1% and purification of 3.2-fold) and the conventional ammonium sulphate precipitation (activity recovery of 82.1% and purification of 2.5-fold) indicated the improved performance of RME.

Use of reverse micellar systems for the extraction and purification of bromelain from pineapple wastes

Reverse micellar systems of CTAB/isooctane/hexanol/butanol and AOT/isooctane are used for the extraction and primary purification of bromelain from crude aqueous extract of pineapple wastes (core, peel, crown and extended stem). The effect of forward as well as back extraction process parameters on the extraction efficiency, activity recovery and purification fold is studied in detail for the pineapple core extract. The optimized conditions for the extraction from core resulted in forward and back extraction efficiencies of 45% and 62%, respectively, using reverse micellar system of cationic surfactant CTAB. A fairly good activity recovery (106%) and purification (5.2-fold) of bromelain is obtained under these conditions. Reverse micellar extraction from peel, extended stem and crown using CTAB system resulted in purification folds of 2.1, 3.5, and 1.7, respectively. Extraction from extended stem using anionic surfactant AOT in isooctane did not yield good results under the operating conditions employed.

Disease Regression in Malignant Melanoma: Spontaneous Resolution or a Result of Treatment With Antioxidants, Green Tea, and Pineapple Cores? A Case Report

Malignant melanoma is a rare cancer with an incidence of 3% in the United Kingdom. It has been previously reported to undergo spontaneous remission. The incidence of metastatic melanoma with a completely regressed or unknown primary cutaneous lesion is estimated at 3% to 15%; regression of metastases is very rare. We describe a case of a 47-year-old woman who was diagnosed with stage III malignant melanoma in March 2004. The initial lesion measured 2.5 cm in diameter, was pigmented, and was situated in the left posterior angle of the neck. The excision biopsy confirmed malignant melanoma Breslow thickness 1.75 mm, Clark level IV with vertical and lateral spread, pT2a. Following excision biopsy, the patient had a wide local excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy. The wide local excision showed no residual melanoma cells, but there were melanoma cells in 1 of the 2 sentinel lymph nodes found. She therefore proceeded to left radical neck dissection and nodal clearance. None of the 26 lymph nodes excised showed melanoma cells. The staging computed tomography (CT) scan at the time did not show any evidence of distant metastases, and the final American Joint Committee on Cancer staging was IIIA. Sixteen months later, she gave a history of nausea for several weeks and weight loss of 7 lb. Although the symptoms were settling, a CT scan was arranged, which showed metastatic disease in the lungs and liver. Initially, no treatment was instigated, and the plan was to repeat CT in 2 months. The patient, who was obviously very upset at the diagnosis, decided to change her diet by adding antioxidants in the form of Nutriedge supplement (Genesis Enterprise); green tea, 2 to 3 cups per day on the advice of her brother, who is a physician in Australia; and pineapples, 2 per week, including the minced fruit cores. Nutriedge formula contains a combination of antioxidants available over the counter, mainly αand β-carotene, vitamin C, selenium, and vitamin E. The patient maintained an active lifestyle with regular exercise as well as the nutritional supplements mentioned above. The CT scan, repeated as planned, showed almost complete resolution of lung and liver metastases (see Figures 1 and 2). Spontaneous regression of cancer is rare, and the evidence is often anecdotal. The stories of cancer resolution as a result of lifestyle change or alternative therapy are even more infrequent and should be regarded with caution. Melanoma, on the other hand, is one of the rare tumors for which spontaneous regression is not unheard of. King et al reviewed the literature and described one such case in 2001. The literature suggests that the regression is more likely to occur if there is some nonspecific event such as local infection, autoimmune illness, transfusion reaction, a biopsy, or incomplete excision. Such behavior would suggest a correlation with an immune system response, although the mechanism itself is poorly understood. It is likely to be T-lymphocyte driven following recognition of a tumor antigen presented de novo to the immune system. In the case of our patient, there is no specific event other than a lifestyle change and a healthy diet as well as an increased intake of the antioxidants, green tea, and pineapples, including the fruit cores. The evidence for use of antioxidants in cancer is extensive; however, the data remain confusing. Green tea, for example, acts via the active compounds, mainly catechins, and causes inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor–induced angiogenesis. A large Japanese study from 1986 showed a delayed cancer onset in