Pineapple Peel (Ananas Comosus L. Merr) Can be Used as Non- Pharmacological Treatment for Hypertension

Abstract

One of the causes of hypertension is reduction of intracellular potassium concentrations in the body. Increased potassium intake could be done by consuming vegetables and fruits that are rich in potassium. Vegetable and fruit consumption is one of the nonpharmacological treatment methods needed for hypertensive patients. Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) is one of the superior fruits in West Kalimantan which expected to have a high content of potassium. The purpose of this study was to determining potassium levels from various parts of pineapple fruit (peel, flesh, and core). Potassium content in pineapple’s peel, flesh, and core carried out by means of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) consisting of: sample preparation with dry destruction method (process of furnace sample removal at 5500C) and potassium content analysis. The results showed that potassium levels in pineapple peel were 938.48 mg / kg. The potassium content is greater than flesh and core which are 485.28 mg / kg and 12.98 mg / kg, respectively. The conclusion to this study is that the peel contain more potassium than flesh and core. Pineapple peel has the potential to being used as a nonpharmacological treatment in the form of processed food and instant drinks.