Pineapples are the latest - and strangest - weapon to emerge in the global battle against superbugs which are predicted to kill up to 10 million people a year by 2050.

Australian scientists have discovered that a collection of enzymes found in the stems and roots of the tropical fruit can cure diarrhoea in piglets, reducing the reliance on antibiotics.

Biochemist Professor Rob Pike says enzymes found in pineapples can cure diarrhoea in piglets, reducing the reliance on antibiotics. Credit:Jason South

Being able to treat farmed piglets with a natural remedy for diarrhoea also takes antibiotics out of the human food chain.