Papain

What Is Papain?

Did you know the papaya fruit (Carica papaya) is rich in vitamins A and C and is also excellent for digestion? Indeed, papayas are considered superfruits and true nutritional powerhouses. Unripened papaya also contains several unique proteolytic enzymes, including chymopapain A, chymopapain B, papaya peptidase A, and most notably, papain, the most widely studied digestive enzyme worldwide. 

Papain is found in the raw unripe papaya fruit's latex (white fluid). As a proteolytic enzyme, it breaks down the long chain-like molecules in proteins into shorter fragments (peptides) and then into individual amino acids that the body can readily use to power its multiple organs and systems. This action explains why papain is widely used in the food industry as a meat tenderizer to break down tough meat fibres. 

In supplement form, papain is commonly used as a digestive aid and anti-inflammatory agent. More tangibly, these supplements support wound healing, reduce inflammation, and treat all sorts of digestive disorders, including promoting protein digestion and improving digestive health. Papain is also fantastic for everyday gastrointestinal complaints such as constipation, diarrhea, and bloating, as well as for individuals with low stomach acid, to help them digest proteins.

Benefits of Papain

• Aids Digestion
• Downregulates Inflammation In Those With Inflammatory Conditions
• Promotes Wound Healing
• Reduces Pain & Swelling
• Relieves Constipation & Bloating

Who Needs Papain?

A quality papain supplement can be helpful for individuals who have difficulty digesting certain proteins or are looking for a natural way to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Indeed, papain is often recommended in acute and chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and other joint disorders, as well as to help treat trauma and injury. Several very compelling studies have shown that proteolytic enzymes can reduce inflammation as well as or better than some anti-inflammatory drugs. Just as interestingly, research has demonstrated that papain relieves a variety of different kinds of pain, including muscle pain, sore throat pain and pain associated with shingles.

Papain Supplements – Forms, Formats, and Potency

Papain supplements are available in many forms, from topical creams and ointments to chewable, gummies, and capsules. They come in a range of potencies; typically, the recommended dosage will fall between 25–100 mg daily. With this said it's always important to follow the dosing instructions on the product you select carefully.

Papain can be purchased as a stand alone supplement or in multiple combination enzyme blends alongside other enzymes, such as bromelain.

Final Thoughts

Papain supplements are generally considered safe and well-tolerated. Certain individuals, however, can experience side effects such as stomach aches. Taking especially high doses of this enzyme can cause throat irritation or damage, stomach irritation, and even esophageal perforation. 

People allergic to latex may also be allergic to papain, as the two share similar proteins. Indeed, those with a known allergy to kiwis and figs may also be allergic to papain. In these individuals, a reaction is possible with both oral use and topical application. 

If you have diabetes, hypoglycemia, or are taking blood thinning medication, speak to your health care provider before taking papain.

Back to Top ↑