Papain

Related Terms

Actinidin, aleurain, bromelain, Carica papaya, caricain, cathepsin B, cathepsin C, cathepsin H, cathepsin K, cathepsin L, cathepsin S, chymopapain, ficin, human cysteine proteases, meat tenderizer, papain-like enzyme, papaya, papaya enzyme, proteolytic enzymes.
Combination product examples: Prosta-Q (quercetin, saw palmetto, cranberry, bromelain, papain, zinc), Wobenzym? (pancreatin, bromelain, papain, lipase, amylase, trypsin, alpha chymotrypsin, rutin).

Background

Papain is an enzyme (a molecule that speeds up a chemical reaction) found in the latex produced by the fruit of the papaya plant (Carica papaya). The release of this enzyme-rich latex may be part of the plant's defense mechanism and aids in cleaning and sealing the damaged areas of the plant.
In some parts of Africa, papain is used to treat burn wounds, especially in children, and to stimulate healing. In standard Western medical care, papain-containing agents are commonly used to remove dead tissue from burns and many types of wounds and skin ulcers. Traditionally, papain has also been used as digestive aid. Today, papain remains a popular after-meal supplement.
Allergic sensitivity to papain may cause symptoms ranging from itchiness to abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and excessive sweating. Papain is used as a meat tenderizer and in processing beer, so symptoms may occur after ingestion of foods seemingly unrelated to papain.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Research suggests that a combination product containing papain may speed muscle recovery and reduce soreness in runners. Additional research on the effects of papain alone is needed.

 C


Research suggests that a combination product containing papain may speed muscle recovery and reduce soreness in runners. Additional research on the effects of papain alone is needed.

 C


Papain may be useful in the treatment of phytobezoars (masses of partially digested or undigested plant material in the gastrointestinal tract). Papain treatment may also damage the esophagus and stomach. More research is needed to determine if papain can be useful while avoiding these adverse effects.

 C


Papain may be useful in the treatment of phytobezoars (masses of partially digested or undigested plant material in the gastrointestinal tract). Papain treatment may also damage the esophagus and stomach. More research is needed to determine if papain can be useful while avoiding these adverse effects.

 C


Limited research has investigated the treatment of jellyfish stings with papain. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research has investigated the treatment of jellyfish stings with papain. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Research suggests that papain may be useful in the treatment of lung abscesses when used together with other therapies. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Research suggests that papain may be useful in the treatment of lung abscesses when used together with other therapies. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research on the use of papain to reduce the negative side effects of radiation therapy has shown mixed results. Additional research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Limited research on the use of papain to reduce the negative side effects of radiation therapy has shown mixed results. Additional research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Papain and other enzymes have been used to prevent postoperative adhesions. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Papain and other enzymes have been used to prevent postoperative adhesions. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research suggests that papain and other protein-digesting enzymes may reduce pain and inflammation in rheumatic disorders.

 C


Limited research suggests that papain and other protein-digesting enzymes may reduce pain and inflammation in rheumatic disorders.

 C


Papain has shown some benefits in reducing scaling of xerotic (excessively dry) skin. More high-quality studies are needed in this area before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Papain has shown some benefits in reducing scaling of xerotic (excessively dry) skin. More high-quality studies are needed in this area before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Papain has shown some benefits in reducing the symptoms of pharyngitis and tonsillitis. More high-quality studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Papain has shown some benefits in reducing the symptoms of pharyngitis and tonsillitis. More high-quality studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Studies suggest that papain may be very useful for removing dead tissue from wounds and stimulating healing. More high-quality research is needed in this area.

 C


Studies suggest that papain may be very useful for removing dead tissue from wounds and stimulating healing. More high-quality research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research exploring the treatment of fire ant bites with papain found a lack of benefit. Additional research is needed in this area.

 D


Limited research exploring the treatment of fire ant bites with papain found a lack of benefit. Additional research is needed in this area.

 D
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for papain in adults.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Papain may further increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. The combination product Wobenzym?, which contains papain, may have been contaminated with the anticoagulant warfarin (Coumadin?) and may also further increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Papain may also interact with agents that affect the immune system, agents used to treat diarrhea, agents used to treat ulcers, dry skin treatments, or hormonal agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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