8 Proven Benefits of Papain

Last Updated on June 1, 2018 by Marc Seward

Have you considered what papain, an enzyme extracted from papaya, can do for you? Scientific studies have found that papain, much like the bromelain found in pineapple, can aid the body in digestion as well as provide a plethora of other health benefits.

Due to its ability to break down difficult proteins in food, particularly meat, and its ability to dissolve toxins, this powerful enzyme has many uses.

What is Papain?

Papain is an enzyme wich is extracted from the raw fruit and the leaf of the papaya fruit and plant. Proteolytic enzymes like papain help break down amino acids into smaller proteins. This is the reason that papain is often used in the kitchen to make meat more tender.

If you want to incorporate papain into your diet, you can do so by consuming raw papaya fruit. However, you can also buy it in supplementary capsule or chewable forms as well as in topical form. Papain is available in supplements on its own or combined with bromelain and other similar enzymes.

Papain has been used as a traditional remedy for various conditions including digestive complaints, pain, wound treatment and to reduce inflammation. It is currently under the microscope and being studied for its potential to treat a range of conditions including cancer.

How Does Papain Work?

Papain is an effective digestive enzyme because it reduces larger pieces of protein into much smaller pieces of protein. This papaya enzyme is also effective in breaking down peptides into the most miniscule amino acids by dismantling the bonds in the protein chain.

Who May Benefit From Papain?

Almost anyone can find a use for papain. However, those with an enzyme deficiency or who suffer from a low hydrochloric acid discharge in the stomach may find that taking the papaya enzyme helpful in digesting food, especially protein rich food like meat.

As people age, they tend to have a decreased output of hydrochloric acid, making digestion more difficult. Taking papain may help make digestion a little bit easier for people as they age.

Health Benefits of Papain

Papain is not just a helpful digestive aid; it also has other far-reaching benefits as well. So what is papain enzyme good for?

Aids in Digestion

As mentioned above, papain’s main benefit is acting like a natural digestive enzyme and breaking down food, particularly protein.

Research at the University of Michigan has shown that the papaya enzyme enhances the digestion process. This enzyme actively boosts the digestion process in the intestines and in the pancreas.

Papain may also help to ease common digestive complaints like bloating and constipation. According to a study published in 2013, a preparation made with papaya extract called Caricol helped significantly relieve bloating and constipation in patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction. (1)

Caricol which was used in the study is available online. You should add a packet to a glass of juice or water and drink it before your 3 daily meals.

Prostate Inflammation

Studies have found that taking a papain supplement may help to reduce inflammation or swelling within the prostate gland.

Although more thorough scientific research needs to be conducted, one study at the University of Maryland Medical Center found that when papain is taken in conjunction with other supplemental anti-inflammatories, the body produces natural anti-inflammatory agents to help quell inflammatory conditions such as prostatitis.

Pain and Inflammation

An article published in Nutrition Review tells us that research has demonstrated that proteolytic enzymes like papain can effectively reduce inflammation. In fact, according to the article, there is evidence that they can work equally as well or even better than common prescription anti-inflammatory medications. (2)

Promotes Healing of Wounds

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center papain is an effective natural treatment for wounds after surgical procedures as well as burns, bedsores, and skin ulcers.

It is suggested that the best way to use a papain infused lotion is to apply it to wounds already in the healing process and should not be applied to open wounds.

Research has shown that papain is also a great natural way to treat skin irritations and burns.

One animal study published in 2010 found that a wound cleanser made with papain helped to speed up the healing of wounds in rats. (3) A systematic review published in 2012 concluded that papain was both a safe and highly effective method of treating various wounds at different stages of healing. (4)

Muscle Pain and Recovery

There is evidence that papain supplements can help ease muscle aches and pain. One study published in 2004 looked at the effects of papain on muscle pain in male athletes following a period of intense exercise. In the study, the volunteers were wither given a supplement containing papain and other protease enzymes.

The researchers found that the group given the enzyme supplement experienced more effective muscle recovery as well as a reduction in muscle pain compared with the group who took the placebo. (5)

Papain for Shingles

There is also evidence that proteolytic enzymes like papain could help with many of the symptoms of shingles including pain, neuralgia and skin lesions.

According to a study published in 1995 involving 192 patients with shingles, a preparation made with proteolytic enzymes was an effective and safe remedy for the symptoms of shingles. In fact, the researchers found the enzyme treatment to be just as effective as a commonly prescribed antiviral called acyclovir. (6)

Boosts Immune System

One study found that papain is a good way to boost the immune system while going through cancer treatment. Research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering determined that enzymes like papain alter leukocytes in the immune system.

Antioxidants

Papain is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from disease even some forms of cancer. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals and help to reverse cellular damage done by these roaming toxins.

Sore Throat

Taking papain orally along with other treatments may help to reduce painful swelling in a sore throat. According to research, it can help relieve many symptoms of sore throat including pain, swelling and redness.

An old piece research involving 100 people with tonsillitis or pharyngitis found that throat lozenges containing papain and some other ingredients helped to relieve the symptoms. (7)

Unfortunately, this is the only research we have and more recent studies are lacking. Nevertheless, it may be worth chewing on a papain lozenge when you first develop a sore throat.

Some Considerations and Potential Side Effects

Before taking papain, some factors should be taken into consideration. Consult a physician before taking papain.

What are the side effects of papaya enzymes?

Taking papain in large doses may be unsafe. Taking the papaya enzyme in large doses may result in severe throat damage.
Applying papain directly to irritated skin may lead to blisters and further irritation.
Some people may experience an allergic reaction taking papain. Consult your physician to determine if taking papain is safe for you.
Those allergic to kiwi fruit may also be allergic to papain.
There is currently not enough evidence to suggest if taking papain while pregnant or breastfeeding is safe. It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid taking this enzyme while pregnant or nursing.
Those with bleeding disorders should stay away from papain as it may increase clotting disorders.
Stop taking papain two weeks prior to surgery as it may increase the potential for bleeding during surgery.

(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23524622
(2) https://nutritionreview.org/2013/04/controlling-inflammation-proteolytic-enzymes/
(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21061910
(4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23405827
(5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15161110
(6) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7713467
(7) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/789219

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