The fruit, seeds and wood of the papaya tree yield a variety of powerful enzymes, including papain, chymopapain, glycyl endopeptidase, and caricain. According to Worthington Biochemical Corporation, papain has been studied much more extensively than other papaya enzymes because it is easily purified and stable at high temperatures. When used in food or taken as a nutritional supplement, papaya enzymes may offer several important health benefits. Consult your health care provider before using papaya enzymes, particularly if you have a medical condition or take medication.
Protein Digestion
Papain is commonly used as an ingredient in meat tenderizer because it helps to soften and digest meat. Enzymes in papaya help to break complex proteins into simpler amino acids, making it easier for the body to utilize them. Whether used in cooking or taken internally as a supplement, papaya enzymes can help to improve the digestion of high-protein foods such as meat, nuts and beans.
Inflammation Treatment
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, plant-based protease enzymes may help to treat inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The NIH grants a "B" rating-- meaning that there is "good scientific evidence"-- to the use of the pineapple-derived enzyme bromelain as a treatment for inflammation. While enzymes in papaya are likely to have similar effects, they have not been studied as extensively as their pineapple-sourced counterparts.
Sprains and Strains
The University of Michigan Health System reports that papain may treat pain associated with sprains, strains and other minor injuries. However, UMHS notes that there is little scientific support for this traditional use. Naturopaths may recommend taking papaya enzymes internally to treat these conditions; the enzymes can also be mixed into a hot-water soak for sore muscles.
Treatment for Stings
Meat tenderizer is a popular folk treatment for insect bites, bee stings and jellyfish stings. This may be effective because of the anti-inflammatory actions associated wtih papain and other papaya enzymes used to make meat tenderizer. This use has not been scientifically investigated.
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