Papaya enzyme is a proteolytic enzyme, known as papain or C. papaya, and is cultivated from the papaya fruit. Papaya enzyme is available as a dietary supplement and you can find it at local health food or grocery stores. Papaya enzyme is not a substitute for medical treatment; consult with your health care provider to discuss its potential risks.
Definition
Papain is the digestive enzyme extracted from an unripe papaya. The enzyme is what you will find in dietary supplements, and the latex byproduct you find in some chewing gums. The papaya fruit is native to Central America and primarily produced in the United States, Mexico and Puerto Rico, according to WHFoods.org.
Uses
According to Drugs.com, papain is popular in folk medicine for the treatment of digestive disorders and intestinal parasitic worms. In addition, the enzyme is an ingredient in some facial creams you use to soften skin. Or, it is sold commercially as a meat tenderizer.
In Western medicine, papain applications act as a debridement agent to remove necrotic tissue from trauma wounds, burns and lesions, according to Natural Standard. However, few clinical studies support papain as a debridement agent, according to naturalstandard.com.
Side Effects
Papaya enzymes may cause allergic reactions in which you will experience an itchy palate, abdominal cramps, diarrhea or excessive sweating, according to Natural Standard. Other reported side effects include gastric ulcers, esophageal perforation--a hole in the esophagus, the tube that food passes through from the mouth to stomach--or an electrolyte imbalance.
Contraindications
You should avoid using papaya enzyme if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking blood thinner medication. In addition, if you are allergic to figs, kiwi fruit, or diagnosed with a bleeding disorder, refrain from using papain, according to RxList.
Considerations
Dr. Murray Grossan, a board certified otolaryngology and head and neck surgeon, cautions that when you purchase papaya tablets, pay special attention to the enzyme activity units, since the amount of enzymes can vary by manufacturer. Grossan recommends dissolving the enzyme tablet between the cheek and gum for good absorption, since your stomach acids inactivate the enzymes. (Reference 5)
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