Papain is a natural digestive enzyme derived from the papaya. Although more research is needed, treatment with papain supplements may be beneficial for people who have difficulty digesting proteins or have chronic pain caused by injury or osteoarthritis. Despite these purported health benefits, papain supplements are not safe for everyone to use. Discuss the safety of papain supplements with your physician before taking this digestive enzyme.
Mild Side Effects
Treatment with papain supplements is generally regarded as safe when you use this natural enzyme as directed. However, mild side effects may occur, including throat and stomach irritation. You may feel nauseated or develop loose stools. Touching raw papain may cause skin blistering or irritation. Although these side effects are normally temporary, seek care from your doctor if these mild side effects become severe or persistent.
Severe Side Effects
As a proteolytic enzyme, papain metabolizes or breaks down proteins in your body. Your skin, tissues and organs are all partly composed of protein. For this reason, taking more than your recommended dosage of papain may cause severe tissue damage -- particularly along your throat or digestive tract. This type of severe side effects occurs rarely and is usually associated with long-term treatment with high doses of papain. If you develop severe throat of gastrointestinal problems, such as difficulty swallowing, severe throat pain or bloody stools, contact your doctor as soon as possible for further evaluation and care.
Medication Interactions
If you're taking certain medications, treatment with papain supplements may not be appropriate. Avoid taking papain in conjunction with blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and warfarin, without first talking with your physician, warn health professionals with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Contraindications
Do not take papain supplements if you're allergic to fig or kiwifruit because you may be at an increased risk of developing a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. People who have a bleeding disorder should also avoid taking papain. In addition, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn't take papain supplements because the safety of therapeutic doses of this proteolytic enzyme during pregnancy is not known.
Member Comments