Papain: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Papain is an enzyme found in the white fluid (latex) that occurs in raw papaya fruit. It is a protease, meaning it breaks down proteins.

Papain contains substances that might help fight infection and heal wounds.

People use papain for dental cavities, shingles, parasite infections, jellyfish stings, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse papain with papaya or American pawpaw. These are not the same. Also don't confuse papain with other proteolytic enzymes (proteases).

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Papain overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Papain is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when taken as medicine in doses up to 1200 mg daily for up to 9 weeks. But taking very large amounts of papain is possibly unsafe. Very large doses might cause severe throat and stomach damage.

When applied to the skin: A solution of papain is possibly safe when used for up to 20 minutes. But applying raw papain or raw papaya fruit to the skin is possibly unsafe. Skin contact with raw papain can cause irritation and skin blisters.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy: Taking papain by mouth during pregnancy is possibly unsafe. It might cause birth defects or miscarriage.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if papain is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Allergy to fig or kiwi fruit: People who are allergic to fig and kiwi might also be allergic to papain.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with Papain
Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Papain might increase the effects of warfarin and increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.

Dosing

Papain has most often been used by adults in combination with other ingredients at a dose of 1200 mg by mouth daily for up to 10 weeks. It's also been applied to the skin in a solution. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

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