Papain

Other Name(s):

Carica papaya, Concentré de Protéase Végétale, Papaina, Papaïne, Papainum Crudum, Pepsine Végétale, PlantProtease集中注意力,蛋白酶、蛋白酶、胃蛋白酶蔬菜。

Overview

Papain is taken from the fruit of the papaya tree. It is used to make medicine.

Papain is used for pain and swelling (inflammation) as well as fluid retention followingtraumaand surgery. It is used as a digestive aid and for treatingparasiticworms, inflammation of the throat andpharynx,shingles(herpes zoster) symptoms, ongoing diarrhea,hay fever,runny nose, and a skin condition calledpsoriasis. Papain is also used along with conventional treatments for tumors.

Some people apply papain directly to the skin to treat infected wounds, sores, and ulcers.

In manufacturing, papain is used in cosmetics, toothpaste, enzymatic soft contactlenscleaners, meat tenderizers, and meat products. It is also used for stabilizing and chill-proofing beer.

How does it work?

Papain contains substances called enzymes that help break down proteins.

SLIDESHOW

Shingles Rash Pictures, Symptoms, Vaccine FactsSee Slideshow

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for...

  • Herpes zoster (shingles). Taking papain by mouth might improve some symptoms of shingles.
  • Sore throat and throat swelling (pharyngitis). Taking papain by mouth, together with other treatments, might relievesore throatand swelling.

Possibly Ineffective for...

  • Insect bites. Some research shows that applying gauze soaked in a specific papain product (Adolph's meat tenderizer) to the skin for 20 minutes after a fire ant sting does not reduce pain or itching.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

  • Muscle soreness after exercise. Early research shows that taking a combination of product containing papain, bromelain, trypsin,amylase, lipase, lysosome, and chymotrypsin four times in one day before a downhill run can reduce muscle soreness.
  • Jellyfish stings. Early research suggests that dunking the area affected by a jellyfish sting into a solution containing papain (Aldolph's meat tenderizer, Aldolph's, Trumbull,CT) is less effective than hot water alone for decreasing the pain of a jellyfish sting.
  • Illness caused by radiation therapy. Some early research suggests that taking a specific product (wobe-Mugose E, MucosPharma, Geretsried, Germany), containing papain, trypsin, and chymotrypsin, daily beginning 7 days beforeradiation therapyand continuing for 9 weeks thereafter can reduce skin reactions and other side effects ofradiationtherapy. However, other research suggests that this same product does not reduce complications.
  • Wound healing. Early research suggests that applying a solution containing papain plus DMSO, followed by the use of ultrasound to increase the delivery of the two agents, might improve wound healing.
  • Digestion problems.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Hay fever.
  • Runny nose.
  • Psoriasis.
  • Cancer.
  • Treating infected wounds.
  • Sores.
  • Ulcers.
  • Intestinal worms.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of papain for these uses.

eff天然药物数据库综合利率ectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate(detailed description of each of the ratings).

Side Effects

Papain isLIKELY SAFEwhen taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. It isPOSSIBLY SAFEwhen taken by mouth in medicinal amounts and when applied the skin as a solution in appropriate amounts. It can cause irritation of the throat and stomach.

Taking large amounts of papain by mouth isPOSSIBLY UNSAFE. In excessive doses, papain can cause severe throat damage. Also, applying raw papain to the skin isPOSSIBLY UNSAFE. Skin contact with raw papain can cause irritation and blisters.

There have also been reports of severe allergic reactions.

IMAGES

See Images

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking papain by mouth during pregnancy isPOSSIBLY UNSAFE. There is a concern that it might cause birth defects or miscarriage. Not enough is known about the safety of using papain during breast-feeding. Do not use it if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Allergy to fig or kiwi fruit: One case report suggests that people who are allergic to fig and kiwi might also be allergic to papain.

Bleeding disorders: There is a concern that papain might increase the risk of bleeding in people with a clotting disorder.

Surgery: Papain might increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Stop taking papain 2 weeks before surgery.

Interactions


Warfarin (Coumadin)Interaction Rating:ModerateBe cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.

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

QUESTION

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.See Answer

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

  • For treating pain and swelling (inflammation) following an accident or surgery: 1500 mg (2520 FIP units) of papain per day.

FDA Logo

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit theFDA MedWatchwebsite or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References

Cygler, M. and Mort, J. S. Proregion structure of members of the papain superfamily. Mode of inhibition of enzymatic activity. Biochimie 1997;79(11):645-652. View abstract.

Dale, P. S., Tamhankar, C. P., George, D., and Daftary, G. V. Co-medication with hydrolytic enzymes in radiation therapy of uterine cervix: evidence of the reduction of acute side effects. Cancer Chemother.Pharmacol 2001;47 Suppl:S29-S34. View abstract.

El Kadi, K. N., Rawlings, A. V., Feinberg, C., Watkinson, A., Nunn, C. C., Battaglia, A., Chandar, P., Richardson, N., and Pocalyko, D. J. Broad specificity alkaline proteases efficiently reduce the visual scaling associated with soap-induced xerosis. Arch Dermatol.Res 2001;293(10):500-507. View abstract.

El Moussaoui, A., Nijs, M., Paul, C., Wintjens, R., Vincentelli, J., Azarkan, M., and Looze, Y. Revisiting the enzymes stored in the laticifers of Carica papaya in the context of their possible participation in the plant defence mechanism. Cell Mol.Life Sci. 2001;58(4):556-570. View abstract.

Glenn, J. Managing a traumatic wound in a geriatric patient. Ostomy.Wound.Manage. 2006;52(4):94-98. View abstract.

Hellebrekers, B. W., Trimbos-Kemper, T. C., Trimbos, J. B., Emeis, J. J., and Kooistra, T. Use of fibrinolytic agents in the prevention of postoperative adhesion formation. Fertil.Steril. 2000;74(2):203-212. View abstract.

Jedeszko, C. and Sloane, B. F. Cysteine cathepsins in human cancer. Biol Chem 2004;385(11):1017-1027. View abstract.

Leipner, J., Iten, F., and Saller, R. Therapy with proteolytic enzymes in rheumatic disorders. BioDrugs. 2001;15(12):779-789. View abstract.

Martin, T., Uhder, K., Kurek, R., Roeddiger, S., Schneider, L., Vogt, H. G., Heyd, R., and Zamboglou, N. Does prophylactic treatment with proteolytic enzymes reduce acute toxicity of adjuvant pelvic irradiation? Results of a double-blind randomized trial. Radiother.Oncol. 2002;65(1):17-22. View abstract.

Matinian, L. A., Nagapetian, KhO, Amirian, S. S., Mkrtchian, S. R., Mirzoian, V. S., and Voskanian, R. M. [Papain phonophoresis in the treatment of suppurative wounds and inflammatory processes]. Khirurgiia (Mosk) 1990;(9):74-76. View abstract.

Miller, P. C., Bailey, S. P., Barnes, M. E., Derr, S. J., and Hall, E. E. The effects of protease supplementation on skeletal muscle function and DOMS following downhill running. J Sports Sci 2004;22(4):365-372. View abstract.

Mort, J. S. and Buttle, D. J. Cathepsin B. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 1997;29(5):715-720. View abstract.

Nomura, J. T., Sato, R. L., Ahern, R. M., Snow, J. L., Kuwaye, T. T., and Yamamoto, L. G. A randomized paired comparison trial of cutaneous treatments for acute jellyfish (Carybdea alata) stings. Am J Emerg Med 2002;20(7):624-626. View abstract.

Pereira, A. L. and Bachion, M. M. [Wound treatment: scientific production analysis published in the Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem from 1970-2003]. Rev Bras Enferm. 2005;58(2):208-213. View abstract.

Perez-Jauregui, J., Escate-Cavero, A., Vega-Galina, J., Ruiz-Arguelles, G. J., and Macip-Nieto, G. [Probable coumarin poisoning upon ingestion of an anti-inflammatory agent]. Rev Invest Clin 1995;47(4):311-313. View abstract.

Pieper, B. and Caliri, M. H. Nontraditional wound care: A review of the evidence for the use of sugar, papaya/papain, and fatty acids. J.Wound.Ostomy.Continence.Nurs. 2003;30(4):175-183. View abstract.

Rawlings, N. D. and Barrett, A. J. Evolutionary families of peptidases. Biochem J 2-15-1993;290 ( Pt 1):205-218. View abstract.

Rawlings, N. D. and Barrett, A. J. Families of cysteine peptidases. Methods Enzymol. 1994;244:461-486. View abstract.

Ross, E. V., Jr., Badame, A. J., and Dale, S. E. Meat tenderizer in the acute treatment of imported fire ant stings. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1987;16(6):1189-1192. View abstract.

Starley, I. F., Mohammed, P., Schneider, G., and Bickler, S. W. The treatment of paediatric burns using topical papaya. Burns 1999;25(7):636-639. View abstract.

Taylor, S. L. and Hefle, S. L. Ingredient and labeling issues associated with allergenic foods. Allergy 2001;56 Suppl 67:64-69. View abstract.

Turk, B., Turk, V., and Turk, D. Structural and functional aspects of papain-like cysteine proteinases and their protein inhibitors. Biol.Chem. 1997;378(3-4):141-150. View abstract.

Udod, V. M., Kolos, A. I., and Gritsuliak, Z. N. [Treatment of patients with lung abscess by local administration of papain]. Vestn.Khir.Im I.I.Grek. 1989;142(3):24-27. View abstract.

van, Kampen, V, Merget, R., and Bruning, T. [Occupational allergies to papain]. Pneumologie 2005;59(6):405-410. View abstract.

Walker-Renard, P. Update on the medicinal management of phytobezoars. Am J Gastroenterol. 1993;88(10):1663-1666. View abstract.

Wuthrich, B. [Proteolytic enzymes: potential allergens for the skin and respiratory tract?]. Hautarzt 1985;36(3):123-125. View abstract.

Bienen H, Raus I. [Therapeutic comparison of throat lozenges; (author's transl)]. MMW Munch Med Wochenschr 1981;123:745-7. View abstract.

Billigmann P. [Enzyme therapy-an alternative in treatment of herpes zoster. A controlled study of 192 patients]. Fortschr Med 1995;113:43-8. View abstract.

Desser L, Rehberger A, Paukovits W. Proteolytic enzymes and amylase induce cytokine production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. Cancer Biother 1994;9:253-63. View abstract.

Diez-Gomez ML, Quirce S, Aragoneses E, Cuevas M. Asthma caused by Ficus benjamina latex: evidence of cross-reactivity with fig fruit and papain. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1998;80:24-30. View abstract.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182

Mansfield LE, Ting S, Haverly RW, Yoo TJ. The incidence and clinical implications of hypersensitivity to papain in an allergic population, confirmed by blinded oral challenge. Ann Allergy 1985;55:541-3. View abstract.

冈必不可少的微量元素对波的影响ne turnover-in relation to the osteoporosis. Nippon Rinsho 1996;54:148-54. View abstract.

Raus I. [Clinical studies on Frubienzyme in a controlled double-blind trial]. Fortschr Med 1976;94:1579-82. View abstract.

Reinecke M. [Treatment of inflammatory diseases of the mouth and throat with Larypront in ENT practice; (author's transl)]. MMW Munch Med Wochenschr 1976;118:1253-4. View abstract.

Shaw D, Leon C, Kolev S, Murray V. Traditional remedies and food supplements: a 5-year toxicological study (1991-1995). Drug Saf 1997;17:342-56. View abstract.

Shoskes DA, Zeitlin SI, Shahed A, Rajfer J. Quercetin in men with category III chronic prostatitis: A preliminary prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Urol 1999;54:960-3. View abstract.

Shuttleworth D, Hill S, Marks R, Connelly DM. Relief of experimentally induced pruritus with a novel eutectic mixture of local anaesthetic agents. Br J Dermatol 1988;119:535-40.

Valueva TA, Revina TA, Mosolov VV. Potato tuber protein proteinase inhibitors belonging to the Kunitz soybean inhibitor family. Biochemistry (Mosc) 1997;62:1367-74. View abstract.

Zavadova E, Desser L, Mohr T. Stimulation of reactive oxygen species production and cytotoxicity in human neutrophils in vitro and after oral administration of a polyenzyme preparation. Cancer Biother 1995;10:147-52. View abstract.

Health SolutionsFrom Our Sponsors