Papain

Papain from the papaya tree is thought to help treat cancer. Avoid taking large quantities of papain by mouth as this can cause severe damage to the digestive tract.

Papain Overview

Reviewed: August 11, 2014
Updated: 

Papain, also called papaya enzyme, is a mixture of proteins isolated from the unripe fruit of the papaya tree.

When taken orally, papain is used most often for shingles, infection, and cancer. Topically, papain is used most often for wounds, burns, and warts.

Papain is thought to work to treat cancer by increasing the levels of the body’s natural tumor-fighting substances, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and interleukins 1 and 6 (IL-1 and IL-6).

A common side effect of topically applied papain is itching.

Orally, a common side effect of papain is stomach upset.

Papain Cautionary Labels

precautionsprecautions
  • Orally, papain is used most often for shingles, sore throat, inflammation of the sinuses, infection, cancer, toothache.
  • Topically, papain is used most often for wounds, burns, and warts.
  • Papain is also used as a meat tenderizer. 

Papain has not been proven effective for all of the uses listed above. Papain may be used for other conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Side Effects of Papain

Topically applied papain is associated with itching.

Orally, a common side effect of papain is stomach upset.

This is not a complete list of papain side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Papain Interactions

No drug interactions have been determined by the manufacturer. However, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all interactions are known or reported and new drug interactions are continually being reported.

Papain Precautions

Special precautions & warnings:

  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using papain if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying to become pregnant.
  • Allergic reactions may occur in those sensitive to fig and kiwi.
  • Taking large amounts of papain orally may cause stomach ulcers or perforation of the esophagus.
  • Consuming large quantities of papaya fruit may cause yellow discoloration of the hands and feet.