Papain. Benefits of the "Breadfruit"
You can find papain, or the enzyme papain, in the fruit of this plant or in a number of supplements. Papain not only improves digestion and reduces inflammation, but it can also help fight some infections and improve wound healing. In this article, you will learn more about the papain enzyme, its health benefits, dosages to take, and possible side effects.
Papain, what is it?
Papain is an enzyme that occurs naturally in papaya (*Carica papaya*). It is a protease enzyme that can break down proteins into amino acids, which helps with digestion.
Papain is used by plants to control insects because this enzyme causes significant degradation of myofibrillar and collagen proteins.
Papain is extracted from papaya latex, a milk-like liquid that oozes from the fruit, stem and leaves of the plant. The papaya fruit is the most rich in papain. The more immature the fruit, the more papain and the more active it is.
People have long known about the papain enzyme, using it to improve digestion and reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. Papain can reduce abdominal bloating, gas and diarrhea. It can also fight inflammation and bacterial infections, according to recent studies.
You can get the papain enzyme if you eat the papaya fruit, but you will need to eat a lot of these fruits, which must be unripe (green in color). However, you can also get papain, which is produced from papaya and is available on the market as a supplement or in preparations with different enzymes.
Because of its protein-destructive action, papain is also often used in industry as a meat softener.
Papain, the enzyme found in papayas, is not only beneficial for digestion and reducing inflammation but also has been known to help fight infections and improve wound healing. If you’re looking for high-quality natural papaya, look no further than “Ostrov chutí” (verified by EQO), a farm on the island of La Palma that grows its own papayas.
How does it work
In general, the papain enzyme (papain) digests proteins, releasing amino acids that the intestines can absorb. It also blocks the growth of harmful intestinal bacteria, maintaining a healthy microflora.
In addition, papain is involved in the detoxification of gliadin: a component of gluten that causes intestinal problems in people with celiac disease.
Papain is also an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It can neutralize excess free radicals or immune complexes that can accumulate and contribute to a number of chronic diseases.
Useful properties
Papain improves digestion
The enzyme papain improves digestion by breaking down proteins into amino acids, which helps the body absorb nutrients. It can therefore improve symptoms in people with a variety of digestive disorders.
- Celiac Disease. Papain breaks down the peptides of gliadin, which is part of gluten. Thus, this enzyme can potentially help people with celiac disease. In a recent study involving only 3 people with celiac disease, papain supplements improved nutrient absorption and reduced liquid and loose stools.
- Stomach upset and heartburn. In a clinical study involving 200 people with stomach upset, papain reduced inflammation in the stomach. Compared to placebo, it relieved symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, heartburn, belching, and bloating. (Study)
- Iritable bowel syndrome. In two clinical studies involving a total of more than 150 people with either dominant irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) or chronic inflammation of the stomach (gastritis), papain improved symptoms such as constipation, bloating, painful bowel movements, flatulence and abdominal pain, while reducing overall inflammation. (1), (2)
The papaya enzyme can also block the growth of harmful intestinal bacteria that cause irritable bowel syndrome and other stomach and intestinal disorders.
- Gastric ulcer. In general, evidence suggests that papain can help with digestive problems such as indigestion, IBS, and inflammation of the stomach. You should discuss with your doctor whether taking papain can help as a supplement to your treatment regimen. It is important to note that you are better off never using papain as a substitute for what your doctor recommends or prescribes.
May speed up wound healing when applied to the skin
In multiple clinical studies with a total of more than 350 people and 30 children, papain applied to the skin accelerated the healing of skin ulcers or burns. It reduced wound size, helped remove damaged skin tissue, accelerated wound closure, and reduced hospital stays. Papain worked better than collagenase, hydrogen peroxide dressing, or placebo. (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8)
In studies on cells, papain removed dead cells and tissues, stimulated wound healing, and reduced scar formation and inflammation when applied locally. In addition, it helped form new tissue and inhibited the development of bacterial infection. (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16)
Able to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation
In 3 clinical studies involving more than 250 people, papain enzyme reduced intestinal and stomach inflammation and improved symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, and constipation. (17), (18)
Combining papain with other enzymes (bromelain, trypsin and chymotrypsin) reduced high levels of TGF-beta protein, thereby reducing inflammation in 130 people. (19)
Moreover, the papain enzyme enhances regulatory T cells, which reduce inflammation and normalize the immune response. Papain also reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, IL-6) in human cells. (20)
Increased antioxidant enzymes (glutathione, SOD, CAT)
Possible adverse effects
- There are side effects such as abdominal pain
- Possible allergic reactions when taken orally
- Not safe for pregnant women