Papaya Enzymes

What are the Benefits of Papaya Enzymes (Papain)?

The payaya is a plant native to Mexico and Central America. It is a short lived fast growing herb that bears fruit. The papaya is a pear shaped fruit that is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A and potassium. Papayas also contain the enzyme papain which is a digestive enzyme and is more abundant in green, unripe fruits. Enzymes help to speed up chemical reactions in the body. Papain has a mild and soothing effect on the stomach and is very useful in helping to aid protein digestion.

The History Of The Papaya Papain Enzyme

The effectiveness of the papaya as a medicinal herb has been known since the 1750s but it was not until the 1870s that its source of enzymes were recognised. Papain is by far the most widely studied enzyme of the papaya and has been used for wounds in hospitals, clotting milk, used in the treatment of jellyfish and insect stings and has been used for the treatment of digestive proplems.

Benefits Of Papaya Enzymes


Papaya enzymes can be used to treat ulcers, dissolve membranes in diphtheria and help to reduce swelling and fever after surgery. Papain has also been used to treat cold sores and food allergies.

Papaya enzymes has also been noted to be useful as an anti-inflammatory and can also help to alleviate edemas. In low dosages papain enzyme is an excellent digestive aid and people who suffer with a dyspeptic disorder are normally prescribed papain. Papain also helps to regulate the bowels and helps to clean away dead tissues from the body.

Papaya enzymes may also prove beneficial to people who suffer from lower back pain, sprains and strains. It can also help to keep skin healthy and boost immune system function. Papains would healing benefits may also be argued but there is no scientific evidence to prove this as yet.

Papain enzymes have been found to be extremely effective in dissolving fats to purge and soften the skin and can be found in many beauty products.

Papain can also work wonders for sports injuries such as bruising and swelling because of its ability to reduce swelling and thin mucous. Papain can be used for reducing the swelling of a sore throat and can help to alleviate sinus pain caused by blocked or swollen sinuses. Many people have reported a rapid reduction in symptoms of sore throats and sinus pain after taking papain enzyme.

Papaya Enzymes Side Effects

Papain is considered safe is small doses, and of course as with any supplement it is always advised that you speak with your doctor or health nurse before taking any herbs or supplements.

Don’t overdo it. Possible side effects of taking too much papain enzyme may include an allergic reaction in the form of hives, itching, trouble breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the lips, tongue and throat. You should seek emergency medical treatment immediately if any of these symptoms should develop.

Some people can be allergic to enzymes and it is always a good idea to consult your doctor or health nurse before you start taking any supplements. All papaya extracts including papain enzyme should be avoided during pregnancy. They should also be avoided if you have a bleeding disorder.

Recommended Product

A little amount of enzymes will do the job. That is why we are so impressed with a balanced daily multi-nutrient supplement that contains a small amount of papaya enzymes. This way it supplies some papain every day and it works in synergy with the other nutrients. This excellent supplement is called Total Balance from the Xtend-Life company and we have used it ourselves, along with their highly respected Quality Fish Oil with very satisfactory results.