What is papaya enzyme good for?
Papaya enzyme, also known as papain, is what is known as a proteolytic enzyme that is extracted from the fruit of the papaya plant, a small tree that is native to central America, although now widely grown around the world in most tropical regions, with India currently accounting for over one third of global papaya production.
As a digestive assistant
The function of proteolytic enzymes is to break down proteins into smaller fragments, known as peptides and amino acids, and this is precisely why papain is often included as an ingredient in meat tenderizer.
People take papaya enzyme to assist with digestion, and studies have demonstrated that papain not only improves digestion, but can also alleviate and improve symptoms of associated conditions, such as constipation, bloating, heartburn, acid reflux, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Anti-inflammatory properties
In addition to its benefits for digestion, research has found that papain is also an effective anti-inflammatory, as well as a mild natural anaesthetic.
For example, it has been proven to reduce both inflammation and pain associated with dental surgery, and reducing inflammation and pain in such debilitating conditions as fibromyalgia or bursitis. Papain in the form of lozenges has also been shown to help alleviate pain and swelling in people suffering from such throat conditions as pharyngitis or tonsillitis.
Role in weight loss
Lastly, there have been some animal studies that observed how papain helps to reduce the accumulation of body fat, as well as assist in the regulation of blood fat levels, showing its potential for helping with weight loss.
When should I take papaya enzyme?
Papaya enzymes are meant to replicate the function of the natural enzymes that are produced by the pancreas, which your stomach then uses to break down proteins in food during digestion. For this reason, papaya enzymes are designed to be taken just before a meal, so that your stomach can prime itself with the necessary weapons that it needs for immediately getting to work on digesting the incoming food.
There does not seem to be a particular time of day best suited for taking papaya enzymes, as their main benefit is derived from their immediate "in situ" effect in the stomach during digestion, so feel free to take papaya enzymes whenever you are about to have a meal.
What does papaya enzyme combine well with?
Papaya enzyme with bromelain, for stomach inflammation
A recent animal study in 2023 revealed that when papain is combined with another enzyme, bromelain, which can be found within the pineapple fruit, there is a significant reduction in stomach inflammation, making this an interesting combination to take into account if you are currently experiencing stomach problems.
Papaya Enzyme data sources & further reading
Last updated by Asklepios on 30th January, 2025