Papain is enzyme Found in the latex that lies between the peel and pulp of the papaya, the fruit of the papaya. Like pineapple’s bromelain, it is able to digest protein. It is traditionally used to tenderize octopus meat or meat.
| European health authorities’ decision |
|---|
In 2012, European health authorities (EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority and the European Commission) commented on some of the health claims for dietary supplements containing papain. After reviewing the scientific data, they considered that these products cannot Not Claim :
These claims about the effect are now prohibited for dietary supplements containing papain. |
Uses and alleged properties of papain
Papain is believed to aid digestion and promote wound healing.
| Fermented papaya |
|---|
| Recently, a fermented papaya product that aims to combat the effects of aging has been widely promoted and highlighted in drugstores. The previous case was seized by Afssa (French Food Safety Agency, now ANSES) and issued an opinion in 2004 condemning the claims of this product as unfounded. |
How effective is papain?
While papain’s ability to digest protein is not in doubt, no studies have looked at its effect on digestion or wound healing.
Precautions to be taken with papain
Since green papaya is known to cause miscarriage, pregnant women should not use dietary supplements containing papain.
People who are allergic to latex, kiwis, avocados, or bananas, and who are taking blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) should also refrain from taking these products.
Origin, forms and dosage of papain
Glue is obtained by cutting the bark of the still green papaya: the harvested latex flows out as soon as it dries, then crushed. The papain is extracted from this powder.
Papain comes as a tablet, syrup, or oral solution that should be taken with meals. The recommended dose is usually 100 to 150 mg per day.
| Glue specialist’s opinion |
|---|
| The flesh of a ripe papaya contains trace amounts of papain. It has no digestive properties and can be consumed by pregnant women. |
| European health authorities’ decision |
|---|
In 2012, European health authorities (EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority and the European Commission) commented on some of the health claims for dietary supplements containing papain. After reviewing the scientific data, they considered that these products cannot Not Claim :
These claims about the effect are now prohibited for dietary supplements containing papain. |
| Fermented papaya |
|---|
| Recently, a fermented papaya product that aims to combat the effects of aging has been widely promoted and highlighted in drugstores. The previous case was seized by Afssa (French Food Safety Agency, now ANSES) and issued an opinion in 2004 condemning the claims of this product as unfounded. |