Papain
Also known as: papaya enzyme, Carica papaya latex enzyme, papayotin
Papain is a cysteine protease obtained from the latex of unripe papaya fruit. It has long been used as a meat tenderizer and appears in digestive enzyme blends, chewable digestive tablets, and some recovery formulas alongside bromelain. Potency is expressed in activity units such as USP units or TU (tyrosine units) rather than by weight, so formulators should specify the enzyme grade. Clinical data on isolated oral papain are thin; most human studies use whole papaya preparations.
Research summary
Broad-specificity protease that helps break dietary proteins into peptides in the stomach and small intestine.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 mg | 100–300 mg | — | — |
Take with meals for digestive use. Express activity on the label (for example USP units per serving) since 100 to 300 mg of papain can vary several-fold in potency between grades.
Standardization: Activity-graded (USP units or TU/mg); confirm with supplier
Source material: papaya latex
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Enzyme; avoid heat and moisture. Chewable tablets are common.
Formulation notes
Protease; may degrade protein ingredients in the same wet mix. Papaya latex is a known allergen for some people.
Sources
Related ingredients
Ginger Root Extract
BotanicalA concentrated extract of ginger rhizome standardized to gingerols, the pungent compounds responsible for most of its studied effects.
Typical: 250–1,000 mg
Boswellia Serrata Extract (65% Boswellic Acids)
BotanicalA gum resin extract from the Boswellia serrata tree standardized to total boswellic acids, used in joint-comfort formulas often alongside curcumin.
Typical: 300–500 mg
Bromelain
EnzymeBromelain is a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes extracted from pineapple stem.
Typical: 200–500 mg
Turmeric Root Powder
BotanicalThe whole dried and ground rhizome of the turmeric plant, the same material used as a culinary spice.
Typical: 1,000–3,000 mg
Tributyrin
OtherTributyrin is a triglyceride made of three butyrate molecules bound to glycerol.
Typical: 300–1,000 mg