The papaya is considered a healthy vitamin bomb from the tropics. But in addition to its vitamin richness, this fruit contains a substance that is gaining more and more attention: papain. There are now a number of health myths surrounding this enzyme and its therapeutic effects. We will examine papain from a scientific perspective and explain what you should know about it.
At the end of the article there is a 10% voucher for our Papain waiting for you!
What is papain?
Papain is found in high concentrations in the greenish peels and seeds of the melon tree or papaya (Carica papaya), an important tropical crop. It is a so-called proteolytic enzyme (proteolytic - "relating to the breakdown of protein (proteolysis)") and is used by the plant primarily to combat and ward off pests.
The enzyme, which consists of over 200 amino acids, is used in many areas. Because of its protein-splitting effect, it is used in cooking as a meat tenderizer, for example. In the textile industry, it prevents silk and wool from shrinking and matting. It is even used in the production of beer, where it removes the cloudy substances in beer.
The indigenous peoples of Central and South America have long known about the wound-cleansing properties of papaya latex. However, it was only after the enzyme was isolated that it was discovered that it also has worm-killing properties. We will look at the other properties of papain further down in this article.
How Papain works
In 1969, the complete amino acid sequence of papain was deciphered. One year earlier, its protein structure was elucidated. This knowledge forms a good basis for better understanding its mode of action, influence and benefits for the human body.
For example, it facilitates the digestion of food proteins in the digestive system by breaking these proteins down into fragments - more precisely, peptides and amino acids. In the cardiovascular system, it helps to break down fibrin and fibrinogen, which are responsible for the sticking of blood cells together.
A study published in the Journal of Immunotoxicology also confirmed its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Since many messenger substances, cell receptors and antibodies are either proteins or act via proteins, they lose their function as soon as they are broken down. Papain breaks down these protein molecules and thus prevents the development or spread of inflammation.
In these cases, papain could support
The enzyme is still said to have many properties, but there is no reliable evidence to support their validity. We have therefore compiled a list of scientific studies here in which papain appears to have a promising effect.
Papain is said to be good for digestion
There is much evidence to suggest that papain can help with digestive disorders such as bloating or constipation. A controlled, randomized study published in 2013 in the journal Neuro Enocrinology Letters showed that a papaya preparation was able to significantly improve constipation and bloating in people with gastrointestinal dysfunction.
However, there is also criticism of the studies conducted so far.
The enzyme has an antioxidant effect
The antioxidants contained in papain are said to prevent free radicals in the body from disrupting important metabolic processes. This is the conclusion of a study from 2006.
The papaya enzyme also shows promise in treating the consequences of type II diabetes, as a study published in the journal Antioxidants & Redox Signaling suggests.
Furthermore, the role papain might play in degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's is being investigated.
Papain could relieve muscle soreness
A paper published in the Journal of Sports Sciences shows that muscle pain caused by intense exercise could be alleviated by protease supplements. In this study, ten male exercisers were given either a protease supplement containing papain or placebos.
The enzymes or placebos were administered after completing a 30-minute hill run at 80 percent of the maximum heart rate. The papain group showed less muscle pain and better muscle recovery than the control group.
It could help with sore throats
Papain may help relieve the symptoms of sore throats, such as pain, redness and inflammation.
A study entitled “Clinical studies on Frubienzyme in a controlled double-blind trial“ which was conducted on 100 people with phayryngitis (inflammation of the throat) or tonsilitis (inflammation of the tonsils) showed the following: The administration of lozenges containing 2 mg papain, 5 mg lysozyme and 200 IU (international units) bacitracin improved the symptoms compared to the control group.
However, it is not certain whether the positive effects were caused by the papain itself, the other ingredients or the composition of the active ingredient cocktail.
Papain could support wound healing
Research shows that the enzyme's wound-healing and cleansing properties and its use as a treatment for skin diseases, ulcers and wounds are promising. An animal study on rats showed that a papain-based wound cleanser improved the healing of the injuries.
Another study from 2012 also concluded that papain was effective in treating many types of wounds at different stages of healing.
It could reduce pain and inflammation
An article published in the journal Nutrition Review refers to a study showing that proteolytic enzymes can reduce inflammation as well or even better than some anti-inflammatory drugs.
However, since clinical research on humans is currently limited, further studies are needed.
Nevertheless, because of these potential beneficial effects, papain and other proteolytic enzymes are used to support wound healing and reduce swelling after injury or trauma.
Papain could relieve the symptoms of shingles
Typical symptoms of shingles (herpes zoster) such as skin lesions, neuralgia or pain could be alleviated by proteolytic enzymes such as papain.
A controlled clinical study on 192 shingles patients entitled “Enzyme therapy – an alternative in the treatment of zoster” showed that treating the symptoms with a proteolytic enzyme preparation was as effective as treating them with a conventional antiviral drug.
However, more recent studies are needed to confirm these results.
Papain and cancer
A review published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research concluded in initial series of experiments that papaya enzymes were effective in inhibiting tumor growth. However, these studies were mostly conducted in animal experiments or with cell cultures or in vitro.
Therefore, it is not easy to transfer the effects to the human organism. Nevertheless, the approach could be promising.
What you should keep in mind when taking papain
No side effects are to be expected in normal consumption amounts.
Nevertheless, if papain is taken as a dietary supplement, too high doses of the enzyme can cause allergic reactions, stomach irritation or problems with the throat or esophagus. People who are allergic to papaya and its milky juice should also reconsider taking it.
You should make sure to only purchase high-quality capsules from a trusted source .
In general, when taking enzymes, you should make sure to take them with meals. Up to 2 hours before or after eating should ensure an optimal anti-inflammatory effect.
Conclusion: Promising fruit
Papaya is considered a tasty vitamin bomb that is said to have many healing properties. This is primarily due to the papain it contains, an enzyme that has, among other things, protein-splitting properties.
Research shows that papain may also have anti-inflammatory properties. It is also said to help fight shingles and inflammation, as well as aid in wound healing, digestion and sore muscles.
We at +Viktilabs would like to thank you for reading this far and are giving you a 10% voucher for our PAPAIN .
Simply copy the voucher code PAPAIN+V10 and enter it at checkout.
Click here for the product
[1] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1046/j.1365-313X.2003.01968.x
[2] https://web.archive.org/web/20110126211513/http://transfusionsmedizin.uk-wuerzburg.de/studenten/hauptvorlesung/blutgruppen-erythrocyte-iii/fy-system.html
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23524622/
[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814606003426
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22369197/
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15161110/
[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/789219/
[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21061910/
[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21061910/
[10] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23405827/
[11] https://nutritionreview.org/2013/04/controlling-inflammation-proteolytic-enzymes/
[12] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7713467/
[13] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/mnfr.201200388
