Digestive
Papain
Also known as: Carica papaya enzyme, Papain (Papaya Enzyme), Papaya enzyme
Protein-digesting enzyme from papaya. Traditional digestive aid with anti-inflammatory properties.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Papain product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thorne Protein Isolate - Chocolate | 96 A | $1.47 |
| 2 | Thorne Whey Protein Isolate - Vanilla | 96 A | $1.47 |
| 3 | Pure Encapsulations Systemic Enzyme Complex | 86 A- | $1.35 |
| 4 | Pure Encapsulations A.I. Enzymes | 85 A- | $1.28 |
| 5 | Vital Nutrients Whole Fiber Fusion | 75 B+ | $1.00 |
| 6 | Bluebonnet Nutrition POWER-ZYMES DIGESTIVE ENZYME | 71 B | $0.47 |
| 7 | Bluebonnet Nutrition FULL SPECTRUM OPTIMUM ENZYMES DIGESTIVE ENZYME | 67 B | $0.33 |
| 8 | Integrative Therapeutics Bio-Zyme | 63 B- | $0.43 |
| 9 | Integrative Therapeutics Blue Heron | 61 B- | $1.41 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Papain should I take?
The typical range is 500-1000 mg with meals. As needed
When should I take Papain?
With or after meals. Yes.
Which form of Papain is best?
Chewable tablets — After meals. Other forms in the catalog: Capsules.
Is Papain safe?
Commonly reported: Throat irritation, GI upset. Serious warnings: Allergic reactions in latex-sensitive. Safe
Which Papain supplement scores highest?
Thorne Protein Isolate - Chocolate, at 96/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Protein digestion
- Inflammation
- Digestive support
How it works
- Proteolytic enzyme
- Works across wide pH range
- Anti-inflammatory
Dosage
- Typical range
- 500-1000 mg with meals
- Timing
- With or after meals
- With food
- Yes
- Duration
- As needed
- Special populations
- Protein digestion
Forms
- Chewable tablets
- Capsules
Safety
Common side effects
- Throat irritation
- GI upset
Contraindications
- Latex allergy
- Before surgery
Products containing Papain
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Papain on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Traditional digestive enzyme
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Related in Digestive
Check a full stack
Formulate's free interaction checker lets you paste in any combination of supplements and medications at once — every pairing flags severity, timing, and cited evidence.
Open the checkerWhere does Papain fit in your stack?
Answer two questions and get a stack graded on research — every ingredient scored on the evidence behind it, not the marketing.
Build my stack2 questions · free · no account needed to start
Also on iPhone — get the free app
Evidence-based supplement guides, no spam
We send a short digest when new guides drop — nothing else. No affiliate pushes, no sponsored content, unsubscribe anytime.
Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.