Papain
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Papain (Carica papaya proteolytic enzyme) is a dietary supplement with 7 published peer-reviewed studies involving 680 participants, researched for Digestive Health, Anti-inflammatory Effects, Wound Healing and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Digestive Health
StrongAnti-inflammatory Effects
ModerateWound Healing
ModerateImmune Support
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Digestive Health
To evaluate papain-containing enzyme supplementation for functional dyspepsia.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate papain-containing enzyme supplementation for functional dyspepsia.
Dose
225 mg/day papain-containing enzyme blend
Participants
126 adults with functional dyspepsia
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Papain significantly reduced dyspeptic symptoms including bloating, fullness, and nausea compared to placebo. Total GI symptom scores improved significantly at 8 weeks.
How They Measured It
Dyspepsia symptom questionnaire, bloating VAS, upper GI discomfort score
To assess a papaya-derived enzyme preparation on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, controlled
Purpose
To assess a papaya-derived enzyme preparation on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
Dose
10 g/day papaya preparation (containing papain and chymopapain)
Participants
62 adults with IBS-D or IBS-M
Duration
40 days
Results
Papaya enzyme preparation significantly improved overall IBS symptom severity and quality of life. Constipation and bloating were markedly reduced. Stool consistency normalised in IBS-C patients.
How They Measured It
IBS symptom severity score, quality of life, stool frequency and consistency
Anti-inflammatory Effects
To evaluate a systemic enzyme blend including papain on post-traumatic inflammation.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate a systemic enzyme blend including papain on post-traumatic inflammation.
Dose
240 mg/day papain in enzyme blend
Participants
96 patients with sports injuries
Duration
10 days
Results
Systemic enzyme blend including papain significantly reduced swelling, pain, and fibrin degradation products compared to placebo. Recovery time was significantly shortened in the enzyme group.
How They Measured It
Oedema measurement, pain VAS, inflammatory markers (CRP, fibrin)
To investigate papain's anti-inflammatory properties in a rodent carrageenan paw oedema model.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate papain's anti-inflammatory properties in a rodent carrageenan paw oedema model.
Dose
50-200 mg/kg papain
Participants
Sprague-Dawley rats
Duration
Acute
Results
Papain dose-dependently reduced paw oedema and inhibited COX-2 expression. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) were significantly reduced compared to vehicle control.
How They Measured It
Paw volume, pro-inflammatory cytokines, COX-2 expression
Wound Healing
To evaluate topical papain for wound debridement and healing in chronic wounds.
Study Type
Randomised, controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate topical papain for wound debridement and healing in chronic wounds.
Dose
Topical papain-urea preparation
Participants
60 patients with chronic non-healing wounds
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Topical papain significantly accelerated wound debridement and healing rate compared to standard wound care. The proteolytic action of papain removed necrotic tissue efficiently.
How They Measured It
Wound area, time to debridement, wound healing rate, pain
Immune Support
To examine the immunomodulatory effects of oral papaya enzyme preparation.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To examine the immunomodulatory effects of oral papaya enzyme preparation.
Dose
5 g/day fermented papaya preparation containing papain
Participants
90 healthy adults
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Papaya enzyme supplementation significantly enhanced NK cell activity and lymphocyte proliferative responses. IL-12 and IFN-γ production were elevated, consistent with immunostimulatory effects.
How They Measured It
NK cell activity, lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine production
To characterise papain's immunomodulatory effects on macrophage activation.
Study Type
In-vitro study
Purpose
To characterise papain's immunomodulatory effects on macrophage activation.
Dose
Varying papain concentrations
Participants
RAW264.7 macrophage cell line
Duration
N/A
Results
Papain at physiological concentrations enhanced macrophage phagocytic activity and modulated cytokine production toward an anti-inflammatory profile. Higher concentrations activated pro-inflammatory pathways, suggesting dose-dependent biphasic effects.
How They Measured It
Macrophage cytokine production, phagocytic activity, surface marker expression
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Papain research
There are currently 7 peer-reviewed studies on Papain (Carica papaya proteolytic enzyme), involving 680 total participants. Research covers Digestive health, Anti-inflammatory effects, Wound healing and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (5 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Papain has been researched for: Digestive health, Anti-inflammatory effects, Wound healing, Immune support. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 5 out of 7 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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