Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 3 of 5 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Bromelain Papain + Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Genestra Brands

Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Bromelain Papain + is a dietary supplement by Genestra Brands with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria), bloating and gas, indigestion.Based on those ingredients, 169 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bromelain, Betaine Hydrochloride, Papain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bromelain Papain + by Genestra Brands

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Bromelain Papain + contains five active ingredients. Bromelain and papain are plant enzymes that break down proteins—bromelain comes from pineapple and papain from papaya.

Betaine hydrochloride is a compound that increases stomach acid to support digestion. L-glutamic acid and pancreatic enzymes round out the blend, which is designed to aid protein digestion and nutrient absorption.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Digestive enzyme support for protein digestion.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Postoperative pain, Postoperative swelling, Sprains, Wound healing — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Papain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Exercise-induced muscle soreness (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Papain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Wound healing.
  • Also on file: Betaine Hydrochloride is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia.

The evidence for what this product actually does isn't established in our data. Betaine hydrochloride, papain, and bromelain all carry ratings of insufficient reliable evidence across a range of uses—from digestive complaints like dyspepsia to inflammation and allergies.

That doesn't mean they don't work; it means the research to prove it isn't strong enough yet to say one way or the other.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Betaine Hydrochloride Papain Bromelain

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Bromelain and papain are generally well tolerated in short-term use when taken by mouth, though long-term safety data for bromelain is limited. The most common side effects are mild—diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, and headache with bromelain, and allergic reactions in people sensitive to papain.

Betaine hydrochloride may irritate your stomach and can cause heartburn; it's not safe if you have ulcers, gastritis, or true acid reflux, as the acid it produces could delay ulcer healing. During pregnancy, papain from concentrates or unripe papaya is not safe.

Bromelain and betaine hydrochloride also lack enough safety data in pregnancy and should be avoided. For breastfeeding, the safety data isn't there for any of these ingredients, so it's best to steer clear.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Betaine Hydrochloride Papain Bromelain

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Papain, Betaine Hydrochloride, Bromelain.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 169 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check before starting if you take warfarin or other blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs—bromelain and papain may raise bleeding risk. Tetracycline antibiotics may see boosted levels with bromelain.

Acid-reducing drugs (H2-blockers, antacids, PPIs) may lose effectiveness when paired with betaine hydrochloride.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This is an enzyme blend aimed at protein digestion. If you take warfarin, any blood thinner, tetracycline antibiotics, or acid-reducing medications, check with us first—the interactions here matter.

Pregnant or breastfeeding folks should skip it. Everyone else with a healthy stomach should talk to their pharmacist before starting.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 3 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 21, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Bromelain Papain +, straight from the product label.

Brand Genestra Brands
Barcode (UPC) 883196104116
Net contents 180 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 21, 2020
DSLD ID 239064
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Bromelain Papain + by Genestra Brands, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
180
UPC/BARCODE
883196104116
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Glutamic Acid5 mg--
Betaine Hydrochloride5 mg--
Papain62.5 mg--
Bromelain26.7 mg--
Pancreatic Enzymes12.5 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Hyprolose, Silica, Croscarmellose Sodium, Sunflower Lecithin, Hypromellose, Glycerin

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended Dose: Take 1 tablet 3 times daily with meals or as recommended by your health professional.

Precautions

Warning: If you are pregnant or lactating, or are sensitive to pancreatic enzymes or pork proteins, do not use.

If you have any health condition or an allergy to latex or fruits, or are taking any medication, consult your health professional before use.

If you have any health condition or an allergy to latex or fruits, or are taking any medication, consult your health professional before use.

If nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or heartburn occur, stop use and consult your health professional. Stop use immediately if a burning sensation occurs. Not recommended for people with ulcers.

If allergy or diarrhea occur, stop use.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Use only if safety seal is intact.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Contents may not fill package in order to accommodate required labeling. Please rely on stated quantity. Scan to learn about our quality excellence

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Proteolytic and pancreatic enzymes support healthy digestive function

See for yourself

Bromelain Papain + by Genestra Brands label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bromelain Papain + by Genestra Brands

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container180 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

L-Glutamic Acid

5 mg per serving

Betaine Hydrochloride

Interacts with
36 drugs
5 mg per serving

Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement used to temporarily increase stomach acid in people who may have low acid levels. Evidence for its benefits is l...

Betaine Hydrochloride monograph & interactions

Papain

Interacts with
2 drugs
62.5 mg per serving Form: Papaya

Papain is a protein-digesting enzyme from the papaya plant that is used in digestive supplements and some topical products. While it has clear food an...

Papain monograph & interactions

Bromelain

Interacts with
141 drugs
26.7 mg per serving Form: Pineapple

Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple that people take mainly for inflammation, swelling, and sinus problems. Some early st...

Bromelain monograph & interactions

Pancreatic Enzymes

12.5 mg per serving Form: Porcine Pancreas

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Hyprolose, Silica, Croscarmellose Sodium, Sunflower Lecithin, Hypromellose, Glycerin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bromelain Papain + by Genestra Brands Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bromelain Papain +?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
169Drugs
122 Moderate 47 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Bromelain 141
Papain 2

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bromelain Papain + with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Bromelain2 drug types · 141 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
There is one case report of a patient experiencing minor bruising while taking bromelain with naproxen. Bromelain is thought to have antiplatelet activity. Whether this interaction is of concern with topical bromelain is unclear. Interference with coagulation of burn wounds has been reported in a patient receiving bromelain-based enzymatic debridement. However, observational research has found that topical bromelain debridement is not associated with increases or decreases in laboratory markers of coagulation when compared with surgical debridement.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Laboratory research suggests that bromelain might increase the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics. However, a study in healthy adults reported no difference in tetracycline plasma levels when a 500 mg dose was taken with or without bromelain 80 mg.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Betaine Hydrochloride3 drug types · 36 drugs

Antacids

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. Antacids are taken to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with antacids might decrease the effects of the antacids.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
H2-Blockers

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of H2-blockers.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. H2-blockers are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with H2-blockers might decrease the effects of H2-blockers.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of PPIs.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. PPIs are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with PPIs might decrease the effects of PPIs

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Papain1 drug type · 2 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, papain might increase the effects and side effects of warfarin.
In one case report, a patient previously stable on warfarin was found to have an international normalization ratio (INR) of 7.4, which was attributed to ingestion of a supplement containing papain from papaya extract.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Bromelain Papain +, from the product label.

Genestra Brands

Name
Seroyal USA
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15275
Phone Number
1-888-737-6925
Web Address
seroyal.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bromelain Papain + by Genestra Brands: Common Questions

Does Bromelain Papain + by Genestra Brands interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bromelain Papain + has a known interaction with 169 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Bromelain Papain + contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Papain is possibly unsafe in pregnancy, and bromelain and betaine hydrochloride lack enough safety data to use during pregnancy. None of these ingredients have reliable safety information for breastfeeding either, so it's best to avoid the product entirely during both.
What are the side effects I might notice?
The most common are mild: diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, and headache from bromelain. Betaine hydrochloride may cause heartburn. Papain can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people—itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, or abdominal cramps. If you have a sensitive stomach or history of ulcers, this product may irritate you further.
Is this safe for someone with acid reflux or a stomach ulcer?
No. Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acid, which can irritate ulcers or worsen reflux and may slow ulcer healing. Skip this product if you have either condition.
How long should I take this?
Bromelain and papain are generally well tolerated short-term, but long-term safety data for bromelain is limited. Talk to your pharmacist about how long it's safe for you to use it.
Will this help my digestion?
The evidence isn't clear. All three enzyme ingredients carry ratings of insufficient reliable evidence for digestive complaints like dyspepsia. Research hasn't proven they work yet, though many people use them for this reason.
Can I take this with my acid-reflux medication?
No. Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acid, which directly opposes what your reflux medication is trying to do—it may weaken the medication's effects.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Bromelain Papain + is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Bromelain Papain + label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bromelain Papain +'s label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 32 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Betaine Hydrochloride 2 references
  1. Yago MR, Frymoyer A, Benet LZ, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Ding X, Dean B, Salphati L, Budha N, Jin JY, Dresser MJ, Ware JA. The use of betaine HCl to enhance dasatinib absorption in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. AAPS J. 2014 PubMed
  2. Yago MR, Frymoyer AR, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Budha NR, Dresser MJ, Ware JA, Benet LZ. Gastric reacidification with betaine HCl in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. Mol Pharm. 2013 Nov 4;10(11):4032-7. PubMed

See these in context on the Betaine Hydrochloride monograph →

Papain 11 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Shaw D, Leon C, Kolev S, Murray V. Traditional remedies and food supplements: a 5-year toxicological study (1991-1995). Drug Saf 1997;17:342-56.
  3. Shuttleworth D, Hill S, Marks R, Connelly DM. Relief of experimentally induced pruritus with a novel eutectic mixture of local anaesthetic agents. Br J Dermatol 1988;119:535-40.
  4. Mansfield LE, Ting S, Haverly RW, Yoo TJ. The incidence and clinical implications of hypersensitivity to papain in an allergic population, confirmed by blinded oral challenge. Ann Allergy 1985;55:541-3.
  5. Martin, T., Uhder, K., Kurek, R., Roeddiger, S., Schneider, L., Vogt, H. G., Heyd, R., and Zamboglou, N. Does prophylactic treatment with proteolytic enzymes reduce acute toxicity of adjuvant pelvic irradiation? Results of a double-blind randomized trial PubMed
  6. Walker-Renard, P. Update on the medicinal management of phytobezoars. Am J Gastroenterol. 1993;88(10):1663-1666.
  7. Tymoszuk D, Wiszniewska M, Walusiak-Skorupa J. Papain-induced occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma - A case report. Med Pr 2016;67(1):109-12. PubMed
  8. Soto-Mera MT, López-Rico MR, Filgueira JF, et al. Occupational allergy to papain. Allergy 2000;55(10):983-4. PubMed
  9. Tarlo SM, Shaikh W, Bell B, et al. Papain-induced allergic reactions. Clin Allergy 1978;8(3):207-15. PubMed
  10. Baur X, König G, Bencze K, Fruhmann G. Clinical symptoms and results of skin test, RAST and bronchial provocation test in thirty-three papain workers: Evidence for strong immunogenic potency and clinically relevant proteolytic e?ects of airborne papain. C
  11. Novey HS, Keenan WJ, Fairshter RD, Wells ID, Wilson AF, Culver BD. Pulmonary disease in workers exposed to papain: clinico-physiological and immunological studies. Clin Allergy 1980;10(6):721-31. PubMed

See these in context on the Papain monograph →

Bromelain 19 references
  1. Nettis E, Napoli G, Ferrannini A, Tursi A. IgE-mediated allergy to bromelain. Allergy 2001;56:257-8. PubMed
  2. Taussig SJ, Batkin S. Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and its clinical application. An update. J Ethnopharmacol 1988;22:191-203.. PubMed
  3. Bradbrook ID, Morrison PJ, Rogers HJ. The effect of bromelain on the absorption of orally administered tetracycline. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1978;6:552-4. PubMed
  4. Bush TM, Rayburn KS, Holloway SW, et al. Adverse interactions between herbal and dietary substances and prescription medications: a clinical survey. Altern Ther Health Med 2007;13:30-5.
  5. Brien S, Lewith G, Walker AF, et al. Bromelain as an adjunctive treatment for moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. QJM 2006;99:841-50. PubMed
  6. Mori S, Ojima Y, Hirose T, et al. The clinical effect of proteolytic enzyme containing bromelain and trypsin on urinary tract infection evaluated by double blind method. Acta Obstet Gynaecol Jpn 1972;19:147-53.
  7. Glaser D, Hilberg T. The influence of bromelain on platelet count and platelet activity in vitro. Platelets 2006;17:37-41. PubMed
  8. Heinicke R M, van der Wal L, Yokoyama M. Effect of bromelain (Ananase) on human platelet aggregation. Experientia 1972;28:844-5. PubMed
  9. Gailhofer, G., Wilders-Truschnig, M., Smolle, J., and Ludvan, M. Asthma caused by bromelain: an occupational allergy. Clin Allergy 1988;18(5):445-450. PubMed
  10. Mattei, O., Fabri, G., and Farina, G. [Occupational health experience regarding four cases of asthma due to bromelain (author's transl)]. Medicina del Lavoro 1979;70(5):404-409.
  11. Galleguillos, F. and Rodriguez, J. C. Asthma caused by bromelin inhalation. Clin Allergy 1978;8(1):21-24. PubMed
  12. Perez-Camo I, Quirce S, Duran MA, and et al. Latex allergy: evidence of cross-reactivity with papain and bromelain [abstract]. Allergy 1996;51(suppl 31):48.
  13. Martin GJ, Ehrenreich J, and Asbell N. Bromelain: pineapple proteases with anti-edema activity. Exp Med Surg 1962;20:227-247.
  14. Kasemsuk T, Saengpetch N, Sibmooh N, Unchern S. Improved WOMAC score following 16-week treatment with bromelain for knee osteoarthritis. Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Oct;35(10):2531-40. PubMed
  15. Kutlu Ö, DemirbaS A, Elmas ÖF, Güvenç U, Metin A. Fixed drug eruption: a new side effect of bromelain. Contact Dermatitis 2020. Online ahead of print. PubMed
  16. Shoham Y, Shapira E, Haik J, et al. Bromelain-based enzymatic debridement of chronic wounds: Results of a multicentre randomized controlled trial. Wound Repair Regen 2021;29(6):899-907. PubMed
  17. Pfister P, Garcia Wendel PD, Kim BS, et al. Coagulation side effects of enzymatic debridement in burned patients. Burns 2022. PubMed
  18. Hasham S, Riyat H, Fletcher A, O'Boyle CP, Alexander S. To bleed or not to bleed? Case series and discussion of haemorrhage risk with enzymatic debridement in burn injuries. Scars Burn Heal 2023;9:20595131231168333. PubMed
  19. Leelakanok N, Petchsomrit A, Janurai T, Saechan C, Sunsandee N. Efficacy and safety of bromelain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Health 2023. PubMed

See these in context on the Bromelain monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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