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Dietary supplement

Chewable Original Papaya Enzyme Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by American Health

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

Chewable Original Papaya Enzyme is a dietary supplement by American Health with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive support for protein digestion, wound cleaning (debridement of dead tissue), sore throat and inflammation.Based on those ingredients, 92 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Papaya fruit powder, Papain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Chewable Original Papaya Enzyme by American Health

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 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product has 4 active ingredients: papain, papaya fruit powder, amylase, and protease. Papain and papaya fruit powder are enzymes derived from papaya that help digest proteins and other compounds.

Amylase and protease are additional digestive enzymes designed to break down carbohydrates and proteins respectively. The product also contains inactive ingredients—sucrose, calcium carbonate, stearic acid, corn starch, vegetable magnesium stearate, and papaya flavor—that serve as binders, fillers, and flavorings.

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 support after meals.
  • We looked for evidence on: Intestinal parasite infection, Indigestion, Bloating, Protein digestion.
  • The closest evidence on file: Papain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Intestinal parasite infection (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Papaya is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Intestinal parasite infection.

The evidence we hold doesn't establish that papain works for any of the conditions listed in the data—cancer, dental cavities, radiation skin damage, exercise muscle soreness, shingles, or intestinal parasites all carry ratings of insufficient reliable evidence. The same applies to papaya fruit powder for aging skin, hair loss, gallbladder cancer, colorectal cancer, and diabetes.

In short, we don't have data supporting use of these ingredients for their commonly claimed purposes.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Papain Papaya Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

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.

Papain and papaya fruit powder are generally well tolerated at typical food amounts, but supplements may irritate your digestive tract and trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people—symptoms can include itchy watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, abdominal cramps, sweating, and diarrhea. High oral doses carry rare but serious risks like esophageal perforation and severe gastritis.

Protease is also generally well tolerated but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions. If you're pregnant, concentrated papain and unripe papaya are best avoided due to safety concerns; papaya fruit itself is likely safe.

Breastfeeding safety data is limited for papain supplements and protease, so medical advice is recommended before use. Occupational exposure to airborne papain dust can cause respiratory allergies including wheezing and asthma.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Papain Papaya Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

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?
  • 2 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Papain, Papaya.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 92 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.

Before taking this product, double-check with your pharmacist if you take warfarin (a blood thinner)—papain may increase its effects and bleeding risk. Also check if you take antidiabetes drugs, amiodarone (heart rhythm medication), or levothyroxine (thyroid hormone), as papaya fruit powder may interfere with these.

Altogether, these interactions span 92 individual medications.

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 enzyme supplement interacts with blood thinners, heart and diabetes medications, and thyroid drugs—check your medications with the tool on this page before starting. Evidence supporting its effectiveness for claimed uses isn't established in our data.

If you take warfarin, antidiabetic drugs, amiodarone, or levothyroxine, talk to your pharmacist first. For others, it's generally tolerated but can cause digestive upset or allergies in sensitive people.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 24, 2015.

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 Chewable Original Papaya Enzyme, straight from the product label.

Brand American Health
Barcode (UPC) 076630501507
Net contents 12 Chewable Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 24, 2015
DSLD ID 44839
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
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 Chewable Original Papaya Enzyme by American Health, 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)
UPC/BARCODE
076630501507
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 {Calories}--
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)1%
Sugar1 Gram(s)--
Papain43 mg--
Papaya fruit powder3 mg--
Amylase5.75 mg--
Protease5.75 mg--

Other ingredients: Sucrose, Calcium Carbonate, Stearic Acid, Corn Starch, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Papaya flavor

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.
General

PROD. NO. 50150 B50151 18F

Brand IP Statement(s)

the "after meal" supplement(R)

(C)2014 American Health, Inc.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: For adults, chew one (1) tablet following a meal.

Formulation

No Gluten, Yeast, Wheat, Milk or Milk Derivatives, Lactose, Soy, Egg, Grapefruit, Preservatives, Artificial Color, Sodium.

Vegetarian Formula

Precautions

WARNING: If you are pregnant, nursing or taking any medications, consult your doctor before use.

Stop use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if package is torn or open.

See for yourself

Chewable Original Papaya Enzyme by American Health label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Chewable Original Papaya Enzyme by American Health

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 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.

Sugar

1 Gram(s) per serving

Papain

Interacts with
2 drugs
43 mg per serving Form: Carica 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

Papaya fruit powder

Interacts with
92 drugs
3 mg per serving

Papaya is a tropical fruit that is nutritious and generally safe to eat as food, and it contains an enzyme called papain used as a digestive aid and m...

Papaya fruit powder monograph & interactions

Amylase

5.75 mg per serving Form: Aspergillus

Protease

No known
interactions
5.75 mg per serving Form: Carica papaya

Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), tr...

Protease monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Sucrose, Calcium Carbonate, Stearic Acid, Corn Starch, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Papaya flavor. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Chewable Original Papaya Enzyme by American Health Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Chewable Original Papaya Enzyme?

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
92Drugs
92 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Papain 2

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Chewable Original Papaya Enzyme 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.

Papaya fruit powder4 drug types · 92 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Theoretically, papaya extract may increase the levels and clinical effects of amiodarone.
Animal research in rats shows that a single oral dose of papaya extract, as well as multiple doses of papaya extract daily over 14 days, prior to a single dose of amiodarone delays the time to maximum amiodarone concentration. However, only the 14-day papaya extract regimen increases systemic amiodarone exposure by 60% to 70%. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Concomitant use of antidiabetic drugs with fermented papaya can produce additive effects. It is unclear if other forms of papaya have the same effect.
A small low-quality clinical study in patients with type 2 diabetes who are taking glibenclamide shows that taking a fermented papaya preparation 3 grams daily for 2 months decreases fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels when compared to baseline. Additionally, of the 25 patients in the study, 9 required a reduction in glibenclamide dose.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Theoretically, consuming large quantities of papaya fruit can reduce the clinical effects of levothyroxine.
In one case-report, a 37-year-old male with a history of thyroidectomy who was stabilized on levothyroxine for 5 years presented with hypothyroidism after consuming 5-6 papaya fruits daily for 14 days during vacation. In a controlled re-challenge test involving 5-6 papayas daily, the patient remained euthyroid for 7 days, but developed mild hypothyroidism after 14 days. Both times, thyroid levels normalized 40-45 days after discontinuing papaya.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, concomitant use of warfarin with papain-containing papaya extract 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

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 Chewable Original Papaya Enzyme, from the product label.

American Health

See all American Health products
Name
American Health, Inc.
City
Ronkonkoma
State
NY
ZipCode
11779
Phone Number
800-445-7137
Web Address
www.AmericanHealthUS.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Chewable Original Papaya Enzyme by American Health: Common Questions

Does Chewable Original Papaya Enzyme by American Health interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Chewable Original Papaya Enzyme has a known interaction with 92 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Chewable Original Papaya Enzyme 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.
Is this product safe during pregnancy?
Not entirely. Concentrated papain and unripe papaya are best avoided in pregnancy due to safety concerns. Ripe papaya fruit eaten as food is likely safe, but supplemental doses haven't been adequately studied. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you're pregnant.
What are the most common side effects?
Most people tolerate it well, but allergic reactions are the most common concern—itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, abdominal cramps, sweating, and diarrhea in sensitive individuals. High doses may cause digestive upset. If you have a known papaya or latex allergy, this product isn't for you.
Can this help with digestion or muscle soreness?
The data we hold doesn't establish that papain or papaya work for those purposes. Ratings for exercise muscle soreness and other common uses are insufficient reliable evidence, meaning we don't have proof they work.
Is this safe while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough reliable safety information for papain supplements or protease while breastfeeding, so medical advice is recommended before use. Ripe papaya eaten as food is likely fine, but supplemental amounts are best avoided without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first.
What's the difference between papain and papaya fruit powder?
Papain is a concentrated enzyme from papaya, while papaya fruit powder is the whole fruit powder. Both contain papain but in different forms. The whole fruit eaten as food is generally safe, but concentrates have more potential for side effects and interactions.
Does this product have any fillers?
Yes, it contains inactive ingredients including sucrose, calcium carbonate, stearic acid, corn starch, vegetable magnesium stearate, and papaya flavor. These are binders and fillers that help form and flavor the tablet.

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

Not sure if Chewable Original Papaya Enzyme 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.

Chewable Original Papaya Enzyme label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Chewable Original Papaya Enzyme'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 28 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.

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 →

Papaya 14 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  3. 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.
  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. Blanco C, Diaz-Perales A, Collada C, et al. Class I chitinases as potential panallergens involved in the latex-fruit syndrome. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103(3 Pt 1):507-13. PubMed
  6. Diaz-Perales A, Collada C, Blanco C, et al. Cross-reactions in the latex-fruit syndrome: A relevant role of chitinases but not of complex asparagine-linked glycans. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;104:681-7. PubMed
  7. Castillo, R., Delgado, J., Quiralte, J., Blanco, C., and Carrillo, T. Food hypersensitivity among adult patients: epidemiological and clinical aspects. Allergol.Immunopathol.(Madr.) 1996;24(3):93-97.
  8. Oderinde, O., Noronha, C., Oremosu, A., Kusemiju, T., and Okanlawon, O. A. Abortifacient properties of aqueous extract of Carica papaya (Linn) seeds on female Sprague-Dawley rats. Niger.Postgrad.Med J 2002;9(2):95-98. DOI
  9. Danese, C., Esposito, D., D'Alfonso, V., Cirene, M., Ambrosino, M., and Colotto, M. Plasma glucose level decreases as collateral effect of fermented papaya preparation use. Clin Ter. 2006;157(3):195-198.
  10. Iliev, D. and Elsner, P. Generalized drug reaction due to papaya juice in throat lozenges. Dermatology 1997;194(4):364-366. PubMed
  11. Andersen HA, Bernatz PE, Grindlay JH. Perforation of the esophagus after use of a digestant agent: report of case and experimental study. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 1959;68:890-6. PubMed
  12. Deiana L, Marini S, Mariotti S. Ingestion of large amounts of papaya fruit and impaired effectiveness of levothyroxine therapy. Endocr Pract 2012;18(1):98-100. PubMed
  13. Rodrigues M, Alves G, Francisco J, Fortuna A, Falcão A. Herb-drug pharmacokinetic interaction between Carica papaya extract and amiodarone in rats. J Pharm Pharm Sci 2014;17(3):302-15. PubMed
  14. Rajapakse S, de Silva NL, Weeratunga P, Rodrigo C, Sigera C, Fernando SD. Carica papaya extract in dengue: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019;19(1):265. PubMed

See these in context on the Papaya monograph →

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 3 references
  1. Weeks JA, Harper RA, Simon RA, Burdick JD. Assessment of sensitization risk of a laundry pre-spotter containing protease. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2011;30(4):272-9. PubMed
  2. Marquès LI, Lara S, Abós T, Bartolomé B. Occupational rhinitis due to pepsin. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2006;16(2):136-7. DOI
  3. Cartier A, Malo JL, Pineau L, Dolovich J. Occupational asthma due to pepsin. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1984;73(5 Pt 1):574-7. PubMed

See these in context on the Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 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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