Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 2 of 3 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Chewable Papaya Enzyme Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NaturesPlus

Tablet Or Pill Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Chewable Papaya Enzyme is a dietary supplement by NaturesPlus with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestion and bloating, muscle soreness and exercise recovery, inflammation and swelling.Based on those ingredients, 2 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Papain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Chewable Papaya Enzyme by NaturesPlus

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 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 3 active ingredients: protease, amylase, and papain — all enzymes that break down different food components. Protease digests proteins, amylase breaks down carbohydrates, and papain (derived from papaya) breaks down proteins as well.

The tablet also contains inactive ingredients like xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate — standard binders and fillers that help hold the tablet together.

Does it work?

No specific claim
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
General wellness

This product is marketed for general wellness, not a specific health condition, so there's no single claim to grade against clinical evidence.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets general wellness (“digestive support and well-being”), not a specific health condition, so there is no single claim to grade against clinical-evidence data.

The evidence for papain's effectiveness is not established in the data we hold. The product facts list several conditions — cancer, dental decay, radiation skin damage, muscle soreness from exercise, shingles, and intestinal parasites — but all carry a rating of insufficient reliable evidence.

That means we don't have enough solid research to say whether papain actually works for these uses. Protease and amylase effectiveness data isn't on file either.

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

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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Protease and papain are generally well tolerated when used as directed, though both may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions in sensitive people. Papain in particular can trigger itching, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, stomach cramps, and diarrhea in those with sensitivity to it.

High doses of papain may be unsafe and could cause severe stomach inflammation or even esophageal damage. During pregnancy, concentrated papain and unripe papaya products should be avoided — safety has not been established.

For protease, safety data during pregnancy is lacking, so it's best avoided unless a doctor prescribes it. During breastfeeding, neither protease nor papain has enough safety data; talk with your doctor or pharmacist before use.

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

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

If you take warfarin (Coumadin) or any blood thinner, double-check with your pharmacist before starting this product. Papain in this formula may increase how strongly your blood thinner works, which could raise your bleeding risk.

No other medication interactions are documented for the ingredients we could check.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula marketed for general wellness rather than one specific gradeable purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you take warfarin or another blood thinner, check with your pharmacist before using this product — papain may interfere with how these medications work. For digestive support in people without blood-thinning medications, this enzyme blend is generally well tolerated, but allergic reactions are possible.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should get personalized advice from their doctor or pharmacist first.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 24, 2023.

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 Papaya Enzyme, straight from the product label.

Brand NaturesPlus
Barcode (UPC) 097467044623
Net contents 360 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 24, 2023
DSLD ID 298312
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, 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 Papaya Enzyme by NaturesPlus, 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 Chewable Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Chewable Tablet(s)
Servings per container
360
UPC/BARCODE
097467044623
IngredientAmount% DV
Protease100 mcg--
Amylase1 mg--
Papain6 mg--

Other ingredients: Xylitol, Fructose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Natural flavor, Natural Color

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.
Formulation

Nutritional support for healthy digestion and overall well-being.

Each chewable tablet is made from 100% natural ingredients.

Free from artificial colors and preservatives.

Free from the common allergens yeast, wheat, soy and milk.

Vegetarian

Hypo-Allergenic Digestive Aid

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, chew one tablet with a meal.

Storage

Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

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.

FDA Statement of Identity

Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright Natural Organics

Seals/Symbols

Quality Natural Supplements

See for yourself

Chewable Papaya Enzyme by NaturesPlus label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Chewable Papaya Enzyme by NaturesPlus

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Chewable Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container360 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.

Protease

No known
interactions
100 mcg per serving

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

Protease monograph & interactions

Amylase

1 mg per serving

Papain

Interacts with
2 drugs
6 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

Other (inactive) ingredients: Xylitol, Fructose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Natural flavor, Natural Color. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Chewable Papaya Enzyme by NaturesPlus Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Chewable 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
2Drugs
2 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Papain 2

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Chewable Papaya Enzyme with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

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 Papaya Enzyme, from the product label.

NaturesPlus

See all NaturesPlus products
Name
Natural Organics Laboratories, Inc. makers of Nature's Plus
Street Address
9500 New Horizons Blvd.
City
Amityville
State
New York
ZipCode
11701
Web Address
www.naturesplus.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Chewable Papaya Enzyme by NaturesPlus: Common Questions

Does Chewable Papaya Enzyme by NaturesPlus interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Chewable Papaya Enzyme has a known interaction with 2 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Chewable Papaya Enzyme contains 3 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.
Will this help with digestion?
These enzymes are designed to break down proteins and carbohydrates, but we don't have solid evidence in our data on whether they actually improve digestion in everyday use. That said, enzyme supplements are commonly taken for digestive support — talk with your pharmacist about whether this one makes sense for you.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Not without talking to your doctor first. Papain, one of the main ingredients, is marked possibly unsafe in pregnancy. Protease safety during pregnancy hasn't been established either. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you personalized advice based on your situation.
What if I'm sensitive to papaya?
You should avoid this product. Papain (derived from papaya) can trigger allergic reactions — including itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, stomach cramps, and diarrhea — in people sensitive to papaya. High doses may even cause severe stomach inflammation.
Are there any fillers in this?
Yes — the tablet contains several inactive ingredients including xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, natural flavor, and natural color. These are standard binders and fillers that help make the tablet.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking this?
The safety data isn't there — neither protease nor papain have enough information available for breastfeeding use. It's best to avoid both without medical advice. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is okay for you.

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

Not sure if Chewable 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 Papaya Enzyme label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Chewable 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 14 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.

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 →

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 →

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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