Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 2 of 7 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Digestive Enzyme Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Plus

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

Digestive Enzyme is a dietary supplement by Nature's Plus with 7 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, 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 Digestive Enzyme by Nature's Plus

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 7 of its 7 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 7 active ingredients designed to support digestion. Papain is an enzyme from papaya that breaks down proteins.

Pepsin, amylase, and pancreatin are digestive enzymes that work on different food components in your stomach and small intestine. Ox bile extract aids fat digestion.

Glutamic acid hydrochloride provides stomach acid support. Methylcellulose is a fiber-like ingredient that helps with bowel movement.

The tablet also contains inactive ingredients — microcrystalline cellulose, di-calcium phosphate, vegetable cellulose, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, silica, and pharmaceutical glaze — which are excipients that help form and preserve the tablet.

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 (“nutritional support for healthy digestion”), not a specific health condition, so there is no single claim to grade against clinical-evidence data.

The evidence supporting papain for its various uses — cancer, dental cavities, radiation skin damage, exercise muscle soreness, shingles, and intestinal parasites — is insufficient to rate. We don't have effectiveness ratings on file for the other active ingredients in this product.

The data we hold doesn't establish whether this enzyme blend works for general digestive support.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Papain 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 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.

Papain is generally well tolerated when used short-term at typical doses, though it may cause allergic reactions or digestive irritation in some people. High doses can rarely lead to serious effects like esophageal perforation or severe inflammation of the stomach lining.

Pepsin is also generally well tolerated but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. For pregnancy: papain is rated possibly unsafe, so concentrated papain supplements and unripe papaya products should be avoided during pregnancy.

Pepsin's safety hasn't been established in pregnancy, so it's best avoided unless prescribed. For breastfeeding: there isn't enough reliable safety data for papain, so supplemental use isn't recommended without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Pepsin safety data during breastfeeding is limited, so medical advice is needed before use.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Papain 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?
  • 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, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product — papain may increase its effects. No other interactions are documented for the ingredients we could check, but because we hold no data for several ingredients, your own medications should be run through the search tool on this page.

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.

This product may help with digestion, but we don't have solid evidence for any specific condition. The main caution is papain's potential interaction with blood thinners like warfarin — if you take that medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Otherwise, most people tolerate it well, though allergic reactions and digestive upset are possible. Talk with your own healthcare provider about whether it's right for you.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 23, 2016.

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 Digestive Enzyme, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Plus
Barcode (UPC) 097467044500
Net contents 90 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 23, 2016
DSLD ID 68727
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), No Allergies, 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 Digestive Enzyme by Nature's Plus, 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
097467044500
IngredientAmount% DV
Papain30 mg--
Methylcellulose15 mg--
Amylase60 mg--
Pepsin45 mg--
Ox Bile extract129 mg--
Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride60 mg--
Pancreatin 4X129 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Di-Calcium Phosphate, Vegetable Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Silica, Pharmaceutical Glaze

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.
Precautions

If symptoms of digestive discomfort persist, discontinue use and consult a physician.

Not to be used by children under 12 unless recommended by a physician.

Warnings: Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place and out of reach of children.

General Statements

Nutritional support for healthy digestion and overall well-being.

Total digestive activity per tablet: Starch Digestion – capable of digesting 341 grams of starch foods. Protein Digestion – capable of digesting 77 grams of protein foods. Fat Digestion – capable of digesting 17 grams of dietary fat foods.

Complete digestive aid

Formulation

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

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, one tablet as symptoms occur.

Storage

Warnings: Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place and out of reach of children.

FDA Statement of Identity

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.

Digestive Enzyme Supplement

General

Product NO. 4450 LBL. 1135965

Formula

Hypo-Allergenic

Brand IP Statement(s)

NATURAL ORGANICS

See for yourself

Digestive Enzyme by Nature's Plus label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Digestive Enzyme by Nature's Plus

These are the 7 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.

Papain

Interacts with
2 drugs
30 mg per serving

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

Methylcellulose

15 mg per serving

Amylase

60 mg per serving Form: Aspergillus oryzae

Pepsin

No known
interactions
45 mg per serving

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

Pepsin monograph & interactions

Ox Bile extract

129 mg per serving

Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride

60 mg per serving

Pancreatin 4X

129 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Di-Calcium Phosphate, Vegetable Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Silica, Pharmaceutical Glaze. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Digestive Enzyme by Nature's Plus Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Digestive 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 Digestive 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 Digestive Enzyme, from the product label.

Nature's Plus

See all Nature's Plus 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

Digestive Enzyme by Nature's Plus: Common Questions

Does Digestive Enzyme by Nature's Plus interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Digestive 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?
Digestive Enzyme contains 7 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?
Papain is possibly unsafe in pregnancy, so it's best to avoid this product. If you're breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety data for papain or pepsin. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using it — they can weigh the risks and benefits for your situation.
What does papain do?
Papain is an enzyme from papaya that breaks down proteins. It's included in this digestive enzyme blend to help your body digest protein-containing foods. It's generally well tolerated as a food ingredient, though supplements may cause digestive irritation or allergic reactions in some people.
Can papain cause allergic reactions?
Yes. Some people have allergic reactions to papain, including itchy watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, abdominal cramps, sweating, and diarrhea. High doses may also cause serious digestive damage. If you have a known papaya or papain allergy, avoid this product and let your pharmacist know.
What if I'm taking warfarin? Is this product safe for me?
You need to check with your doctor or pharmacist first. Papain in this product may increase warfarin's effects, which could raise your bleeding risk — one patient's blood-clotting marker jumped to a dangerous level after taking a papain supplement while on warfarin. Don't start this without their go-ahead.
What are the inactive ingredients?
The tablet contains microcrystalline cellulose, di-calcium phosphate, vegetable cellulose, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, silica, and pharmaceutical glaze. These are excipients that help form and preserve the tablet.

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

Not sure if Digestive 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.

Digestive Enzyme label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Digestive 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.

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 →

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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