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

Digestive Enzymes Original Formula Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Dr. Mercola

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Digestive Enzymes Original Formula is a dietary supplement by Dr. Mercola 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, 141 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bromelain, Papain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Digestive Enzymes Original Formula by Dr. Mercola

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

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 9 active ingredients.
  • “Pancreatin” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (80 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Dr. Mercola's Digestive Enzyme Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (252 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This formula contains 9 active ingredients designed to support digestion. Papain and bromelain are plant-derived enzymes that break down proteins; protease does the same work.

Lipase breaks down fats, while amylase handles carbohydrates. Cellulase, invertase, and alpha-galactosidase are additional carbohydrate-digesting enzymes.

Pancreatin is a blend of multiple digestive enzymes from pork pancreas, and ox bile aids fat digestion. The capsule itself and other inactive ingredients — hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, gellan gum, microcrystalline cellulose, and silicon dioxide — are fillers and binders.

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.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Postoperative swelling, Rhinosinusitis, Sprains, Postoperative pain — and 4 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: Lipase is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia.
  • Also on file: Bromelain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Rhinosinusitis, Sprains, Postoperative swelling, and more.

The evidence for most of these enzymes hasn't been established in our data. For papain, bromelain, and lipase, the research we hold rates effectiveness as insufficient for the conditions studied — including cancer, exercise soreness, hay fever, burns, and inflammatory bowel disease.

That means the evidence isn't strong enough to draw firm conclusions, not that they don't work. If you're considering this for a specific digestive issue, talk with your pharmacist about what the science currently supports.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient 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 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Papain and bromelain are generally well tolerated short-term at appropriate doses, but both can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people — itching, hives, digestive upset, or in occupational settings, respiratory symptoms. High doses of papain may cause serious problems like esophageal injury or severe inflammation.

Bromelain may cause diarrhea, gas, or stomach upset. Protease and lipase are generally tolerated but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions in some people.

We don't hold detailed safety data for amylase, cellulase, invertase, alpha-galactosidase, or ox bile.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient 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?
  • 2 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Papain, Bromelain.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 141 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 taking if you use warfarin (Coumadin) — papain may increase its blood-thinning effect. Also double-check any blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix), since bromelain may increase bleeding risk.

If you're on tetracycline antibiotics, bromelain may theoretically boost their levels. No interactions are documented for the other ingredients we could check.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you take warfarin or any blood thinner or antiplatelet drug, check with us or your pharmacist before starting — papain and bromelain both carry documented risks. This formula is generally well tolerated for digestive support in otherwise healthy adults without these medications, but if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a serious digestive condition, talk to your pharmacist first.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 9 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 23, 2025.

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 Enzymes Original Formula, straight from the product label.

Brand Dr. Mercola
Barcode (UPC) 813006010238
Net contents 30 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 23, 2025
DSLD ID 327111
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
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 Digestive Enzymes Original Formula by Dr. Mercola, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
813006010238
IngredientAmount% DV
Amylase0 NP--
Papain0 NP--
Bromelain0 NP--
Protease0 NP--
Lipase0 NP--
Cellulase0 NP--
Invertase0 NP--
Alpha-Galactosidase0 NP--
Pancreatin80 mg--
Ox Bile100 mg--
Dr. Mercola's Digestive Enzyme Blend252 mg--

Other ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Gellan Gum, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide

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

Suggested use: Adults, as a dietary supplement, take one (1) capsule daily before your biggest meal.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is broken.

If you are nursing, pregnant, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult your physician before taking this product.

General Statements

Providing quality products since 2001.

Formulation

Delayed release

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Digestive Enzymes Original Formula by Dr. Mercola label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Digestive Enzymes Original Formula by Dr. Mercola

These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 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.

Dr. Mercola's Digestive Enzyme Blend

252 mg per serving
  • Papain
  • Bromelain
  • › Cellulase
  • › Invertase
  • › Alpha-Galactosidase
  • › Pancreatin
  • › Ox Bile

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Gellan Gum, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Digestive Enzymes Original Formula by Dr. Mercola Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Digestive Enzymes Original Formula?

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
141Drugs
122 Moderate 19 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Bromelain 141
Papain 2

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Digestive Enzymes Original Formula 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

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 Enzymes Original Formula, from the product label.

Dr. Mercola

See all Dr. Mercola products
Name
NHP
Street Address
125 SW 3rd Place
City
Cape Coral
State
FL
ZipCode
33991
Phone Number
(877) 985-2696
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Digestive Enzymes Original Formula by Dr. Mercola: Common Questions

Does Digestive Enzymes Original Formula by Dr. Mercola interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Digestive Enzymes Original Formula has a known interaction with 141 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Digestive Enzymes Original Formula 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 on warfarin or other blood thinners?
Not without checking first. Papain in this formula may increase how much your blood thinner works, raising your bleeding risk. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting — they may want to monitor you or adjust your dose.
What does each enzyme do in this formula?
Papain and bromelain break down proteins; protease also does that work. Lipase breaks down fats, while amylase, cellulase, invertase, and alpha-galactosidase all handle carbohydrates. Ox bile helps your body absorb fats. Together they're meant to help your digestive system break down food.
Are these enzymes proven to work?
The evidence we hold rates effectiveness as insufficient for the conditions studied — which include hay fever, burns, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease. That means we don't have strong enough research to say whether they work for those uses. If you're taking it for general digestion, that's a use we can't evaluate from our data.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Papain supplements are best avoided in pregnancy, and bromelain is not recommended either. Protease and lipase safety in pregnancy hasn't been established. If you're breastfeeding, safety data is too limited. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this is right for you.
What side effects might I experience?
Most people tolerate this well, but you may experience digestive upset like diarrhea, gas, or stomach pain. Some people have allergic reactions — itching, hives, or in rare cases respiratory symptoms. High doses of papain carry a rare risk of serious digestive injury.
Does this interact with antibiotics?
Bromelain may theoretically increase absorption of tetracycline antibiotics, though a study found little practical difference. Still, mention this formula to your pharmacist if you're on tetracycline antibiotics like doxycycline.

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

Not sure if Digestive Enzymes Original Formula is safe with your meds?

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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 Enzymes Original Formula label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Digestive Enzymes Original Formula'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 34 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 →

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 →

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 →

Lipase 1 reference
  1. Casper C, Hascoet JM, Ertl T, et al. Recombinant bile salt-stimulated lipase in preterm infant feeding: A randomized phase 3 study. PLoS One. 2016;11(5):e0156071. PubMed

See these in context on the Lipase 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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