Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 4 of 10 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Extra Strength ClenZyme Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Natural Factors

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

Extra Strength ClenZyme is a dietary supplement by Natural Factors with 10 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for inflammation and swelling, sinus and nasal congestion, digestion support.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 Extra Strength ClenZyme by Natural Factors

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 10 of its 10 active ingredients.
  • “Enzyme Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (94 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Extra Strength ClenZyme is a 10-ingredient digestive enzyme blend. The checked active ingredients are bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), and several bacterial and fungal proteases (protein-digesting enzymes), plus lipase (a fat-digesting enzyme) and alpha-amylase (a starch-digesting enzyme).

The product also contains several other enzyme ingredients — glucoamylase, cellulase, hemicellulase, and pectinase — for which we hold no interaction data. Inactive ingredients include microcrystalline cellulose, a vegetarian capsule, and magnesium stearate.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

We hold no graded evidence for this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: supports natural intestinal and whole body balance.
  • Our graded evidence for these ingredients doesn't cover that particular purpose.

The effectiveness data for the checked active ingredients is not established. Bromelain has insufficient evidence for hay fever, burns, cancer, nerve pain from chemotherapy, vein problems, and diabetes.

Papain likewise shows insufficient evidence for cancer, tooth decay, radiation burns, muscle soreness, shingles, and parasitic infections. Lipase has insufficient evidence for inflammatory bowel disease and indigestion.

No effectiveness ratings are on file for the other enzymes in this product.

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

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.

Bromelain is generally well tolerated short-term, but long-term safety data is limited. Common side effects when taken by mouth include diarrhea, flatulence, stomach upset, and headache.

Allergic reactions (including asthma and throat tightness if inhaled) can occur, especially in sensitive individuals. Bromelain is not recommended in pregnancy, and its safety while breastfeeding is unknown.

Papain is generally tolerated as a food but supplement doses may irritate the digestive tract and trigger allergic reactions (itchy eyes, runny nose, diarrhea, abdominal cramps) in sensitive people. High doses are unsafe and may cause severe stomach inflammation or perforation.

Concentrated papain and unripe papaya products are best avoided in pregnancy. Papain safety while breastfeeding is not well studied.

The bacterial and fungal proteases are generally well tolerated but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions; safety in pregnancy is not established. Lipase has no reported adverse effects in adults, but safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited.

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

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.

Before starting Extra Strength ClenZyme, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take warfarin (or any blood thinner or antiplatelet medication like aspirin or clopidogrel) — papain and bromelain may increase bleeding risk. Also confirm if you're on tetracycline antibiotics, since bromelain may affect how your body absorbs them.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This is a digestive enzyme blend aimed at supporting digestion. If you take warfarin, blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, or tetracycline antibiotics, do not start it without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Anyone sensitive to pineapple, papaya, or enzymes should be cautious. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should talk with their own healthcare provider before taking it.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 10 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 25, 2018.

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 Extra Strength ClenZyme, straight from the product label.

Brand Natural Factors
Barcode (UPC) 068958017266
Net contents 90 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2018
DSLD ID 179364
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar 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 Extra Strength ClenZyme by Natural Factors, 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 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
068958017266
IngredientAmount% DV
Enzyme Blend94 mg--
Bromelain7 mg--
Papain5.5 mg--
Protease, Bacterial18.5 mg--
Alpha-Amylase15.3 mg--
Triacylglycerol Lipase7.5 mg--
Protease, Fungal9.2 mg--
Glucoamylase8.7 mg--
Cellulase8.6 mg--
Hemicellulase2.9 mg--
Pectinase1 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetarian Capsule, Magnesium Stearate

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.
Seals/Symbols

isura Non-GMO - Mass Spec Documentation Lab tested

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: 1 capsule 1-3 times on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after a meal or as directed by a health professional.

Precautions

Cautions: As with any supplement, consult your health professional before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, or if you are taking medication, have a medical condition, or anticipate a surgery.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Sealed for your protection. Do not use if seal is broken.

General Statements

A unique formula that supports natural inner intestinal and whole body balance.

Manufactured by Natural Factors to ensure safety and potency in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of the FDA and Health Canada.

Product of Canada Purity & potency guaranteed Recyclable container and label.

Yeast balance formula Gentle cleansing effect Support for intestinal health

FCC (Food Chemical Codex), PC (Bacterial Protease Unit), DU (Dextrinizing Unit), LU (Lipase Unit), HUT (Hemoglobin Unit on the Tyrosine Basis), AGU (Amyloglucosidase Unit), CU (Cellulase Unit), PU (Papain Unit), HCU (Hemicellulase Unit), PGU (Polygalacturonase Unit).

Formulation

Contains no artificial colors, preservatives, or sweeteners; no dairy, sugar, wheat, gluten, yeast, soy, egg, fish, shellfish, animal products, salt, tree nuts, or GMOs.

Suitable for vegetarians/vegans.

Storage

For freshness, store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General

R1

See for yourself

Extra Strength ClenZyme by Natural Factors label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Extra Strength ClenZyme by Natural Factors

These are the 10 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.

Enzyme Blend

94 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetarian Capsule, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Extra Strength ClenZyme by Natural Factors Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Extra Strength ClenZyme?

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 Extra Strength ClenZyme 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 Extra Strength ClenZyme, from the product label.

Natural Factors

See all Natural Factors products
Name
Natural Factors Canada
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Extra Strength ClenZyme by Natural Factors: Common Questions

Does Extra Strength ClenZyme by Natural Factors interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Extra Strength ClenZyme 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?
Extra Strength ClenZyme contains 10 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?
Bromelain safety data advises against it in pregnancy, and its safety while breastfeeding is unknown. Papain is possibly unsafe in pregnancy, especially in concentrated form. Protease and lipase safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well established. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you in these situations.
What are the main side effects I should watch for?
When taken by mouth, bromelain commonly causes diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, and headache. Papain may cause allergic reactions (itchy eyes, runny nose, diarrhea, stomach cramps) in sensitive people. Allergic reactions to the enzymes themselves, including asthma or throat tightness, are possible in those with sensitivity to these ingredients.
What does each enzyme in this blend do?
Bromelain and papain are protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple and papaya. The proteases (bacterial and fungal) also break down protein. Lipase breaks down fats, and alpha-amylase breaks down starch. The other enzymes (glucoamylase, cellulase, hemicellulase, pectinase) support further carbohydrate and fiber breakdown, though we have limited data on several of these.
Does this product actually work for digestion?
The evidence we hold does not establish effectiveness for digestion or the conditions listed (indigestion, inflammatory bowel disease, etc.). Most ingredients show insufficient reliable evidence for their listed uses.
Are there any fillers or additives I should know about?
Yes. The inactive ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose (a bulking agent), a vegetarian capsule shell, and magnesium stearate (a lubricant used in manufacturing).
What if I'm allergic to pineapple or papaya?
You should avoid this product — bromelain from pineapple and papain from papaya can trigger allergic reactions (rash, itchy eyes, swelling, difficulty swallowing) in people sensitive to these fruits.

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

Not sure if Extra Strength ClenZyme 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.

Extra Strength ClenZyme label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Extra Strength ClenZyme'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.

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 →

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 →

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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