Papaya Enzyme Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by 21st Century
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Papaya Enzyme against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Papaya Enzyme is a dietary supplement by 21st Century with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive upset and indigestion, constipation, wound and skin care (topical).Based on those ingredients, 231 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Papaya Enzyme Blend. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Papaya Enzyme by 21st Century
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Papaya Enzyme by 21st Century — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Papaya Enzyme by 21st Century
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.
What’s inside
Low disclosure
This product has 3 active ingredients: bromelain (a protein-digesting enzyme from pineapple), papain (a similar enzyme from papaya), and papaya powder. Together they're meant to act as digestive enzymes.
The tablet also contains inactive ingredients—sucrose, sorbitol, natural pineapple flavor, cellulose, stearic acid, silicon dioxide, yellow dye, and magnesium stearate—which serve as sweeteners, binders, and flow agents.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence we hold for all three active ingredients rates as insufficient to make a clear call. Bromelain has been studied for hay fever, burns, cancer, and a few other conditions, but the data doesn't establish that it works.
The same is true for papain and papaya powder—they're studied for things like exercise soreness, infections, and skin conditions, but we don't have reliable evidence they deliver results for any of those uses.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Bromelain and papain are both generally well tolerated when used short-term, but long-term safety data is limited. The most common side effects from bromelain taken by mouth are diarrhea, flatulence, stomach upset, and headache.
Papain may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people—itching, watery eyes, sneezing, and diarrhea—and high doses can cause serious harm like esophageal perforation or severe stomach inflammation. Both ingredients may cause respiratory allergic reactions if you inhale them as dust.
Papaya powder as a food is well tolerated, but concentrated supplements are less well studied. During pregnancy, the safety data advises against bromelain and concentrated papain or unripe papaya products.
For papaya powder during pregnancy, some sources caution against large amounts. While breastfeeding, bromelain and papain should be avoided due to insufficient safety information; data on papaya powder while breastfeeding is not on file.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this product, double-check with your pharmacist if you take blood thinners like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin (Moderate risk of increased bleeding), diabetes medications (Moderate risk of low blood sugar), amiodarone for heart rhythm (Moderate risk of increased drug levels), levothyroxine for thyroid (Moderate risk of reduced effectiveness), or tetracycline antibiotics (Minor risk of increased levels).
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're looking for a digestive enzyme and have no blood thinners, diabetes meds, heart drugs, or thyroid medication in your routine, this product is generally well tolerated short-term. But if you take any of those medications—or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding—talk with your pharmacist before you start.
The effectiveness evidence isn't strong for any condition, so be clear on why you want to try it.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 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
General information
Key facts about Papaya Enzyme, straight from the product label.
| Brand | 21st Century |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 740985226629 |
| Net contents | 100 Tablet(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Feb 23, 2025 |
| DSLD ID | 326340 |
| Product type | Other Combinations |
| Supplement form | Tablet Or Pill |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free |
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 Papaya Enzyme by 21st Century, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Bromelain | 0 NP | -- |
| Papain | 0 NP | -- |
| Papaya, Powder | 0 NP | -- |
| Papaya Enzyme Blend | 22 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Sucrose, Sorbitol, Pineapple Flavor, Natural, Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide, FD&C Yellow #6, Magnesium Stearate
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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
Directions: As a dietary supplement, adults chew one (1) tablet with any meal, three (3) times daily or as directed by a healthcare provider. Do not exceed recommended dosage. Individual results may vary.
Precautions
Do not exceed recommended dosage.
Warning: Consult a healthcare provider prior to use if pregnant, nursing, on medications, have a medical procedure.
Stop use and contact a physician if adverse reactions occur. Do not use if product appears to be tampered with or seal is broken.
Keep out of reach of children.
Storage
Store at room temperature.
Formulation
No added salt, yeast, preservatives or artificial flavors.
Chewable Digestive support
Gluten free
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have 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
Dietary Supplement
Seals/Symbols
Guaranteed Quality Laboratory Tested
Formula
Papaya Enzyme is a delicious chewable tablet that supports digestive function.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Papaya Enzyme by 21st Century label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Papaya Enzyme by 21st Century
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container100 Amounts shown are per serving.
Papaya Enzyme Blend
Interacts with92 drugs
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 Enzyme Blend monograph & interactions- › Bromelain
- › Papain
- › Papaya, Powder
Other (inactive) ingredients: Sucrose, Sorbitol, Pineapple Flavor, Natural, Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide, FD&C Yellow #6, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Papaya Enzyme by 21st Century Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
21st Century Papaya Enzyme contains three active ingredients—bromelain, papain, and papaya powder—and together they interact with a significant number of medications.
The most serious concern is with blood thinners (anticoagulants): papain and papaya powder may both increase the effects of warfarin, raising your bleeding risk. There's even a case report of a patient's INR (a measure of how thin your blood is) jumping to 7.4 after taking papain from papaya.
Bromelain adds to this risk by potentially increasing bleeding if combined with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Bromelain may also affect tetracycline antibiotics by increasing their absorption, though a study in healthy adults found no actual difference in blood levels. Papaya powder can lower blood sugar when combined with diabetes medications, and it may also interfere with amiodarone (a heart rhythm drug) and levothyroxine (thyroid medication), potentially making them less effective.
Altogether, these interactions span 230 individual medications.
If you take any blood thinner, diabetes drug, heart medication, or thyroid replacement, run your exact medications through the checker below before you start this supplement.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against 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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Papaya Enzyme interact with 231 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Papaya Enzyme interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Papaya Enzyme Blend
AbciximabReoPro
How Abciximab interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Abciximab interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Abrocitinib interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Papaya Enzyme BlendAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of antidiabetic drugs with fermented papaya can produce additive effects.
Read the full Papaya Enzyme Blend + Acarbose interactionAcenocoumarolSintrom
How Acenocoumarol interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Acenocoumarol interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic
How Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interactionAcetohexamideDymelor
How Acetohexamide interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Papaya Enzyme BlendAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of antidiabetic drugs with fermented papaya can produce additive effects.
Read the full Papaya Enzyme Blend + Acetohexamide interactionAcetylsalicylic AcidEntrophen
How Acetylsalicylic Acid interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Acetylsalicylic Acid interactionAlbiglutideTanzeum
How Albiglutide interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Papaya Enzyme BlendAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of antidiabetic drugs with fermented papaya can produce additive effects.
Read the full Papaya Enzyme Blend + Albiglutide interactionAlogliptinNesina
How Alogliptin interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Papaya Enzyme BlendAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of antidiabetic drugs with fermented papaya can produce additive effects.
Read the full Papaya Enzyme Blend + Alogliptin interactionAlogliptin, MetforminKazano
How Alogliptin, Metformin interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Papaya Enzyme BlendAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of antidiabetic drugs with fermented papaya can produce additive effects.
Read the full Papaya Enzyme Blend + Alogliptin, Metformin interactionAlogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni
How Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Papaya Enzyme BlendAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of antidiabetic drugs with fermented papaya can produce additive effects.
Read the full Papaya Enzyme Blend + Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interactionAlteplase, TpaActilyse, Activase
How Alteplase, Tpa interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Alteplase, Tpa interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAmiodaroneCordarone, Pacerone
How Amiodarone interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Papaya Enzyme BlendAmiodarone (cordarone) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, papaya extract may increase the levels and clinical effects of amiodarone.
Read the full Papaya Enzyme Blend + Amiodarone interactionAnacaulase-bcdbNexoBrid
How Anacaulase-bcdb interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Anacaulase-bcdb interactionAnagrelideAgrylin
How Anagrelide interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Anagrelide interactionAnisindioneMiradon
How Anisindione interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Anisindione interactionAntidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi
How Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) Inhibitor interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Papaya Enzyme BlendAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of antidiabetic drugs with fermented papaya can produce additive effects.
Read the full Papaya Enzyme Blend + Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) Inhibitor interactionAntithrombin IiiThrombate III
How Antithrombin Iii interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Antithrombin Iii interactionApixabanEliquis
How Apixaban interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Apixaban interactionArgatrobanArgatroban
How Argatroban interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Argatroban interactionAspirinAngettes 75, ASA, Asaphen, Aspirin, Caprin, Cartia +8 more
How Aspirin interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aspirin interactionAspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3
How Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAspirin, ButalbitalAxotal
How Aspirin, Butalbital interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aspirin, Butalbital interactionAspirin, Butalbital, CaffeineFiorinal
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateFiorinal w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, PhenacetinMarnal
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Phenacetin interacts with Papaya Enzyme — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
BromelainAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Bromelain + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Phenacetin interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in 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.
Papaya Enzyme Blend
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Papaya Enzyme, from the product label.
21st Century
See all 21st Century products- Name
- 21st Century HealthCare, Inc.
- Street Address
- 2119 S. Wilson St.
- City
- Tempe
- State
- AZ
- ZipCode
- 85282
- Web Address
- 21stcenturyvitamins.com
Papaya Enzyme by 21st Century: Common Questions
Does Papaya Enzyme by 21st Century interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take this if I'm on warfarin?
What are the most common side effects?
Is this safe during pregnancy?
What does bromelain actually do?
Will this work for my diabetes if I'm already on metformin?
Can I take this with my thyroid medication?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Papaya Enzyme is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.
The Full Monographs Behind Papaya Enzyme’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Papaya
Interacts with 92 drugsPapaya 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 meat tenderizer. Papaya leaf extract is b...
Read the full Papaya monograph → Herb & supplement monographBromelain
Interacts with 141 drugsBromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple that people take mainly for inflammation, swelling, and sinus problems. Some early studies are promising, but the overall evi...
Read the full Bromelain monograph → Herb & supplement monographPapain
Interacts with 2 drugsPapain is a protein-digesting enzyme from the papaya plant that is used in digestive supplements and some topical products. While it has clear food and laboratory uses, strong human evidence...
Read the full Papain monograph →Sources & How We Checked
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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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 44 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
- Nettis E, Napoli G, Ferrannini A, Tursi A. IgE-mediated allergy to bromelain. Allergy 2001;56:257-8. PubMed
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Glaser D, Hilberg T. The influence of bromelain on platelet count and platelet activity in vitro. Platelets 2006;17:37-41. PubMed
- Heinicke R M, van der Wal L, Yokoyama M. Effect of bromelain (Ananase) on human platelet aggregation. Experientia 1972;28:844-5. PubMed
- 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
- 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.
- Galleguillos, F. and Rodriguez, J. C. Asthma caused by bromelin inhalation. Clin Allergy 1978;8(1):21-24. PubMed
- 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.
- Martin GJ, Ehrenreich J, and Asbell N. Bromelain: pineapple proteases with anti-edema activity. Exp Med Surg 1962;20:227-247.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Pfister P, Garcia Wendel PD, Kim BS, et al. Coagulation side effects of enzymatic debridement in burned patients. Burns 2022. PubMed
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