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Dietary supplement

Papaya Enzyme Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Botanic Choice

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

Papaya Enzyme is a dietary supplement by Botanic Choice with 5 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, 92 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Papaya powder, Papain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Papaya Enzyme by Botanic Choice

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 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product has 4 active ingredients: papain (a protein-digesting enzyme from papaya), protease (another digestive enzyme), papaya powder, and alpha-amylase (an enzyme that breaks down starch). They're designed to support digestive function.

The inactive ingredients are sucrose, corn starch, maltodextrin, stearic acid, dextrose, talc, artificial flavors, and FD&C Yellow #6.

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

The evidence for papain doesn't support its use for any of the conditions studied — cancer, dental decay, radiation skin damage, muscle soreness after exercise, shingles, or intestinal parasites all show insufficient reliable evidence to rate it. Papaya powder similarly lacks solid evidence for aging skin, hair loss, colorectal cancer, or diabetes.

The facts we hold don't establish that this product is effective for any condition.

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

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 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Papain is generally tolerated as food but supplements may irritate the digestive tract or trigger allergic reactions — itchy watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, belly cramps, sweating, and diarrhea in sensitive people. High doses may cause serious damage like severe stomach inflammation or even esophageal perforation, though this is rare.

Protease is well tolerated for most adults but can cause digestive upset or allergic reactions; occupational exposure to airborne protease has caused respiratory allergies. Papaya powder (ripe fruit) is well tolerated in food amounts, but nausea and vomiting have been reported with leaf extract.

Concentrated papain and unripe papaya carry pregnancy concerns — the facts advise against them. Papain and protease lack enough safety data for breastfeeding, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using them while nursing.

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

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 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Papain, Papaya.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 92 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 you take this, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you use warfarin or another blood thinner (risk of increased bleeding), antidiabetes drugs (risk of low blood sugar), amiodarone (heart medication — risk of higher levels), or levothyroxine (thyroid replacement — risk of reduced effect). No interactions are documented for protease, and we have no data on alpha-amylase.

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 enzyme product is most risky if you take warfarin, antidiabetes medications, amiodarone, or levothyroxine — those interactions are documented and potentially serious. Even if you're not on those drugs, allergic reactions and digestive upset are possible in sensitive people.

Check your exact medications with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or on any prescription.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 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 Papaya Enzyme, straight from the product label.

Brand Botanic Choice
Barcode (UPC) 703308460056
Net contents 180 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 25, 2018
DSLD ID 77744
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
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 Papaya Enzyme by Botanic Choice, 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:
3 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
703308460056
IngredientAmount% DV
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)1%
Sugar1 Gram(s)--
Papain30 mg--
Protease3 mg--
Papaya powder15 mg--
Alpha-Amylase1.5 mg--

Other ingredients: Sucrose, Corn Starch, Maltodextrin, Stearic Acid, Dextrose, Talc, Artificial Flavors, FD&C Yellow #6

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.
FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Trusted since 1910 Essentials

Chewable tablets Digestion support

Pill size

Formulation

Gluten free

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, chew three tablets 1-3 times daily.

Precautions

Warning: If you are taking any medications or are pregnant or nursing do not use prior to consulting a physician.

For your protection, this container has an outer safety seal. (Do not accept if missing or broken.)

Keep out of reach of children

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Storage

Store in a dry, cool place.

Brand IP Statement(s)

IBG Indiana Botanic Gardens

General

C-105665

See for yourself

Papaya Enzyme by Botanic Choice label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Papaya Enzyme by Botanic Choice

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size3 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container60 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.

Sugar

1 Gram(s) per serving

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

Protease

No known
interactions
3 mg per serving Form: Aspergillus niger

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

Protease monograph & interactions

Papaya powder

Interacts with
92 drugs
15 mg per serving

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 powder monograph & interactions

Alpha-Amylase

1.5 mg per serving Form: Aspergillus oryzae

Other (inactive) ingredients: Sucrose, Corn Starch, Maltodextrin, Stearic Acid, Dextrose, Talc, Artificial Flavors, FD&C Yellow #6. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Papaya Enzyme by Botanic Choice Drug Interactions

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 checker
92Drugs
92 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Papain 2

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Papaya Enzyme 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.

Papaya powder4 drug types · 92 drugs

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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

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 Papaya Enzyme, from the product label.

Botanic Choice

See all Botanic Choice products
Name
Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc.
Street Address
3401 W. 37th Ave.
City
Hobart
State
IN
ZipCode
46342
Phone Number
1-800-644-8327
Web Address
www.botanicchoice.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Papaya Enzyme by Botanic Choice: Common Questions

Does Papaya Enzyme by Botanic Choice interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Papaya Enzyme has a known interaction with 92 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Papaya Enzyme contains 5 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?
No — not without talking to your doctor first. Papain and papaya powder may strengthen warfarin's blood-thinning effect, and one patient's blood-clotting level became dangerously high after taking a papain supplement. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you whether it's safe for you.
Will this help with digestion?
The facts don't provide evidence that papain or the other enzymes in this product improve digestion. They're included as digestive enzymes, but reliable proof of benefit isn't established in the data we hold.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Not concentrated papain or unripe papaya — the safety data advises against those in pregnancy. Ripe papaya fruit eaten in normal food amounts is considered likely safe, but supplements of this strength haven't been well studied. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What are the side effects?
Most commonly, allergic reactions (itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, belly cramps, sweating, diarrhea) in sensitive people, and digestive upset. Serious side effects like severe stomach inflammation or esophageal perforation are rare but can happen with high doses.
Is this safe if I'm breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to know. Papain and protease haven't been studied well in nursing, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using it — they can help you decide what's right for you and your baby.
Can this interact with my diabetes medication?
Yes — papaya powder may lower blood sugar too much when used with antidiabetes drugs like glibenclamide. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially if you take diabetes 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.

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.

Papaya Enzyme label
Sources

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.

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 28 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 →

Papaya 14 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  3. 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.
  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. Blanco C, Diaz-Perales A, Collada C, et al. Class I chitinases as potential panallergens involved in the latex-fruit syndrome. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103(3 Pt 1):507-13. PubMed
  6. Diaz-Perales A, Collada C, Blanco C, et al. Cross-reactions in the latex-fruit syndrome: A relevant role of chitinases but not of complex asparagine-linked glycans. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;104:681-7. PubMed
  7. Castillo, R., Delgado, J., Quiralte, J., Blanco, C., and Carrillo, T. Food hypersensitivity among adult patients: epidemiological and clinical aspects. Allergol.Immunopathol.(Madr.) 1996;24(3):93-97.
  8. Oderinde, O., Noronha, C., Oremosu, A., Kusemiju, T., and Okanlawon, O. A. Abortifacient properties of aqueous extract of Carica papaya (Linn) seeds on female Sprague-Dawley rats. Niger.Postgrad.Med J 2002;9(2):95-98. DOI
  9. Danese, C., Esposito, D., D'Alfonso, V., Cirene, M., Ambrosino, M., and Colotto, M. Plasma glucose level decreases as collateral effect of fermented papaya preparation use. Clin Ter. 2006;157(3):195-198.
  10. Iliev, D. and Elsner, P. Generalized drug reaction due to papaya juice in throat lozenges. Dermatology 1997;194(4):364-366. PubMed
  11. Andersen HA, Bernatz PE, Grindlay JH. Perforation of the esophagus after use of a digestant agent: report of case and experimental study. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 1959;68:890-6. PubMed
  12. Deiana L, Marini S, Mariotti S. Ingestion of large amounts of papaya fruit and impaired effectiveness of levothyroxine therapy. Endocr Pract 2012;18(1):98-100. PubMed
  13. Rodrigues M, Alves G, Francisco J, Fortuna A, Falcão A. Herb-drug pharmacokinetic interaction between Carica papaya extract and amiodarone in rats. J Pharm Pharm Sci 2014;17(3):302-15. PubMed
  14. Rajapakse S, de Silva NL, Weeratunga P, Rodrigo C, Sigera C, Fernando SD. Carica papaya extract in dengue: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019;19(1):265. PubMed

See these in context on the Papaya 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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