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Dietary supplement

Papaya Seed Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbal Papaya

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Papaya Seed Extract is a dietary supplement by Herbal Papaya with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive upset and indigestion, constipation, wound and skin care (topical).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 seed extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Papaya Seed Extract by Herbal Papaya

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This liquid contains one active ingredient: papaya seed extract. The extract is suspended in vegetable glycerin and purified water, with citric acid added for stability.

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: liver health and toxin support.
  • We looked for evidence on: liver function, detoxification, hepatic health.
  • Our graded evidence for these ingredients doesn't cover that particular purpose.

The evidence on what papaya seed extract actually does is insufficient. The data we hold does not establish reliable proof that it works for aging skin, hair loss, colorectal cancer prevention, or diabetes.

Without stronger clinical evidence, we can't say whether it delivers these benefits.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient 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 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Ripe papaya fruit eaten as food is generally well tolerated. Concentrated supplements like this one, however, are less well studied.

The safety data advises against unripe (green) papaya, papaya latex, and papaya seeds themselves—which is worth noting since this is a seed extract. Nausea and vomiting have been reported with papaya leaf extract in trials.

Rare but serious allergic reactions, including severe reactions and systemic contact dermatitis (more common in people with latex allergy), have been documented. A case of esophageal perforation occurred when papain was used to dissolve food stuck in the throat, though this is an unusual use.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient 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?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — 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 taking this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners like warfarin, diabetes medications (especially if you use glibenclamide), amiodarone for heart rhythm, or levothyroxine for thyroid. All four drug types carry Moderate interaction risk with papaya seed extract.

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.

Papaya seed extract interacts with blood thinners, diabetes medications, heart rhythm drugs, and thyroid replacement—all at Moderate severity—so it's not a simple add-on if you take any of those. The evidence for what it actually does is not established.

If you're considering it, check your exact medications with the tool on this page first, then talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist before you start.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 23, 2017.

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 Seed Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbal Papaya
Net contents 12 fl. Oz.; 355 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 23, 2017
DSLD ID 75651
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, 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 Seed Extract by Herbal Papaya, 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:
0.25 tsp
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.25 tsp
Servings per container
24
IngredientAmount% DV
Papaya seed extract1.2 mL--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Glycerin, purified Water, Citric Acid

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.
General Statements

Papaya seeds help the body fight toxins and supports healthy liver functions.

Herbal Papaya is committed to bringing you the finest selection of products. 100% women owned, we believe in the incredible power of nature, support farmers in communities where our products are grown and give 10% of profits to educate girls in Africa.

Women owned

10% of profits go to WAAW Foundation

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Formula

Made from organic gmo-free papaya seeds, this extract possesses a high degree of bioavailability.

Certified Kosher K

Nutraceutical Glycerin-based Extract.

Certified Kosher by The Scroll K.

Formulation

Alcohol and preservatives are never used.

Made with Non-GMO ingredients

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.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Warning: If you are pregnant or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Do not use if tamper evident wrap is broken

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

Seals/Symbols

Certified Kosher K

Made with Non-GMO ingredients

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Take 1/4 tsp (1.2mL) 2 to 3 times a day with food.

See for yourself

Papaya Seed Extract by Herbal Papaya label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Papaya Seed Extract by Herbal Papaya

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.25 tsp Dosage formLiquid Servings per container24 Amounts shown are per serving.

Papaya seed extract

Interacts with
92 drugs
1.2 mL 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 seed extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Glycerin, Purified Water, Citric Acid. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Papaya Seed Extract by Herbal Papaya Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Papaya Seed Extract?

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Papaya Seed Extract 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 seed extract4 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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Papaya Seed Extract, from the product label.

Herbal Papaya

See all Herbal Papaya products
Name
Herbal Papaya
Street Address
PO Box 1691
City
Wylie
State
TX
ZipCode
75098
Phone Number
800-820-4829
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Papaya Seed Extract by Herbal Papaya: Common Questions

Does Papaya Seed Extract by Herbal Papaya interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Papaya Seed Extract 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 Seed Extract contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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.
Does papaya seed extract actually help with diabetes?
The evidence isn't established. A small, low-quality study of fermented papaya (not seed extract) in people taking glibenclamide showed some effect on blood sugar, but we don't have reliable proof that this extract works for diabetes. Talk with your doctor before using it to manage your blood sugar.
Is this safe to take every day?
Little reliable safety data exists for supplement amounts taken long-term. Ripe papaya fruit eaten as food is generally well tolerated, but concentrated supplements are less well studied. The safety data advises caution with supplements while being clearer about the safety of moderate amounts of ripe fruit.
What are the common side effects?
Nausea and vomiting have been reported in trials with papaya leaf extract. Allergic reactions are possible, especially in people with a latex allergy, and can range from itchy watery eyes and sneezing to severe systemic reactions, though serious reactions are rare.
Can I take this while I'm on warfarin?
No—do not take this without talking to your doctor first. A documented case shows that papain from papaya raised blood-thinning levels dangerously high in someone stable on warfarin. This is a Moderate-severity interaction, and your doctor needs to know before you add it.
Will this interfere with my thyroid medication?
Possibly. One case report describes a patient whose levothyroxine became less effective after eating large amounts of fresh papaya daily. Because this is a concentrated extract, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you use thyroid replacement.

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

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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.

Papaya Seed Extract label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Papaya Seed Extract’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Papaya Seed Extract's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 14 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

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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