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Dietary supplement

Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Kala Health

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

Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes is a dietary supplement by Kala Health with 8 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive support for protein digestion, wound cleaning (debridement of dead tissue), sore throat and inflammation.Based on those ingredients, 141 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bromelain, Papain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes by Kala Health

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

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

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 8 active ingredients.
  • “Enzymes” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes contains 8 active ingredients—a blend of enzymes designed to support digestion. Papain breaks down proteins and comes from papaya.

Bromelain is another protein-digesting enzyme from pineapple. Amylase breaks down carbohydrates, and lipase breaks down fats.

The product also includes several proteolytic enzymes (Protease 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0, and pepsin), which further aid protein digestion. The capsule also contains inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, digestive enzymes, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

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

The evidence supporting these enzymes is not well established in the data we hold. For papain, the effectiveness ratings show insufficient reliable evidence for cancer, dental caries, radiation dermatitis, exercise-induced muscle soreness, herpes zoster (shingles), and intestinal parasite infection.

Bromelain similarly lacks sufficient reliable evidence for allergic rhinitis (hay fever), burns, cancer, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, chronic venous insufficiency, and diabetes. Lipase shows insufficient reliable evidence for inflammatory bowel disease and dyspepsia.

The other proteolytic enzymes have no effectiveness ratings on file.

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

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Papain is generally tolerated as a food, but the supplement form may irritate your digestive tract and cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. Concentrated papain should be avoided in pregnancy due to safety concerns, and there isn't enough reliable safety information for supplemental papain while breastfeeding.

Bromelain is generally well tolerated short-term, but long-term safety data is limited. It should be avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.

Lipase is generally well tolerated but should only be used in serious digestive conditions under medical guidance; pregnancy and breastfeeding use require your doctor's advice. The proteolytic enzymes are generally well tolerated but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions; they should be avoided in pregnancy unless prescribed, and breastfeeding use requires medical guidance.

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

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.

If you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs—warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin—double-check with your pharmacist before using this product; bromelain and papain may increase bleeding risk. If you take tetracycline antibiotics, bromelain may affect how your body absorbs them, though real-world evidence is limited.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure marketed for general wellness rather than one specific gradeable purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is a digestive enzyme blend that may help some people with digestion, though the evidence isn't strong. If you take blood thinners like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin, or if you take tetracycline antibiotics, talk to your pharmacist before starting it.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Check with your doctor first.

Run your full medication list through the checker on this page.

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

Assessment coverage: 7 of 8 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 20, 2024.

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 Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes, straight from the product label.

Brand Kala Health
Barcode (UPC) 8719322755117
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 20, 2024
DSLD ID 311331
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes by Kala Health, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
8719322755117
IngredientAmount% DV
Amylase0 NP--
Papain0 NP--
Bromelain0 NP--
Lipase0 NP--
Protease 4.50 NP--
Pepsin5 mg--
Enzymes0 NP--
Protease 3.00 NP--
Protease 6.00 NP--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Digestive Enzymes, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

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

Food Supplement, containing Digestive Enzymes

Formula

Food Supplement, containing Digestive Enzymes

Every capsule contains a wide range of enzymes, designed to support the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the nutrition. The plant-based, high-activity enzymes have been manufactured by fermentation process. The enzymes optimize the breakdown of foods cross a broad pH range of 3.0 to 9.0. The enzymes are stable, and resistant to the acid environment of the stomach, and the basic environment of the intestine.

Precautions

A food supplement should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet.

Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

Storage: Store on a cool, dry, dark place out of reach of young children.

Formulation

Supports the digestion

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended Use: To support the digestion, adults take 1 capsule with a meal, or as recommended. For children calculate according to body weight. Use as long as needed.

Storage

Storage: Store on a cool, dry, dark place out of reach of young children.

General Statements

%RI = EU Reference Intake

See for yourself

Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes by Kala Health label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes by Kala Health

These are the 8 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.

Enzymes

0 NP per serving

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

Interaction report

Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes by Kala Health Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes?

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 Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes 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 Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes, from the product label.

Kala Health

See all Kala Health products
Name
Kala Health BV- NL
Web Address
www.kalahealth.eu
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes by Kala Health: Common Questions

Does Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes by Kala Health interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes 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?
Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes contains 8 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?
Not without checking with your pharmacist first. Papain in this product may increase warfarin's effects and your bleeding risk. One patient stable on warfarin had a dangerous spike in blood thinning after taking a papain supplement. Your pharmacist can review your dose and monitor you if you decide to use it together.
What if I'm sensitive to pineapple or papaya?
You may have an allergic reaction to bromelain or papain. Allergic responses can include itchy watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. If you've had reactions to these fruits, skip this product or talk to your doctor first.
Is it safe to take while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough reliable safety information for papain or bromelain while breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid them. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you're nursing.
What are the main side effects?
Most people tolerate it well. Bromelain may cause diarrhea, flatulence, or stomach upset. Papain can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. High doses of papain can cause serious problems like severe inflammation or even a tear in your esophagus, though that's rare.
Does this actually help with digestion?
The evidence isn't established in our data. We don't have reliable evidence that papain or bromelain work for conditions like poor digestion, and the same goes for lipase and the other enzymes in this blend. It may help some people, but we can't say based on the evidence available.
Are there fillers in here?
Yes. The inactive ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose, digestive enzymes, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. These are binders and capsule materials, not active ingredients.

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

Not sure if Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes 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.

Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

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

The 34 references behind this product’s interaction data

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

Papain 11 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Shaw D, Leon C, Kolev S, Murray V. Traditional remedies and food supplements: a 5-year toxicological study (1991-1995). Drug Saf 1997;17:342-56.
  3. Shuttleworth D, Hill S, Marks R, Connelly DM. Relief of experimentally induced pruritus with a novel eutectic mixture of local anaesthetic agents. Br J Dermatol 1988;119:535-40.
  4. Mansfield LE, Ting S, Haverly RW, Yoo TJ. The incidence and clinical implications of hypersensitivity to papain in an allergic population, confirmed by blinded oral challenge. Ann Allergy 1985;55:541-3.
  5. Martin, T., Uhder, K., Kurek, R., Roeddiger, S., Schneider, L., Vogt, H. G., Heyd, R., and Zamboglou, N. Does prophylactic treatment with proteolytic enzymes reduce acute toxicity of adjuvant pelvic irradiation? Results of a double-blind randomized trial PubMed
  6. Walker-Renard, P. Update on the medicinal management of phytobezoars. Am J Gastroenterol. 1993;88(10):1663-1666.
  7. Tymoszuk D, Wiszniewska M, Walusiak-Skorupa J. Papain-induced occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma - A case report. Med Pr 2016;67(1):109-12. PubMed
  8. Soto-Mera MT, López-Rico MR, Filgueira JF, et al. Occupational allergy to papain. Allergy 2000;55(10):983-4. PubMed
  9. Tarlo SM, Shaikh W, Bell B, et al. Papain-induced allergic reactions. Clin Allergy 1978;8(3):207-15. PubMed
  10. Baur X, König G, Bencze K, Fruhmann G. Clinical symptoms and results of skin test, RAST and bronchial provocation test in thirty-three papain workers: Evidence for strong immunogenic potency and clinically relevant proteolytic e?ects of airborne papain. C
  11. Novey HS, Keenan WJ, Fairshter RD, Wells ID, Wilson AF, Culver BD. Pulmonary disease in workers exposed to papain: clinico-physiological and immunological studies. Clin Allergy 1980;10(6):721-31. PubMed

See these in context on the Papain monograph →

Bromelain 19 references
  1. Nettis E, Napoli G, Ferrannini A, Tursi A. IgE-mediated allergy to bromelain. Allergy 2001;56:257-8. PubMed
  2. Taussig SJ, Batkin S. Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and its clinical application. An update. J Ethnopharmacol 1988;22:191-203.. PubMed
  3. Bradbrook ID, Morrison PJ, Rogers HJ. The effect of bromelain on the absorption of orally administered tetracycline. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1978;6:552-4. PubMed
  4. Bush TM, Rayburn KS, Holloway SW, et al. Adverse interactions between herbal and dietary substances and prescription medications: a clinical survey. Altern Ther Health Med 2007;13:30-5.
  5. Brien S, Lewith G, Walker AF, et al. Bromelain as an adjunctive treatment for moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. QJM 2006;99:841-50. PubMed
  6. Mori S, Ojima Y, Hirose T, et al. The clinical effect of proteolytic enzyme containing bromelain and trypsin on urinary tract infection evaluated by double blind method. Acta Obstet Gynaecol Jpn 1972;19:147-53.
  7. Glaser D, Hilberg T. The influence of bromelain on platelet count and platelet activity in vitro. Platelets 2006;17:37-41. PubMed
  8. Heinicke R M, van der Wal L, Yokoyama M. Effect of bromelain (Ananase) on human platelet aggregation. Experientia 1972;28:844-5. PubMed
  9. Gailhofer, G., Wilders-Truschnig, M., Smolle, J., and Ludvan, M. Asthma caused by bromelain: an occupational allergy. Clin Allergy 1988;18(5):445-450. PubMed
  10. Mattei, O., Fabri, G., and Farina, G. [Occupational health experience regarding four cases of asthma due to bromelain (author's transl)]. Medicina del Lavoro 1979;70(5):404-409.
  11. Galleguillos, F. and Rodriguez, J. C. Asthma caused by bromelin inhalation. Clin Allergy 1978;8(1):21-24. PubMed
  12. Perez-Camo I, Quirce S, Duran MA, and et al. Latex allergy: evidence of cross-reactivity with papain and bromelain [abstract]. Allergy 1996;51(suppl 31):48.
  13. Martin GJ, Ehrenreich J, and Asbell N. Bromelain: pineapple proteases with anti-edema activity. Exp Med Surg 1962;20:227-247.
  14. Kasemsuk T, Saengpetch N, Sibmooh N, Unchern S. Improved WOMAC score following 16-week treatment with bromelain for knee osteoarthritis. Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Oct;35(10):2531-40. PubMed
  15. Kutlu Ö, DemirbaS A, Elmas ÖF, Güvenç U, Metin A. Fixed drug eruption: a new side effect of bromelain. Contact Dermatitis 2020. Online ahead of print. PubMed
  16. Shoham Y, Shapira E, Haik J, et al. Bromelain-based enzymatic debridement of chronic wounds: Results of a multicentre randomized controlled trial. Wound Repair Regen 2021;29(6):899-907. PubMed
  17. Pfister P, Garcia Wendel PD, Kim BS, et al. Coagulation side effects of enzymatic debridement in burned patients. Burns 2022. PubMed
  18. Hasham S, Riyat H, Fletcher A, O'Boyle CP, Alexander S. To bleed or not to bleed? Case series and discussion of haemorrhage risk with enzymatic debridement in burn injuries. Scars Burn Heal 2023;9:20595131231168333. PubMed
  19. Leelakanok N, Petchsomrit A, Janurai T, Saechan C, Sunsandee N. Efficacy and safety of bromelain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Health 2023. PubMed

See these in context on the Bromelain monograph →

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 →

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 →

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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