Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 5 of 7 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Proteolytic Enzymes Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by California Gold Nutrition

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

Proteolytic Enzymes is a dietary supplement by California Gold Nutrition with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids, easy bruising and fragile capillaries.Based on those ingredients, 227 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bromelain, Rutin, Papain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Proteolytic Enzymes by California Gold Nutrition

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 7 active ingredients.
  • “Pancreatin Alternative Blend 10x” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (132 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Fruit Derived Digestive Enzyme Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (223 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains 7 active ingredients: amylase, papain, bromelain, protease, serratiopeptidase, lipase, and rutin. These are proteolytic enzymes—proteins that break down other proteins—plus amylase (breaks down starch), lipase (breaks down fat), and rutin (a plant compound).

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients including modified cellulose, gellan gum, microcrystalline cellulose, rice bran, and water, which help deliver and hold the active ingredients.

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

The label doesn't state a purpose we can grade — see each ingredient's own graded uses on its monograph instead.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence we hold on these ingredients is limited. Papain, bromelain, protease, lipase, and rutin all carry ratings of insufficient reliable evidence for the conditions they're marketed for—meaning we don't have enough quality studies to say whether they actually work.

Cancer, muscle soreness, digestive conditions, blood sugar control, and skin aging are among the uses listed, but none have solid evidence behind them in our data.

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

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 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Most of these enzymes are generally well tolerated at normal doses when taken short-term. The main concern is allergic reactions—papain and bromelain in particular can trigger allergies in sensitive people, with symptoms ranging from itchy eyes and sneezing to digestive upset.

High doses of papain carry a rare risk of serious stomach damage. Occupational exposure to airborne papain or bromelain dust can cause respiratory allergies.

For pregnancy, the safety data advises against concentrated papain and unripe papaya products. Bromelain is best avoided in pregnancy due to insufficient safety data.

Rutin is rated likely safe in pregnancy based on available information, but data on the other ingredients during pregnancy is too limited—talk with your doctor if you're pregnant. Breastfeeding safety is unknown for most of these ingredients; check with your healthcare provider first.

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

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?
  • 3 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Papain, Rutin, Bromelain.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 227 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.

Check before taking this product if you use warfarin or other blood thinners (anticoagulants)—papain may increase their effects and bleeding risk. Antiplatelet drugs like aspirin and clopidogrel are a concern too, as bromelain may heighten bleeding risk.

If you take diabetes medications, rutin could lower your blood sugar too far. Tetracycline antibiotics may have their levels raised, though real-world evidence on this is mixed.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is a blend of digestive enzymes with limited evidence behind them. If you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, or tetracycline antibiotics, you'll need to check your exact drugs with the tool on this page before using it.

Anyone with a history of papain or bromelain allergies should avoid it. Talk to your pharmacist, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or on any prescription medications.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 14, 2023.

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 Proteolytic Enzymes, straight from the product label.

Brand California Gold Nutrition
Barcode (UPC) 898220011544
Net contents 90 Delayed Release Veggie Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 14, 2023
DSLD ID 299677
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy 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 Proteolytic Enzymes by California Gold Nutrition, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
898220011544
IngredientAmount% DV
Amylase0 NP--
Papain0 NP--
Bromelain0 NP--
Protease0 NP--
Serratiopeptidase0 NP--
Lipase0 NP--
Rutin150 mg--
Pancreatin Alternative Blend 10x132 mg--
Fruit Derived Digestive Enzyme Blend223 mg--

Other ingredients: Modified Cellulose, Water, Gellan Gum, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Rice Bran

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Take 3 capsules daily, without food (one hour before or two hours after meals). Best when taken as directed by a qualified healthcare professional.

Precautions

Warnings: Keep out of reach of children.

Consult with a licensed physician, pharmacist, naturopath or other qualified healthcare professional prior to taking dietary supplements.

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

Not manufactured with eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, or sesame. Produced in an FDA-registered, third-party audited, and cGMP-compliant facility that may process other products that contain these allergens or ingredients.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from heat, light, and moisture.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Califronia Gold Nutrition is a registered trademark of Madre Labs, LLC

Formulation

Broad Spectrum

Suitable for Vegetarians

Formulated Without: GMOs

Not manufactured with eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, or sesame.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Proteolytic Enzymes by California Gold Nutrition label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Proteolytic Enzymes by California Gold Nutrition

These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size3 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 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.

Serratiopeptidase

0 NP per serving

Rutin

Interacts with
86 drugs
150 mg per serving

Rutin is a plant flavonoid (often taken from buckwheat or citrus) that people use mainly for blood vessel and circulation problems like varicose veins...

Rutin monograph & interactions

Pancreatin Alternative Blend 10x

132 mg per serving

Fruit Derived Digestive Enzyme Blend

223 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Modified Cellulose, Water, Gellan Gum, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Rice Bran. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Proteolytic Enzymes by California Gold Nutrition Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Proteolytic 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.

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227Drugs
208 Moderate 19 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Bromelain 141
Rutin 86
Papain 2

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Proteolytic 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

Rutin1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking rutin with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research suggests that rutin has hypoglycemic effects.

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 Proteolytic Enzymes, from the product label.

California Gold Nutrition

See all California Gold Nutrition products
Name
Madre Labs, LLC
Street Address
301 N. Lake Ave. #500
City
Pasadena
State
CA
ZipCode
91101
Web Address
www.calgn.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Proteolytic Enzymes by California Gold Nutrition: Common Questions

Does Proteolytic Enzymes by California Gold Nutrition interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Proteolytic Enzymes has a known interaction with 227 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Proteolytic Enzymes contains 7 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.
Does this product work for digestion or muscle soreness?
The ingredients in this product—papain, bromelain, protease, and lipase—are marketed for several uses, including digestion and muscle recovery. However, we don't have enough reliable evidence in our data to say whether they actually work for these purposes. If you're considering it for a specific condition, ask your pharmacist.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Concentrated papain and unripe papaya products are best avoided in pregnancy. Bromelain also lacks enough safety data for pregnancy, so it's best avoided unless your doctor advises otherwise. Rutin is rated likely safe in pregnancy, but we don't have sufficient safety information for the other ingredients—talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Is it safe while breastfeeding?
Safety during breastfeeding is largely unknown for these ingredients. Papain, bromelain, rutin, lipase, and protease all have insufficient data. Check with your healthcare provider before using this product if you're nursing.
What are the common side effects?
The most common side effects are digestive upset—diarrhea, gas, and stomach discomfort—and allergic reactions in sensitive people. Allergic symptoms can include itchy watery eyes, sneezing, rash, and in rare cases, breathing problems. High doses of papain carry a rare risk of serious stomach damage.
Can this product interact with my tetracycline antibiotic?
Bromelain in this product may theoretically increase tetracycline levels, but a study in healthy people found no actual change. Still, it's worth mentioning to your pharmacist so they can monitor you if needed.
What is rutin and what is it doing in this product?
Rutin is a plant compound with antioxidant properties. It's included because animal research suggests it might have anti-inflammatory or blood-sugar-lowering effects, but we don't have enough human evidence to confirm it works for any specific condition in this product.

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

Not sure if Proteolytic 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.

Proteolytic Enzymes label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Proteolytic Enzymes’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Proteolytic 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 36 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 →

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 3 references
  1. Weeks JA, Harper RA, Simon RA, Burdick JD. Assessment of sensitization risk of a laundry pre-spotter containing protease. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2011;30(4):272-9. PubMed
  2. Marquès LI, Lara S, Abós T, Bartolomé B. Occupational rhinitis due to pepsin. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2006;16(2):136-7. DOI
  3. Cartier A, Malo JL, Pineau L, Dolovich J. Occupational asthma due to pepsin. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1984;73(5 Pt 1):574-7. PubMed

See these in context on the Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph →

Lipase 1 reference
  1. Casper C, Hascoet JM, Ertl T, et al. Recombinant bile salt-stimulated lipase in preterm infant feeding: A randomized phase 3 study. PLoS One. 2016;11(5):e0156071. PubMed

See these in context on the Lipase monograph →

Rutin 2 references
  1. Mehta DK (Ex Ed). British National Formulary, Number 37. British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain: London, England, March 1999.
  2. Sun C, Wang L, Sun J, Wang Z, Tang Z. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of rutin on hyperglycemic rats. J Tradit Chin Med. 2020;40(4):640-645.

See these in context on the Rutin 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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