Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 5 of 9 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Proteolytic Enzymes Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Doctor's Best

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 Doctor's Best with 9 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, 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 Doctor's Best

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 9 active ingredients.
  • “Proteolytic Enzyme Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

This product contains 9 ingredients, 6 of which are active enzymes: papain (from papaya), bromelain (from pineapple), lipase, rutin, fungal protease, neutral protease, and bacterial protease. These are digestive enzymes designed to break down proteins, fats, and other compounds in your digestive system.

Amylase and serratiopeptidase round out the enzyme blend. The capsule also includes microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, pectin, and purified water as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Not established
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 established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: supports protein digestion and metabolic functions.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Postoperative pain, Postoperative swelling, Rhinosinusitis, Sprains — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Papain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Exercise-induced muscle soreness (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Papain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Wound healing.
  • Also on file: Lipase is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia.

The evidence backing these enzymes is limited. For papain, bromelain, rutin, and lipase, we hold ratings of insufficient reliable evidence for the conditions they're marketed for—meaning the science hasn't established whether they actually work for cancer, dental caries, radiation burns, muscle soreness, hay fever, chronic venous insufficiency, diabetes, or the other conditions listed.

Effectiveness data isn't available in our records for the protease ingredients. That doesn't mean they don't work; it means the evidence we have access to isn't strong enough to confirm it.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Papain Bromelain Lipase Rutin 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 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.

Papain is generally tolerated as a food but supplements may irritate your digestive tract or trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. The data advises against concentrated papain and unripe papaya products in pregnancy due to safety concerns; there's not enough information to use supplemental papain while breastfeeding.

Bromelain is generally well tolerated short-term, though long-term safety data are thin. The safety data advises against bromelain in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Rutin is generally well tolerated in food and short-term supplements, but long-term safety data are limited; the data advises against supplement doses in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Lipase and the protease enzymes are generally well tolerated but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions.

There's limited safety data for lipase in pregnancy and breastfeeding. For the proteases, safety hasn't been established in pregnancy, and there's little data during breastfeeding.

At high doses, papain may rarely cause serious effects like esophageal perforation or severe inflammation of the stomach.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Papain Bromelain Lipase Rutin 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?
  • 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.

Before taking this product, double-check with your pharmacist if you take warfarin or any other blood thinner (moderate risk with papain and bromelain); antidiabetes medications, since rutin may increase low blood sugar risk (moderate); antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel (moderate risk with bromelain); or tetracycline antibiotics (minor risk with bromelain).

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you take warfarin, any blood thinner, diabetes medication, or tetracycline antibiotics, check with your pharmacist before starting this product—the interactions could matter. You're a candidate for this product if you have no major drug interactions and want to try digestive enzyme support, though evidence for most claimed uses is thin.

Generally well tolerated at standard doses, but allergic reactions can occur, especially if you're sensitive to tropical fruits or enzymes. Talk to your pharmacist about your exact medications first.

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

Assessment coverage: 7 of 9 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 Doctor's Best
Barcode (UPC) 753950001848
Net contents 90 Delayed Release Veggie Cap(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 14, 2023
DSLD ID 302701
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, 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 Proteolytic Enzymes by Doctor's Best, 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
753950001848
IngredientAmount% DV
Amylase0 NP--
Papain0 NP--
Bromelain0 NP--
Lipase0 NP--
Rutin30 mg--
Protease, Fungal0 NP--
Neutral Protease0 NP--
Protease, Bacterial0 NP--
Proteolytic Enzyme Blend0 NP--
Serratiopeptidase0 NP--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hypromellose, Pectin, Water, Purified

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.
Formula

Doctor's Best Proteolytic Enzymes is a potent formulation containing a broad spectrum of vegetarian proteolytic enzymes. Proteolytic enzymes function in the body to digest and break down proteins into their amino acid components. Supplementing with proteolytic enzymes facilitates chemical reactions that support normal metabolic functions throughout the body.

Formulation

Helps support protein digestion Helps support normal metabolic functions Features delayed release vegetarian capsules for better absorption and function

Broad spectrum proteolytic enzyme formulation

Non-GMO/Vegetarian

Non-GMO/Vegetarian

Delayed release vegetarian capsules help active ingredients to get into intestines for proper absorption and function to support overall immune system health.

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.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Doctor's Best Science-based nutrition

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Vegetarian

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested adult use: Take 3 capsules daily without food, or as recommended by a nutritionally informed physician.

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

See for yourself

Proteolytic Enzymes by Doctor's Best label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Proteolytic Enzymes by Doctor's Best

These are the 9 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.

Proteolytic Enzyme Blend

0 NP per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hypromellose, Pectin, Water, Purified. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Proteolytic Enzymes by Doctor's Best 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.

Go to the checker
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.

Doctor's Best

See all Doctor's Best products
Name
Doctor's Best, Inc.
City
Tustin
State
California
ZipCode
92780
Phone Number
(800) 777-2474
Web Address
drbvitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Proteolytic Enzymes by Doctor's Best: Common Questions

Does Proteolytic Enzymes by Doctor's Best 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 9 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 pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against papain and bromelain during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Rutin is rated likely safe in pregnancy based on the data we hold, but there isn't enough information to confirm safety of supplement doses in pregnancy or while breastfeeding for most of these ingredients. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist—they can weigh the risks and benefits for your situation.
What's papain, and why is it in here?
Papain is a protein-digesting enzyme from papaya. It's included in this blend to help break down proteins in your digestive system. The data shows it's generally well tolerated as a food, but supplements may irritate your digestive tract or cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Will this actually help with digestion or muscle soreness?
We don't have strong evidence backing these uses. For most of the conditions this product is marketed for—including exercise-related muscle soreness, muscle damage recovery, and digestive complaints—the evidence in our records is rated insufficient to confirm the enzymes work.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common side effects reported with these enzymes include allergic reactions (especially in sensitive people), diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, and headache. Allergic reactions can range from mild (itchy eyes, sneezing, rashes) to more serious respiratory symptoms like wheezing or asthma in occupational exposure, though that's rare with supplements.
Is there anything in here I should know about if I have a food allergy?
If you're allergic to papaya or pineapple, you should avoid this product—papain comes from papaya and bromelain from pineapple. Even if you're not strictly allergic, these enzymes can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, so stop and talk to your pharmacist if you develop any suspicious symptoms.
What's rutin, and does it really help with diabetes?
Rutin is a bioflavonoid (a plant compound) included for its theoretical effects on blood vessel health and other functions. Animal research suggests it may lower blood sugar, but we don't have strong human evidence that it works for diabetes. Because it might lower blood sugar, if you take diabetes medications, you need to check with your pharmacist before using 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 →

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 →

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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