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Herbs & Supplements
Papain
Other Names: Carica papaya, Vegetable pepsin
When should I be careful taking it?
Some evidence from animal studies may associate taking papain with causing birth defects in the unborn offspring of pregnant animals that were fed papain. In other studies, eating ripe papaya--the fruit that produces papain--did not affect pregnant animals or their babies, but chemicals in unripe papaya fruits or sap caused contractions of the uterus in some pregnant animals. Uterine contractions could result in miscarriage. Although no further studies support these results, pregnant women are advised to avoid taking large amounts of papain-containing products, unless such use is medically necessary and supervised by a healthcare professional.
Precautions
Cases of sores in the esophagus have been reported in individuals who consumed large amounts of papaya fruit. No similar effects have been reported from the medicinal use of papain, but esophageal irritation is possible.
In a condition known as "ficus-fruit syndrome" individuals who are allergic to tropical fruits such as bananas, figs, or kiwi fruit may also be allergic to papaya or to papain, which is derived from the papaya fruit. Allergic reactions to papain have also been reported in individuals who are sensitive to latex or to the ornamental houseplant, weeping fig (Ficus benjamina).
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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When should I be careful taking it? 
