Herbs & Supplements

Papain Other Names: Carica papaya, Vegetable pepsin What side effects should I watch for? Major Side Effects Eating the sap of papaya trees or raw, unripe papaya fruits may cause irritation, pain, or sores in the mouth, esophagus, stomach, or intestines. Due to its ability to digest proteins, papain may irritate skin or mucous membranes--especially if tissue is already damaged by sores or other injuries. Inflammation or irritation of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, or intestines could result from taking papain orally. Less Severe Side Effects Taking papain or touching papaya plants may cause sensitive individuals to experience general allergy symptoms such as diarrhea, runny nose, sneezing, sweating, and watering eyes. Pollen from the papaya plants is also known to be a significant cause of allergic responses--especially among individuals who work in cultivating, harvesting, or processing the plants. << Back What interactions should I watch for? >>

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.