Last update March 21, 2025

Papaya. Papain

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

Papain is a proteolytic enzyme, a mixture of papain and chymopapain (made up of just over 210 amino acids each), extracted from the Carica papaya fruit. It is used topically as a dermatological debridant and for cleaning contact lenses. It is used in the food industry to tenderize meat and to clarify beverages. There is no evidence of its effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory and digestive and other internal uses are dangerous (Lee 2005, Maini 2001). May cause sensitization and other allergic problems. (Rosenthal 2008)

At the date of last update we found no published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Its high molecular weight makes it unlikely to pass into milk and because of its protein nature it is inactivated in the gastrointestinal tract and is not absorbed.

There is no evidence of its claimed value in some cultures as a galactogogue or for improving the quality of breast milk (Zulkarnain 2024, Jendras 2020, Bourdy 1992). The best galactogogue is frequent demand breastfeeding with correct technique in a mother who retains her self-confidence. (ABM 2018 and 2011, Mannion 2012, Forinash 2012)

The puree of this plant can improve plasma levels of vitamin A and iron in lactating mothers from disadvantaged populations. (Ncube 2001)

The application of creams containing papain on the nipple increases the risk of mastitis (Kinlay 2001). Do not apply to the breast. Avoid oral use.

The use as food fruit and the topical use of its extracts are compatible with breastfeeding.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.
DONATE NOW

Other names

Papaya. Papain is also known as


Papaya. Papain in other languages or writings:

Groups

Papaya. Papain belongs to these groups or families:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Papaya. Papain in its composition:

List of 23 tradenames

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Molecular weight 23.000 daltons

References

  1. Zulkarnain Z, Fitriani U, Ardiyanto D, Saryanto, Wijayanti E, Triyono A, Novianto F. Galactagogue activity of poly-herbal decoction from Indonesia: a randomized open label controlled trial. J Complement Integr Med. 2024 Apr 23;21(4):532-539. Abstract
  2. Jendras G, Monizi M, Neinhuis C, Lautenschläger T. Plants, food and treatments used by BaKongo tribes in Uíge (northern Angola) to affect the quality and quantity of human breast milk. Int Breastfeed J. 2020 Oct 23;15(1):88. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  3. ABM: Brodribb W. ABM Clinical Protocol #9: Use of Galactogogues in Initiating or Augmenting Maternal Milk Production, Second Revision 2018. Breastfeed Med. 2018 Jun;13(5):307-314 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. Mannion C, Mansell D. Breastfeeding self-efficacy and the use of prescription medication: a pilot study. Obstet Gynecol Int. 2012;2012:562704. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Forinash AB, Yancey AM, Barnes KN, Myles TD. The use of galactogogues in the breastfeeding mother. Ann Pharmacother. 2012 Oct;46(10):1392-404. Abstract
  6. ABM. Academy Of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee. ABM Clinical Protocol #9: Use of galactogogues in initiating or augmenting the rate of maternal milk secretion (First Revision January 2011). Breastfeed Med. 2011 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. ABM. Comité de Protocolos de la Academia Médica de Lactancia Materna. ABM Protocolo Clínico #9: Uso de Galactogogos para Iniciar o aumentar la tasa de secreción de Leche Materna. Breastfeed Med. 2011 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. Rosenthal AP, Blønd MB. [The enzyme papain in industry and food causes allergic sensitization]. Ugeskr Laeger. 2008 Abstract
  9. Lee J, Anderson R. Best evidence topic report. Proteolytic enzymes for oesophageal meat impaction. Emerg Med J. 2005 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  10. Maini S, Rudralingam M, Zeitoun H, Osbourne JE. Aspiration pneumonitis following papain enzyme treatment for oesophageal meat impaction. J Laryngol Otol. 2001 Abstract
  11. Kinlay JR, O'Connell DL, Kinlay S. Risk factors for mastitis in breastfeeding women: results of a prospective cohort study. Aust N Z J Public Health. 2001 Abstract
  12. Ncube TN, Greiner T, Malaba LC, Gebre-Medhin M. Supplementing lactating women with puréed papaya and grated carrots improved vitamin A status in a placebo-controlled trial. J Nutr. 2001 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  13. Bourdy G, Walter A. Maternity and medicinal plants in Vanuatu. I. The cycle of reproduction. J Ethnopharmacol. 1992 Abstract

Total visits

43,220

Help us improve this entry

How to cite this entry

Do you need more information or did not found what you were looking for?

   Write us at elactancia.org@gmail.com

e-lactancia is a resource recommended by La Liga de la Leche, España of Spain

Would you like to recommend the use of e-lactancia? Write to us at corporate mail of APILAM