Papain

Tier 3 — weak evidence · Digestion · Inflammation · Wound debridement

A proteolytic enzyme from papaya that breaks down proteins. Used for wound debridement and as a digestive aid. Evidence for reducing post-surgical swelling when combined with bromelain. Can cause allergic reactions via latex cross-reactivity. Take between meals for anti-inflammatory effects or with meals for digestion.

Dose: 500–1,000 mg/day; between meals for inflammation, with meals for digestion; avoid with latex allergy