Papain

The Basics On Papain

What is Papain?

Enzyme extracted from papaya.

What are other names for Papain?

PAPAIN, PAPAIN, PAPAINASE, and PAPAINE

What is Papain used for?

The protein-dissolving papain can be found in many exfoliating products. These products help reduce acne by removing dead skin cells that can clog pores. Papain can also remove damaged keratin that can build up on the skin and form small bumps. A 2017 study suggested that papain is a viable treatment for scarring.

How Papain is classified

Plant Extracts, Exfoliant

Recommendations for using Papain during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoid

 

Papain During Pregnancy

What we know about using Papain while pregnant or breastfeeding

Limited information available.

The oral DART studies summarized below are described in Table 7. The effect of a ripe Carica papaya fruit blend (500 mL papaya/L water) on different stages of pregnancy was studied in Sprague-Dawley rats by administering the test substance on days 1-5, days 6-11, days 12-17, and days 1-20 of gestation. 43 No signs of fetal or maternal toxicity were observed in any of the treatment groups. A three generation study was performed in order to evaluate the potential reproductive toxicity of irradiated and non-irradiated Carica papaya fruit given to Swiss white mice (F0 and F2 parents: 45 sex/group; F1 parents: 75 sex/group).44 A control group received no papaya in the diet. No statistically significant differences in hematology, pathology, mortality, survival, body weight, or number of pups delivered were observed in parental or offspring animals when compared to control animals. An aqueous Carica papaya leaf extract (60 or 120 mg/kg) was given to pregnant Wistar rats via gavage on days 12-18 of gestation. 45 Abnormalities in morphometry of fetuses was noted in rats treated with 60 mg/kg of the extract, while 100% resorption was noted in rats treated with 120 mg/kg of the extract. The effect of an aqueous extract of Carica papaya leaf on male fertility was evaluated in male Wistar rats.46 Treated rats were given 500 mg/kg bw extract orally for 21 days. Statistically significant reductions in mean values of sperm count, motility, viability, and serum testosterone concentration was noted in treated rats compared to control rats. In a different study, male rats were given 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg bw of a methanolic Carica papaya fruit extract via gavage for 28 days.39 The mid- and high doses induced a significant decrease in rat sperm count. Although papaya seed extract is not among the ingredients reviewed in this report, information regarding this botanical material has been included below, as it may be informative. The effects an aqueous extract of Carica papaya seeds on ovulation and estrous cycle were evaluated in female SpragueDawley rats.47 Rats (10 rats/group) were given 50, 100, or 800 mg/kg bw/day of the extract via gavage in two independent experiments. The aqueous extract of Carica papaya seeds at all doses disrupted the normal sequence of the estrous cycle of the rats, but produced no effect on ovulation and the number of ova shed. Administration of an aqueous extract of Carica papaya seed (50 mg/kg bw/day) to male albino mice (6/group) for 10 to 30 days via gavage caused a significant decrease in sperm count and sperm motility when compared to the control animals that were given water only. 48 The potential reproductive effects of an Distributed for Comment Only – Do Not Cite or Quote aqueous alkaloid extract of Carica papaya seeds was studied in male Wistar rats (5 rats/group).49 Each rat was dosed orally (route of administration not stated) with the extract daily, for 3 days, with doses of either 10, 50, or 150 mg/kg/day, and the male rats were then mated with untreated fertile female rats. No pregnancies were reported in female rats mated with males treated with 50 or 150 mg/kg/day of the extract. Another set of male rats (5/group) were treated with the same doses of the papaya seed extract and used for semen analysis and testes histopathology. Results showed that oral administration of Carica papaya seed extract prevented fertilization, reduced sperm cell counts, promoted sperm cell degeneration, and induced testicular cell lesions, in a dosedependent manner. In a different study, the contraceptive potential of an aqueous Carica papaya seed extract was evaluated.50 Male New Zealand White rabbits (6 animals/group) were given the test substance via gavage in doses of 20, 50, 75, or 100 mg/kg bw/day for 150 days. No treatment-related adverse effects were observed; fertility, semen quality, and hematological parameters were similar among treated and control groups.

General safety info about Papain from CIR

No report found.

Use this, not that!

Coming soon!

Products where you might find Papain

Revision Skincare Papaya Enzyme Cleanser (6.7 fl. oz.); Pevonia Botanica De-Aging Saltmousse – Papaya-Pineapple (6.8 oz.); Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel (1.7 fl. oz.); Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator; Youth To The People Yerba Mate Resurfacing + Exfoliating Energy Facial with Enzymes; SUNDAY RILEY Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream