papain benefits
The main component of papaya, papain It is an enzyme that breaks down proteins. It also speeds up its assimilation through the digestive tract.
Photo Daria Shevtsova on Pexels
This enzyme is also used for its disinfiltration properties, useful in the fight against cellulite.
Finally, it plays an important role in the quality of digestion. Therefore, it is interesting to treat difficult digestion. discovery of the Papain: its benefits, side effects and indications.
Presentation
Originally from the warm regions of Central America, the papaya is cultivated in all tropical regions. This fast growing shrub produces yellow flowers and large orange fruits papayas.
These fruits have a refreshingly acid flesh. But between the rind and the pulp of the fruit, latex contains a high dose of papain, an enzyme with unexpected virtues.
Description
To understand the interest of this enzyme, it is necessary to stop for a few moments in the functioning of the pancreas. This organ makes proteolytic enzymes.
These, mainly trypsin and chymotrypsin, are essential for the digestion. They break down protein molecules to make them smaller and more digestible.
Some plants produce enzymes with a similar role.
This is the case of papaya with papain, but also of pineapple with bromelain. These two enzymes are involved in the process digestion and offer support for difficult digestion.
History
Papaya and papain are «remèdes ancestraux». Traditionally, when the fruit is still green, it is arranged like a vegetable. It is also used to soften slightly tough meats.
Papain is not often used pure. Rather, the latex that contains it is used to treat digestive disorders and injuries. In some African countries, health professionals regularly use a papaya-based ointment to treat burns.
Likewise, in the rest of the world, the applications of papain are much more diverse.
Indeed, it is used in the food industry, but also in the treatment of textiles and in the manufacture of certain cosmetics.
Papain extract is sometimes confused with fermented papaya extract. Although both products come from the same fruit, they are quite different.
In fact, the fermented papaya extract comes from the fermentation of the pulp of the fruit.
Therefore, it does not contain papain. However, it has an interesting therapeutic interest thanks to its antioxidant action.
Properties and virtues
The papain benefits are mainly derived from their traditional uses. However, there is now a lot of scientific evidence that is beginning to support these benefits. Panorama.
digestive disorders
proteolytic enzymes are essential for a good digestion. However, with age or certain diseases, the pancreas no longer produces enough of these enzymes.
It is then necessary to compensate this deficiency with a proteolytic enzyme supplement. Papain is one of the most widely used enzymes due to its action similar to those naturally produced by the pancreas.
Although no study validates this theory, field observations and scientific findings acknowledge it.
Skin problems and skin diseases
Whether due to its ancestral use or its therapeutic application, papain is recognized for its effectiveness against skin problems such as wounds, edema and necrosis.
In vitro tests have shown its beneficial effects on the wound healing process1,2,3.
Clinical studies, using a cocktail of enzymes, have shown a positive effect in pain, inflammation and edema of the skin4. 4 The enzymes involved in these studies were papain, bromelain, rutin, pancreatin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin.
In traditional use, it is also used, particularly in Brazil, to dissolve necrotic tissue5,6.
As an adjunct to cancer treatment
Clinical studies highlight the use of proteolytic enzymes to supplement the conventional cancer treatments.
Better yet, these studies suggest that papain (and other enzymes in the same family) have a antitumor effect.
These enzymes have been shown to inhibit tumor-related growth factors. However, further research is still needed.
Weight loss cures
Due to their draining propertiespapain is often used in slimming cures.
However, although this use is ingrained in society, there is no scientific evidence to support it.
the different ways
As a dietary supplement, papain is available in the form of capsules, tablets and liquids.
Dosage and use
Papain is usually prepared with other proteolytic enzymes.
Dosage
If the enzyme is taken alone, the usual recommended dose is 100 to 150 mg per day.
Use
Papain is available as a tablet, syrup, or oral solution. It should be taken with meals.
Caution
Although it is a natural product, papain has side effects and has several precautions for use.
Precautions for use
Unripe papaya is known to cause spontaneous abortions9,10. 9,10 Therefore, pregnant women avoid supplements papain without medical advice.
contraindications
Due to possible cross-allergies, sensitive or allergic people latex, kiwi, banana or avocado they should not take a supplement of this enzyme without consulting a health specialist.
The same goes for people who are undergoing treatment. anticoagulant with molecules like warfarin.
undesirable effects
In therapeutic doses, papain not has known side effects. At higher doses, irritation of the esophagus has been reported.
interactions
Theoretically, the effects of papain may be added to those of the anticoagulants, either form of medicines (for example, the warfarin) or herbs.
Fountain
Papain is exclusively present in the latex between flesh and rind of the papaya.
Frequent questions
What is papain?
Papain is the main constituent of papaya. This enzyme has many benefits for the body.
Why supplement with papain?
– Relief of symptoms related to digestive disorders –
Improvement of certain skin conditions – Properties
slimming –
Help in the fight against cancer
What are the warnings?
Papain is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation: it can cause spontaneous abortions.
It can also interact with certain medications: blood thinners.
It may interest you:
Papaya: benefits and virtues for health
Tips to Prepare Delicious Chicken Skewers with Papaya
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