STIMULATES DIGESTION
One of the key areas in which papain serves the body is in the realm of its protein-digestive properties. One case study found that when a male patient with gluten intolerance ate a gluten-free diet, he still experienced diarrhea, but when he additionally took 1800 mg of papain for one month, he had fewer loose stools and less malabsorption. This is just one study, and more research needs to be conducted.
BENEFITS OF PAPAYA FOR SKIN
Due to papain’s beneficial capacities, people have used it for many years as a topical application to burns, ulcers, irritations, bedsores and other wounds, and to assist recovery from sports injuries. Some practitioners have used it dental cavities. Papain’s enzymatic action is very specific, and it does not harm healthy skin.
Traditional cultures in Hawaii and Tahiti made poultices out of the skins of papaya, as this part of the fruit has a particularly high concentration of papain. Traditional healers applied this substance to the skin to heal wounds, burns, rashes and insect stings.
DIGESTS MUCUS
Studies have found that papain digests sinus mucin, a glycoprotein found in mucus, and hence may have beneficial effects for people having sinus issues.Papain makes mucus less viscous, or runnier, and hence better able to be eliminated.
Because of this feature, some researchers are studying how papain can help deliver nanoparticle medicines to the body so that they can get through the body’s natural mucosal barrier in the gut. Using papain with nanoparticles may not be the best for your health.
SUPPORTS IMMUNE SYSTEM FUNCTION
Studies have found that papain may have anti-cell proliferation properties. Some studies have shown papain delivers a strong effect while others found no difference between papain and controls. A review article found strong evidence for the overall immune function properties of papaya.
RESISTS REDNESS AND IRRITATION
Studies confirm that the papain enzyme offers powerful resistance to redness and irritation. Papain helps aid the absorption of another beneficial substance, quercetin. One study found that when papain and bromelain were given along with quercetin, it helped swelling symptoms associated with prostate health.
ACTS AS AN ANTIOXIDANT
Papain holds compounds that may aid in protecting the body from cellular damage caused by free radicals, which makes it an antioxidant. The compounds in papaya juice effectively scavenge, or counteract, highly reactive hydroxyl (OH-) free radicals, as well as super-oxides. Papain has an antioxidant level on par with Vitamins E and C. In one study, the Sunrise Solo cultivar (a type of papaya) was more effective as an antioxidant than two other cultivars.
BENEFITS OF PAPAIN
Prevents Food Spoilage
Since research has shown papain has antifungal and antibacterial properties, and it is sometimes used to preserve foods naturally. It is a powerful agent commonly used in food preservation, reducing bacterial infestations and spoilage due to oxidation.
It may help relieve shingles symptoms
Proteolytic enzymes such as papain may help shingles symptoms such as pain, skin lesions, and neuralgia.
It eases muscle soreness
Protease supplements may relieve muscle pain caused by intense exercise, according to a 2004 study Trusted Source. In this study, 10 matched pairs of male participants were given either a placebo or a protease supplement containing papain and other protease enzymes.
It helps heal wounds
Research also suggests that papain may be used as a natural remedy for skin ulcers, wounds, and other skin conditions.
