Papaya enzyme, also referred to as papain, is a cysteine protease enzyme present in papaya, which is well-known for the numerous digestive health benefits that it boasts of. The enzyme contains 212 amino acids, which are stabilized by 3 disulfide bridges. In simple words, papaya enzyme is the potent mix of proteolytic enzymes derived from this fruit. Considering that papaya fruit itself has been known to mankind as a medicinal herb since the 18th century, it is difficult to question the authenticity of papaya enzyme benefits.

Papaya Enzyme Benefits

Benefits of papaya enzyme exist in plenty, but they were not known until the 1870s, i.e. about a century after the effectiveness of papaya as a medicinal herb was acknowledged. Following it's discovery, papaya enzyme or papain was subjected to extensive research, which established the claims of various papaya enzyme benefits - and the treatment of digestive problems was one of the most prominent ones among them. These benefits of papaya enzyme make it an important constituent of our diet. Let's take a look at some of these papaya enzyme benefits.

• A useful digestive enzyme, papain helps the stomach to break down protein easily in order to facilitate the absorption of nutrients.
• Papaya enzymes help in dissolving fats and softening the texture of the skin, and hence is found in various beauty products.
• It is also one of the prominent anti-inflammatory agent that helps in soothing the stomach and alleviating edemas.
• Papaya enzyme has also demonstrated effectiveness in treating ulcers, and dissolving membranes in diphtheria.
• Papain is also effective in curbing swelling and fever that develops after the surgery.
• These enzymes are also helpful in treating swelling and bruising by reducing swelling and thin mucous.
• Treatment of various food allergies is possible with the help of these enzymes.
• Papain also helps in treatment of cold sores.
• Papaya enzymes also help in regulating irritable bowel syndrome.
• Taking papaya enzymes is known to help in cleaning the dead tissues in the body, and keeping the skin healthy.
• People who suffer from various sprains and strains can get relief by including papaya enzymes in their diet.
• Quite a few studies have proved that papain is an excellent immunostimulant, which helps in boosting our immune system.
• Low doses can help people suffering from dyspeptic disorder by facilitating proper digestion.
• Studies have also revealed that papain helps in alleviating sore throat swelling as well as sinus pain.

These were some of the major health benefits of papaya enzymes. Yet another papaya enzyme benefit, i.e. wound healing is acknowledged by many individuals, but is yet to be proved scientifically.

You don't necessarily have to consume papain supplement to gain various papaya enzyme benefits, in fact these benefits can be enjoyed by consuming the papaya fruit as well. As in case of any other nutritional supplement, an overdose of this enzyme can also lead to papaya enzyme side effects, and hence it's important to have it in small doses. Ideally, one should have a nutritional diet with a small amount of papaya enzymes in it. These enzymes are very effective, and even a little amount of papaya enzymes is enough to keep you healthy and for tackling various disorders.

Botanical Name: Carica papaya (active principle)
AKA: Papaya enzyme
Origin: India
Notes: Non-irradiated. Kosher. 2000 USP GDU/mg. With a small amount of added maltodextrin (natural free-flowing agent).

More info and additional health benefits (from buzzle.com)