Papain

Papain is a cysteine protease from unripe papaya with digestive and anti-inflammatory uses. As a digestive enzyme: breaks down proteins (used in meat tenderizer for the same reason). As a systemic enzyme: absorbed from gut and has anti-inflammatory activity similar to bromelain (see wobenzym.md). Used topically as enzymatic wound debrider (Accuzyme® — prescription). The NexoBrid® product uses papain-derived debridement for severe burns (EU-approved). Caution: latex allergy cross-reacts with papain (latex-fruit syndrome). --- *Reviewed by the Dose AI Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board* *Last updated: 2026-04-06*