Papain
Papain is a cysteine protease, an enzyme that breaks down proteins, taken from the latex of unripe papaya fruit (Carica papaya). Latex is collected from cuts made in the green fruit, then filtered or precipitated from water solution and dried, or kept as a liquid. Brands buy it as a powder standardized to a stated protease activity, often diluted with a carrier, for supplements, protein hydrolysis and meat processing.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Purified papain blended with a carrier such as maltodextrin or salt to a stated activity, for example in FCC papain units (PU) or tyrosine units per gram.
Lower-purity sun-dried or spray-dried latex with more insoluble matter, sold mainly for industrial meat and brewing uses.
Stabilized aqueous papain for continuous dosing in protein hydrolysis and beverage processing.
High-activity powder with documented carrier and allergen status, used in capsules and enzyme blends.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Keep papain powder sealed in a cool, dry place away from light; activity drops faster in warm, humid storage, and liquid grades usually need refrigeration. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification as a minimum activity to a date, and older lots are retested for activity before use. Supplier safety data sheets call for dust control and respiratory protection when handling the powder.
Activity varies from lot to lot, so record the measured activity per gram and adjust the dose to hit the label claim or process target. Note the carrier and the country of origin of the latex for each lot, and rotate stock first-expired, first-out.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 184.1585 affirms papain, a proteolytic enzyme derived from Carica papaya L., as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a direct human food ingredient.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's List of Permitted Food Enzymes includes papain (item P.2) from the fruit of the papaya, Carica papaya L.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Digestive Enzymes natural health product monograph lists papain with Carica papaya fruit and leaf as source material.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Thane, India
Indian maker of enzymes and probiotics produced by fermentation, with a human nutrition range of digestive and systemic enzymes plus Saccharomyces boulardii for supplement makers.
Manufacturer · Scranton, PA
US enzyme supplier founded in 1953 that produces papain at its Scranton, Pennsylvania plant and sells food-grade proteases, carbohydrases and lipases for supplements and food processing.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include standardized powder, crude dried latex, liquid concentrate and supplement grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect protease activity, identity, loss on drying, heavy metals, microbiology and insolubles and carrier, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Keep papain powder sealed in a cool, dry place away from light; activity drops faster in warm, humid storage, and liquid grades usually need refrigeration. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification as a minimum activity to a date, and older lots are retested for activity before use. Supplier safety data sheets call for dust control and respiratory protection when handling the powder.
21 CFR 184.1585 affirms papain, a proteolytic enzyme derived from Carica papaya L., as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a direct human food ingredient. Health Canada's List of Permitted Food Enzymes includes papain (item P.2) from the fruit of the papaya, Carica papaya L. Health Canada's Digestive Enzymes natural health product monograph lists papain with Carica papaya fruit and leaf as source material.
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