What Type of Enzymes Are Papain & Bromelain?

Papain and bromelain are two food enzymes commonly taken in supplement form for digestive health.

What Are Enzymes?

• Enzymes are natural bonds of an inorganic mineral to an organic amino acid protein polymer, always containing a co-enzyme and usually a vitamin. According to Joseph Marion, author of "Anti-Aging Manual: The Encyclopedia of Natural Health," there are over 20,000 known enzymes and over 5,300 body enzymes.

Types

• Papain and bromelain are proteolytic (protein-dissolving) enzymes. This type of enzyme stimulates protein manufacture, synthesis and repair.

Function

• Proteolytic enzymes can slowly dissolve away damaged protein tissues (relieving inflammation and edema), as well as old wrinkled skin. They also stimulate the immune system.

Bromelain

• Bromelain, found in raw pineapple, is capable of dissolving both cross linked and non-cross linked proteins.

Papain

• Papain, found in fresh papaya, is the strongest protein-digesting enzyme known. Papain digests protein in an acid, neutral or alkaline medium, turning some of the protein into arginine for human growth hormone production. It is also a powerful mucus and pus dissolver.