Papain is a protein-digesting enzyme found in the papaya fruit. Papain is recommended in the treatment of the disease called celiac disease, a condition in which the body cannot digest gluten in grains such as wheat. A lot of the meals we eat have a wheat base, so this is very necessary. Left untreated the disease can result in cancer in the small intestines. Studies show that Papain renders the gluten harmless to the celiac patient.

Papain is a plant enzyme, a family of supplements that some nutritionists use for a variety of problems including food allergies, poor digestion, and constipation. Plant enzymes are also used to fight inflammation and to help clear the arteries in people with cardiovascular disease.