Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Penlase? Is Penlase safe for nursing mother and child? Does Penlase extracts into breast milk? Does Penlase has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Penlase influence milk supply or can Penlase decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Penlase lactation summary

Penlase is safe in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Penlase is 1 out of 8 which is considered Safe as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 1 indicates that usage of Penlase is mostly safe during lactation for breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research also indicates that Penlase does not cause any serious side effects in breastfeeding mothers.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Penlase safe in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Penlase usage in lactation

It is a glycoprotein which is extracted from pineapple (Ananas comosus, Ananas sativos) and other fruits with a protease-like property (see specific info) and activity as proteolytic-like enzyme with the ability of protein digestion.
It is used in the food industry to softening the meat. 

 In medicine no proven utility has been shown. Effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory and digestive-enhancer is dubious. It has been topically used on local inflammations and burns. 

It has been proposed for oral treatment of breast plethora (Murata 1965), yet there has been an only isolated and very old study which does not constitute an enough evidence to widely recommend it (Snowden 2007, ABM 2016).
The few studies on oral protease utilization to alleviate breast plethora found out discordant results wiht low levels of evidence (ABM 2016, Mangesi 2016). 

At latest update no published data were found on its excretion into breastmilk.
Because of a high molecular weight and a non-significant plasma level concentration (5 micrograms / L) the passage into breastmilk is seemingly unlikely.

Alternate Drugs for Phytotherapy, Systemic Use

Chasteberry(Unsafe)
Chamomile(Safe)
Echinacea(Low Risk)
Alfalfa(Unsafe)
Dong Quai(Low Risk)
Cranberry(Safe)
Licorice(Unsafe)
Rhubarb(Low Risk)
Lavender(Low Risk)
Barberry(Dangerous)
Carob(Safe)
Common Poppy(Unsafe)
Angelica(Unsafe)
Star Anise(Dangerous)
Mugwort(Unsafe)
Edible Burdock(Low Risk)
Box(Unsafe)
Boldo(Unsafe)
Calaguala(Safe)
Caralluma(Low Risk)
Carrageen(Low Risk)
Blue-Cohosh(Dangerous)
Squisandra(Low Risk)
Black-Cohosh(Unsafe)
Horsetail(Unsafe)
Colocynth Pulp(Dangerous)
Ergot Fungus(Dangerous)
Ephedra(Unsafe)
Steviol(Safe)
Eucalyptus(Unsafe)
Eyebright(Safe)
Flowers(Low Risk)
Fucus(Unsafe)
Goat´s Rue(Unsafe)
Bearberry(Unsafe)
Guarana(Low Risk)
Herniary(Low Risk)
Hyssop(Unsafe)
Syrup Of Ipecac(Low Risk)
Jin Bu Huan(Dangerous)
Kava Kava(Dangerous)
Clubmoss(Unsafe)
Maca(Safe)
Nux Vomica(Dangerous)
Papain(Low Risk)
Passion Flower(Low Risk)
African Cherry(Dangerous)
Scots Pine(Unsafe)
Pennyroyal(Unsafe)
Primrose(Safe)
Radish(Safe)
Ironwort(Low Risk)
Liquorice(Unsafe)
Rooibos(Safe)
Rose Hip(Safe)
Willow(Safe)
Soy(Low Risk)
Herbal Teas(Low Risk)
Rock Tea(Low Risk)
Tormentil(Safe)
Meadow-Sweet(Low Risk)
Sarsaparilla(Low Risk)
Sweet Flag(Unsafe)
Saw palmetto(Low Risk)
Cat's Claw(Low Risk)
Milk Vetch(Low Risk)
White Mulberry(Low Risk)
Di Huang(Low Risk)
Zi Wan(Unsafe)
Dang Shen(Low Risk)
Reishi(Low Risk)
Glycyrrhizin(Unsafe)
Carrageenan(Low Risk)
Carrageenin(Low Risk)
Passion Vine(Low Risk)
Chaste Tree(Unsafe)
Sweet Cane(Unsafe)
Sweet root(Unsafe)
Irish Moss(Low Risk)
Bromelain(Safe)
Bromelin(Safe)
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.