Papain-Protease,alpha-Amylase food enzymes,food additives

Papain is one of the proteolytic enzymes found in the latex of the leaves and of the green fruit of the papaya tree (Carica papaya L., Caricaceae). In industrial preparations, referred to as refined Papain, Papain EC 3.4.22.2 represents only a minor part when compared to the amount of the other proteinases, papaya proteinase Ω and Chymopapain (EC 3.4.22.6), the latter being by far the most abundant enzyme. Some other hydrolytic enzymes, e.g. papaya lysozyme, are also present in refined Papain though only in minute amounts.

Papain enzyme is used in preparations of various remedies for indigestion, in tenderizing meat, and in enzyme-action cleansing agents for soft contact lenses.
Papain helps break down tough meat fibers. Papain is available as a component in powdered meat tenderizer, for instance Adolph's Meat Tenderizer. Papain, in the form of a meat tenderizer such as Adolph's, made into a paste with water, is also a home remedy treatment for jellyfish, bee, yellow jacket (wasps) stings. Papain may even be beneficial in the treatment of phytobezoar.

Resolution of a phytobezoar with Aldoph's Meat Tenderizer.
Pharmacotherapy. 2007. Baker EL, Baker WL, Cloney DJ. Department of Pharmacy Services, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut.
A 58-year-old man had symptoms of midepigastric pain, flatulence, belching, and shortness of breath. He underwent an ultrasound examination, which revealed cholelithiasis, a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which revealed chronic gallbladder disease, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which revealed gastritis, a hiatal hernia, and a phytobezoar. To treat the bezoar, the patient was given Adolph's Meat Tenderizer 1 teaspoonful in 8 oz of water before each meal for 7 days. Adolph's Meat Tenderizer contains papain. The patient's symptoms resolved with no side effects, and follow-up endoscopy revealed resolution of the phytobezoar. Adolph's Meat Tenderizer appears to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with a phytobezoar.