Papain Research; How Is It Derived and What Are Its Health Benefits?
Papain is a proteolytic enzyme that does the “break-dance” on proteins, specifically meat protein. It is derived from the milky substance that leaks from the peel of the papaya fruit when it is scratched or scored. Proteolytic enzymes are also known as proteases. Protease enzymes break down the large peptides found in protein rich foods such as: meats, poultry, fish, nuts, eggs and cheese, into the much smaller amino acid building blocks. Because it does this dance so well, it is a very good digestive aid. It doesn’t stop there, however, oh no…. It is multi-talented! It has a plethora of medicinal and other purposes.
It is often used as a meat tenderizer because it can hydrolyze the peptide bonds of collagen, elastin and actomyosin. In manufacturing, papain is used in cosmetics, toothpaste, enzymatic soft contact lens cleaners, meat tenderizers and meat products. Talk about dancing…it can even improve beers, ales and other fermented malt beverages. In Patent No. 995,825 to Leo Wallerstein dated June 20, 1911, there is disclosed a method of chillproofing bottled beers, by adding papain.
This enzyme has been around since 1873, when G.C. Roy published his study results in the Calcutta Medical Journal in the article “The Solvent Action of Papaya Juice on Nitrogenous Articles of Food.” Since that time, many research studies have been undertaken and therefore garnered much scientific data. Studies have shown it to have a forte in a couple of areas in addition to digestion. It moves and grooves with the reduction of inflammation, especially if used in conjunction with other anti-inflammatory supplements. A study done at the University of Maryland Medical Center produced results that demonstrated papain is a treatment for wounds after surgical procedures, as well as burns, bedsores and skin ulcers. In fact, it does a pretty good fox trot with any skin issue, including shingles and psoriasis.
“Ever Dance with the Devil in the Pale Moonlight?” (Batman 1989) If you feel like you have, because you have dealt with a tumor or parasitic infection, then you will understand yet two more uses of papain. Cancers, tumors and parasites too, have an outer layer of fibrin that protects them from the body’s immune defense system. Papain aids in their elimination by tap-dancing through that fibrin layer and allowing the body access to the softer, more vulnerable tissues. In turn, the immune system will rock-out an acid response which will destroy and remove those intestinal invaders. Because of this ability to potentially dissolve cancerous cells’ protective coating, many experts are interested in papain for use in cancer prevention and possibly cancer treatment.
The same process holds true for breaking up deadly blood clots, which leads us to another of papain’s beneficial bonuses. Waltz through this list of ailments, from simple to most complex, that papain has the potential to help with: runny nose, hay fever, prolonged diarrhea & IBS, burns, bedsores and skin ulcers, inflammation-specifically throat and prostate concerns, but rheumatoid arthritis as well, free radicals, pain, shingles and psoriasis, kidney issues, parasites, blood clots, ulcerative colitis and colon cancer.
As with all things, there are some warnings and cautions that we better clog about as well. Breast-feeding and pregnant women should avoid papain as it may cause birth defects or miscarriage. If you have an allergy to kiwi or fig, you may also have one to papain. Allergic reactions might include runny nose, watery eyes, sweating or diarrhea. Anyone with a bleeding disorder or on warfarin, Coumadin or other blood thinners should avoid papain, as it increases the risk of bleeding. To avoid the danger of bleeding during surgery.
Papain Characteristics:
Description- Naturally occurring proteolytic enzyme obtained by drying latex of Non-GMO Papaya tree fruit; by a suitable method: sun drying, tray and spray drying.
Texture- fine, free flowing powder, soluble in water
Color- tan to light tan PH– optimum pH is 3.5 – 10 with a stability range from 5.0 – 6.0Papain Characteristics
Temp- optimum termperature of 50°- 60°C; may be useful at temps as high as 80°- 90°C
Moisture- NMT 10.0%Odor- strong pungent odor and unpleasant taste
Activity- NLT 60,000 FCC PU/MG
References:
1.Proteolytic Enzymes Reduce Inflammation and Boost Immunity by Dr. Axe:https://draxe.com/proteolytic-enzymes
2.PAPAIN Overview Information Web MD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-69-papain.aspx?activeingredientid=69&activeingredientname=papain
3.Proteopidia Life in 3D; Papain, Updated on 20-October-2017: http://proteopedia.org/wiki/index.php/Papain
4.Superfood Profiles; How Papaya Enzyme Benefits Digestion; http://superfoodprofiles.com/papaya-enzymes-digestion
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