Papain is used in the production of heparin drug, vaccines and digestive enzymes. It also widely used for replacement therapy in pathological conditions in which the concentration of bile acids in the upper intestine is low, such as biliary fistula, the disease of the ileum, and hepatic or extrahepatic cholestasis.
Papain is also an excellent enzyme for breaking down proteins. It is an excellent fibrinolytic and caseinolytic enzyme which in combination with amylase and lipase proves to be a formidable digestive aid. It may be administered in an acid solution to increase the digestive power of gastric juices, particularly where there is a deficiency of pepsin secretions.
Papain enzyme is also used as a debriding agent for cleaning of necrotic wounds, ulcers, sinuses and fistulas. It also finds application as an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of bronchial asthma, bronchitis and thrombophlebitis.
