papain, enzyme present in the leaves, latex, roots, and fruit of the papaya plant (Carica papaya) that catalyzes the breakdown of proteins by hydrolysis (addition of a water molecule).
Papain is used in biochemical research involving the analysis of proteins, in tenderizing meat, in clarifying beer, in removing hair from hides before tanning, and in enzyme-action cleansing agents for soft contact lenses. It is also used in toothpastes and cosmetics and in preparations of various remedies for indigestion, ulcers, fever, and swelling. A related enzyme also produced by papaya is chymopapain, which has different characteristics of mobility and solubility; it is used to shrink or dissolve ruptured disks in certain kinds of lumbar spine injuries, and otherwise as a digestant of protein.
The amount and activity of papain isolated from the different parts of the papaya plant vary depending on the age of the tree and whether it is male or female. For example, higher quantities of crude papain may be extracted from female trees compared with male trees and from older fruits compared with younger fruits. However, papain extracted from young papaya fruit produced by female trees typically is more active than that extracted from old fruit produced by male or hermaphrodite plants.
Papain can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Skin reactions may occur following contact with fresh latex from papaya; hypersensitivity reactions may be especially pronounced in persons allergic to latex.