- papain, papainase
- A cysteine endopeptidase, or a crude extract containing it, obtained from papaya latex. It has esterase, thiolase, transamidase, and transesterase activities, and is used as a protein digestant, meat tenderizer, and to prevent adhesions. It had been used to liquify contents of herniated intervertebral discs so that these contents could be removed by aspiration. SYN: papayotin.
Medical dictionary. 2011.