CARICA PAPAYA 125 



It is an extremely active digestive ferment, comparable with 

 pepsin, but superior to the latter because it does not require an 

 acid medium, as its digestive action takes place even in the 

 presence of an alkaline medium and of antiseptic substances 

 such as boric acid, phenol, etc. It is given in doses of 10-40 

 centigrams in different vehicles such as water, wine, etc. It 

 should be given after meals carefully and properly diluted, in 

 order that its action may not be exerted upon the gastric mucous 

 membrane itself. Its use is contraindicated in gastric ulcer. 



A watery solution prepared by macerating the green fruit 

 has been used effectively to remove blemishes from the face, 

 leaving the skin clean and smooth. The natives use little pieces 

 of the green fruit to remove freckles (which they call pecas). 

 The ripe fruit is edible and its taste quite agreeable ; in some 

 of the Malay Islands it is given for dysentery, but it must be 

 remembered that the ripe fruit does not contain papain. 



The pure exudate is given to children as an anthelmintic in 

 doses of 2-6 grams with a little molasses, but it is not so harm- 

 less that it may be used with impunity in this form, Moncorvo 

 and others having reported cases of peritonitis with symptoms 

 suggestive of cholera following its use. It is drastic and di- 

 gestive in addition to its anthelmintic action, but according to 

 Rabuteau, boiling destroys the first property without affecting 

 the others. Dr. Lemarchand of the island of Mauritius gives 

 the following anthelmintic prescription : 



Juice of papaya and molasses aa 1 tablespoon. 



Add gradually while shaking the mixture. 



Boiling water 4 tablespoons. 



Cool and administer in one dose followed immediately by 30 

 grams of castor oil. For a child, one-half dose. 



This treatment frequently causes colic, for the relief of 

 which the author advises an injection of sweetened water. Sir 

 O'Shaughnessy's prescription is preferable : 



