2 The Philippine Journal of Science itu 



years. The Caribs have long employed the ripe fruit as a cos- 

 metic, and the remarkable complexions of these people are at- 

 tributed to the use of the pulp as a skin soap. It is also said to 

 remove freckles, and is frequently used by the natives of Ceylon 

 as a soap to remove stains and to intensify colors, especially 

 black, in washing fabrics. The juice is used in the Antilles 

 as a poultice in the treatment of ulcers, sores, yaws, and other 

 skin diseases, and I found similar application made of it by Sin- 

 ghalese who reported very beneficial results. Antiaphrodisiac 

 properties are frequently ascribed to the papaya by the natives 

 of Ceylon, and a similar superstition is widespread in the Philip- 

 pines. The well-authenticated action of sliced green fruit in 

 softening meat is known to native cooks in many countries both 

 in Central America and in Asia. Griffith Hughes noted this 

 custom in 1750 when he wrote in his History of Barbadoes, "The 

 juice is of so penetrating a nature, that if the unripe fruit when 

 unpeeled is boiled with the toughest old salt meat, it will soon 

 make it soft and tender." European residents of the tropics are 

 familiar with the important beneficial results of eating ripe 

 papaya. Obstinate cases of dyspepsia and constipation yield 

 readily to the pleasant and simple expediency of including a 

 papaya in the breakfast menu. I have personally known of a 

 sufficient number of such instances to leave no doubt in this 

 respect. 



All of these properties are to be attributed to the presence 

 of papain. The latex containing this enzyme is present in all 

 parts of the plant, and exudes from the slightest injury. It is 

 found to the greatest extent in a network of circulatory vessels 

 beneath the surface of unripe fruits, and is collected in com- 

 mercial quantities by scarifying such papayas. The fresh latex 

 is dried to the consistency of gum and shipped in a crude state, 

 principally to London and Hamburg, whence it is largely re- 

 exported to the United States. 



The best quality of papain at the present time is produced in 

 the West Indies, followed by Mexico and Ceylon, although the 

 last produces by far the largest amount of gum. I recently had 

 the opportunity of witnessing Singhalese gather the papaya 

 latex and dry it for shipment. A casual inspection of the 

 primitive methods employed in the Kegalle district, whence the 

 greater part of Ceylon gum is obtained, sufficed to explain why 

 so much unjust criticism has been made regarding the use of 

 papain in medicine and why many physicians have become scep- 

 tical of its value as a substitute for pepsin. A brief descrip- 



