Diastase is a digestive enzyme produced during germination of seeds, and contained in malt; it converts starch into maltose and then into glucose. This process makes carbohydrates much more digestible.
Diastase is used in the treatment of indigestion and pancreatitis.
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal bloating
- Take Diastase with a meal or a snack and drink plenty of water.
- Do not take Diastase if you are allergic to pork or any pig product.
- Notify your doctor if you are or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Do not take antacids an hour before or two hours after taking this medicine.
- You may be asked for regular blood tests while taking this medicine.
In alternative medicine, papain is touted as a natural pain reliever. It is also used to promote wound healing and may aid in the treatment of allergy, diarrhea, indigestion, psoriasis, shingles, and sore throat.
In traditional Chinese medicine, papaya is used to treat intestinal worms, promote lactation in breastfeeding women, heal skin lesions, soothe an upset stomach, and reduce irritability caused by warm weather.
Papain is also used for wound healing, and shingles.
Papain is an enzyme found naturally in the fruit of the papaya plant (Carica papaya).
Papain ointments and salves may cause mild pain and burning, especially on broken skin.
Due to the lack of safety research, papain should be avoided in children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.
Papain can slow blood clotting and should be avoided in people who take anticoagulants.
There is a risk of allergy in people exposed to papain. The risk appears to be greatest in people with a known allergy to latex or kiwi.