Page 497 - My FlipBook

PAPAIN, 495

Derivation.—Oxyquinaseptol is a union of two molecules of
oxyquinolin and one molecule of asceptol, /'. ^., phenolsulfonic acid-
Medical Properties and Uses.—Oxyquinaseptol is an energetic
antiseptic, having little or no caustic action. Three per cent,
solutions possess anti-bacterial properties, and one per cent so-
lutions are sufficient for the treatment of wounds, as it is the
least poisonous of antiseptics. It is preferred by Kronacherand
Brandt to carbolic acid or sublimate on account of its ex-
treme antiseptic properties in small concentrations, and because
of its insignificant toxic effects. It is prescribed in powder or
pill form, and in thirty to fifty per cent, solutions.
Oxyquinaseptol, in the non-precipitated form, is of a yellowish
sulphur color, with a slight phenol odor, while the precipitate is
white.
Dental Uses.—As an antiseptic in all affections requiring anti-
sepsis, such as putrescent pulps, abscess, fistulous openings, sup-
puration from necrosis of maxillary bones. Dr. Brandt, of
Berlin, asserts that at the present time no antiseptic material ex-
ists which is more valuable for like cases than diaphtherin.

PAPAIN OR PAPAIVA—PAPAYATIN.
Source.—Papain is a ferment obtained from the Carica papaya^
from which exudes, on incision, a white, slightly astringent and
milky juice, which contains the papain. It has the taste of pep-
sin and is soluble in water and glycerol.
Medical Properties and Action.—Papain is a digestive ferment
like pepsin, its active digestive power causing the solution of al-
buminous substances. Catillon denies that it is a true ferment,
with power to convert albuminoids into peptones ; hence it can-
not be substituted for pepsin in affections of the stomach ; it is
active in an acid, neutral or faintly alkaline solution.
Therapeutic Uses.— It is an active solvent of false membranes,
intestinal worms, ascarides and taenias, hence it is employed in
diphtheria, ascarides, vermiculares, tapeworm. Locally, like
pepsin, it is employed in the form of injections made with a hy-
podermic syringe, in the treatment of fatty tumors and other
benign growths, and to retard the growth of cancerous and other