Protein Hydrolysate in Infective Hepatitis

was first shown by Henrique and Andersen (1913). Elman and Lischer (1943) administered large amounts of amino-acids and peptides intravenously to men without any ill effects. They were able thus to maintain nitrogen equilibrium in patients who could not take food by mouth. Bassett et al. (1944) report a study of a patient with gastro-jejuno-colic fistula, who was given solutions of amino-acids intravenously and subcutaneously, without clinical disturbance and with satisfactory maintenance of nitrogen equilibrium. Krishnan and others (1944) stimulated by the famine conditions in Bengal in 1943 prepared hydrolysed proteins for parenteral administration in starvation cases. The method of preparation was explained and shown to me by Professor Krishnan at the Institute of Hygiene, Calcutta. The enzyme used for protein hydrolysis is papain which is supposed to contain both proteinase and polypeptidase. Papain acts optimally at pH 5 to 7 and at a temperature of 50?. Papain is produced easily by collecting the latex of the unripe fruits of Carica papaya after scarifying the fruits while still on the tree. By mixing the latex with acetone and drying it repeatedly, an active preparation of papain in powder form can be obtained. Pork which is freed from all fat and