What is ficain?

Ficain is a proteolytic enzyme derived from the fig latex. It belongs to the family of cysteine proteases and has the ability to cleave peptide bonds. Ficain has a broad pH range for activity, making it useful in a variety of applications such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.

The enzyme is commonly used as a meat tenderizer due to its ability to break down proteins. It can also be used in cheese production to help break down casein proteins and improve texture and flavor.

Ficain has been studied for its potential medical applications, including anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells, but more research is needed to fully understand its potential therapeutic uses.

Overall, ficain is a versatile enzyme with a variety of practical and potential medical applications.