

The most scientifically sophisticated product in your first aid kit may come from a humble green papaya. An enzyme from the tropical fruit can chop venom to bits – reducing the pain from bites and stings.

Papain belongs to a category of molecules called proteases

\– proteins that slice and dice other proteins. For decades, the plant-derived chemical has been the key ingredient in meat tenderizer. It works by breaking lots of chemical bonds in tough animal flesh.

The kitchen supply is also a well-known home remedy for bug bites.

Many types of venom are peptides – small proteins. Papain can tear them apart. It may do some quite welcome collateral damage too. By obliterating antibodies, proteins produced by our immune systems, the molecular machine could also reduce inflammation.

Recently, several companies have begun marketing first aid products that include the fruity destroyer. Unfortunately, there is no word yet on how well it softens up steaks.

__If you have used meat tenderizer or one of the new first aid products to treat a bug bite, bee sting, or something more exotic, please share your stories in the comments section. __