Pepsin is one of the principal protein degrading or proteolytic enzymes in the digestive system. During the process of digestion, Pepsin acts on the complex dietary protein and breaks up into peptides and amino acids which can be readily absorbed by the intestinal lining. It helps in digestive disturbance in general and as a result of impaired production of gastric juice.
It acts as an adjunct in the treatment of anemic conditions, especially during slimming diet when protein intake increases. It is used as research tool in protein analysis and as digestive syrup in heart burn, acid indigestion and sour stomach. It is also used in tablets for increasing appetite and in the preparation of cheese and other protein-containing foods.