Hemicellulase

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Introductions

Hemicellulase is an enzyme capable of degrading the hemicellulose present in the cell wall of plants. Hemicellulose is a glucose polymer linked to a monosaccharide which can be a five-carbon polymer such as xylose or a six-carbon polymer such as galactose, mannose or rhamnose. Hemicellulase belongs to the enzymatic family of glycoside hydrolases. Its action consists in breaking the bond engaging glucose and polymers present in plant fibres with water molecules. The enzymatic reaction leads to the hydrolysis of hemicellulose.

Figure 1. Structure of Hemicellulase.

How Does Hemicellulase Work?

Hemicellulase possesses the distinct ability to boost this prebiotic activity. Different types of this enzyme have been used for different purposes in food technologies, particularly for its ability to enhance the quality of dough, as well as produce fruit juices and alcoholic beverages. In fact, it is a commonly-added enzyme in the production of wines, as the enzyme helps strip away the unwanted compounds from the skins of the grapes that might change the taste of the wine. Although plants make hemicellulases for growth and development, most of the commercial interest is in the enzymes produced by microorganisms.

The Health Benefits of Hemicellulase

• Improve overall health

Animal studies have shown that supplementing feed with hemicellulases not only helps improve nutrient digestibility, but also improves performance and increases food conversion. Hemicellulases can promote overall health. Chickens were given hemicellulase supplements and subsequently analyzed for nutrient utilization, performance and digestibility.

• Better Digestive Capacity with Aging

Taking digestive enzymes such as hemicellulase can offset the net loss of enzymes that occurs with age, whether due to loss of enzyme production from the pancreas or changes in beneficial flora in the gut. Research supports this. In Japan, scientists have demonstrated that intestinal enzyme output shows a gradual decrease with age. People aged 65 and older were tested, especially women, and found to have the greatest decline in enzyme health.

• May reduce Candida

Some studies have shown that increasing this enzyme may help prevent and reduce yeast infestations such as Candida. This may be related to the fact that the cell wall of Candida is made up of hemicellulose. Again, since hemicellulase digests hemicellulose, it may help reduce Candida.

• Supporting the immune system

In addition, hemicellulase has been shown to support a healthy immune system due to its glucan degrading ability. It works like this: glucanase activity prompts the release of glucan from the cell wall of Candida. This then triggers an immune system response that sends specific substances such as cytokines and interleukins to the area of concern where they begin to destroy Candida.

Conclusions

There are many different types of hemicellulases that break down a wide range of hemicelluloses. This provides countless benefits in terms of optimal digestion, including fiber-rich plant foods such as grains, fruits, vegetables and cereals. This enzyme also supports the aging digestive system by replenishing the body's natural digestive enzymes when supplies are low. Finally, hemicellulase has the powerful ability to target Candida by breaking down its cell walls and the slimy anti-microbial layer called biofilm. This supports a healthy immune system by reducing the likelihood of long-term inflammation caused by the body's response to yeast overgrowth.