Last verified: 17 days ago
Cellulase
Also known as: endo-β-1,4-glucanase, EC 3.2.1.4, cellulase AP, fibrolytic enzyme
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Digestive enzyme that breaks down plant fiber. Limited human evidence; mostly studied in animals and food processing.
-
What it does
Cellulase is an enzyme that breaks down cellulose, the tough fiber found in plant cell walls. In the gut, it helps digest plant-based foods that the human body cannot break down on its own. One...
-
Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
-
Clinical dose
No established dose
-
Found in
NOW Supplements Super Enzymes, HealthForce SuperFoods Vitamineral Green, Enzyme Science Digest Gold and 5 more
What the Science Says
Cellulase is an enzyme that breaks down cellulose, the tough fiber found in plant cell walls. In the gut, it helps digest plant-based foods that the human body cannot break down on its own. One small human trial found that a digestive enzyme blend containing cellulase improved GI symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain after gastric bypass surgery, though cellulase was not tested in isolation.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to aid weight loss. No evidence it meaningfully improves nutrient absorption in healthy adults. Not a substitute for a fiber-rich diet. No human trials show it works as a standalone supplement — all human data comes from multi-enzyme blends.
Evidence-Based Benefits
A digestive enzyme blend with cellulase reduced bloating, gas, and abdominal pain after gastric bypass surgery.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 20 mg cellulase AP twice daily (as part of multi-enzyme blend)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Cellulase enzymes help break down plant cellulose that the human digestive system cannot process on its own.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — cellulase acts locally in the gut and is not intended to be absorbed. Its activity depends on gut pH, temperature, and formulation.
Red Flags to Watch For
- All human evidence comes from multi-enzyme blends, not cellulase alone — you cannot attribute effects to cellulase specifically
- The one human clinical trial (PMID: 26499352) had only 20 patients per group and no placebo control for the enzyme group
- Most research is in livestock (pigs, dairy cows) or food processing — results may not translate to human supplementation
- EFSA safety evaluations (PMIDs: 42009 and 41960170) are for food enzyme use, not dietary supplements — regulatory status differs
- Products listing '1000+ registered supplements' does not indicate clinical proof of efficacy
Products Containing Cellulase
See how Cellulase is used in these analyzed products:
NOW Supplements Super Enzymes
Supplement
HealthForce SuperFoods Vitamineral Green
Supplement
Enzyme Science Digest Gold
Supplement
Origin Nutrition Daily Plant Protein (Vanilla)
Supplement
NOW Super Enzymes Capsules
Supplement
Pure Encapsulations Digestive Enzymes Ultra
Supplement
Outfitocean
Supplement
Fullscript
Supplement
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Cellulase do?
Digestive enzyme that breaks down plant fiber. Limited human evidence; mostly studied in animals and food processing.
What is the effective dose of Cellulase?
No established dose
Is Cellulase safe?
All human evidence comes from multi-enzyme blends, not cellulase alone — you cannot attribute effects to cellulase specifically
What doesn't Cellulase do?
Not proven to aid weight loss.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25