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Healthy Blood Sugar Management Support
Cellulase Background and Benefits
Cellulase is a collective term for enzymes that break down cellulose, which is a polysaccharide, or complex sugar. These enzymes are also effective against similar polysaccharides such as beta-D-glucans, hemicellulose and lichenin. The process of breaking cellulose into monosaccharaides, or simple sugars, is known scientifically as celluloysis. Cellolases often hydrolyze, or split, cellulose molecules at the 1,4-beta-D-glycosidic bonds that link the monosaccharaide molecules together in a cellulose molecule.
Cellulase is primarily produced by bacteria and fungi that feed on plants, since cellulose is a common structural component in plants. The ruminating chambers of herbivores often contain bacteria that produce cellulase. This arrangement allows the herbivores and bacteria to form a symbiotic relationship that benefits both life forms. Some species of termites are also able to digest cellulose in this manner.
Cellulases may be classified into five types depending on the type of reaction they catalyze. An endocellulase hydrolyzes internal bonds of cellulose, while an exocellulase breaks bonds at the end of the cellulose chain. Cellobiases hydrolyze cellulose into individual monosaccharides. Oxidative cellulases use radical reactions to break down cellulose, and cellulose phosphorylases break cellulose down with phosphates instead of water.
Bacteria often produce more multiple cellulases that form a complex supramolecule known as a cellulosome. This structure may contain all five types of cellulases, although only endocellulases and cellobiases actually hydrolyze 1,4-beta-D-glycosidic bonds.
ENZIDASE® TR4000
Enzidase® TR4000 is a complex of food-grade cellulases that are derived from the fermentation of Trichoderma reesei, a species of filamentous fungus. This complex contains both endo-cellulases and exo-cellulases that directly attack cellulose, its oligomers and other derivatives of cellulose. Enzidase® TR4000 has a significant saccharifying effect on cellulose, meaning that it readily liberates glucose molecules. The prolonged hydrolysis of cellulose by this enzyme complex therefore produces substantial amounts of glucose.
The enzymatic activity of Enzidase® TR4000 may be expressed with two methods, including Viscometric Cellulase Units and CMCase units. It has an activity of 26,500 VCU per gram and 4,000 CMCase per gram. One VCU is the enzymatic activity needed to change the relative fluidity of a sodium carboxymethylcellulose substrate by one unit in five minutes. A CMCase unit is based on the enzymatic activity of a sodium carboxymethylcellulose substrate at a pH of 5.0 and temperature of 40 degrees Celsius.
Enzidase® TR4000 may be inactivated in an aqueous solution by heating it for a minimum period of time. A temperature of 80 degrees Celsius will inactivate this enzyme complex after about 30 minutes. A temperature 100 degrees Celsius will inactive Enzidase® TR4000 in about five minutes. These temperatures can be further reduced by adjusting the pH of the aqueous solution.
The physical state of cellulose has a dramatic effect on its susceptibility to cellulase. For example, crystalline forms of cellulose such as cotton and wood have the greatest resistance to hydrolysis. The techniques for making cellulose more susceptible to cellulose generally consist of decreasing its crystalline structure through chemical or mechanical means.
Uses of Cellulase
The ability of cellulase to break down cellulose, such as hemicellulose in bee pollen. Cellulase helps to support the body’s ability to manage healthy blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels as well as antioxidant activity and digestive health.
Antioxidant support
Cellulase has antioxidant properties that may help to protect cell membranes from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Healthy blood sugar management support
The conversion of cellulose into simple sugar occurs relatively slowly compared to other carbohydrates. This property means that cellulase can help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Cholesterol level management
Indigestible fiber is a byproduct of the digestion of cellulose by cellulase. This fiber can help to absorb dietary fat, including cholesterol.
Digestive health support
Laboratory studies show that cellulase may help to detoxify the digestive tract by inhibiting the growth of Pseudomonas bacteria.
Signs You May Need Cellulase
An unhealthy blood sugar level is one of the most significant signs that you could benefit from cellulase. You may also need cellulase if you have an unhealthy cholesterol profile. Additional indications that you should take cellulase include the inadequate absorption of nutrients from carbohydrates, especially with vegetarians. Some age-related conditions caused by free radicals may also benefit from cellulase, especially those that affect the gastrointestinal system.
