Pectinase (PEC)

Pectinase refers to a complex group of enzymes, including polygalacturonases, pectin esterases, and pectin lyases, that break down pectin—a structural polysaccharide found in the primary cell walls of plants [1][2]. While not naturally occurring in the human body, these enzymes are utilized therapeutically as digestive aids to improve the breakdown of plant-derived foods and as a specific medical intervention for the dissolution of phytobezoars, which are hardened masses of undigested vegetable fiber in the gastrointestinal tract [3][4]. In the treatment of phytobezoars, pectinase acts by degrading the pectin 'glue' that holds the mass together, facilitating its fragmentation and subsequent clearance [5]. Most medicinal pectinases are derived from fungal sources like Aspergillus niger and are often formulated in combination with other cellulolytic enzymes [6]. Beyond its clinical application, pectinase is extensively used in the food and beverage industry for juice clarification and plant tissue maceration [1].

Other names

PolygalacturonasePectin depolymerasePectinesterasePectin lyaseEndo-polygalacturonaseExo-polygalacturonase

Pectinases catalyze the breakdown of pectin through hydrolysis (by polygalacturonases) or trans-elimination (by lyases), which degrades the structural integrity of plant-based gastric masses or aids in the digestion of dietary fiber [1][4].