Written by the Plenthera team (trained in orthomolecular nutrition). Scientifically reviewed in April 2026. Last updated: 21 September 2026.
Cellulase is a remarkable enzyme — humans do NOT produce it themselves. The cellulose in plant fibres (vegetables, legumes, grains) is broken down only by gut flora, and in some people this causes bloating and gas. Cellulase supplementation adds an enzymatic route for the breakdown of cellulose. At Plenthera you will find cellulase as part of broad enzyme complexes: Doctor's Best Digestive Enzymes, Devigest ADS and Syntol AMD.
Which cellulase suits you?
| Product | Cellulase | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor's Best Digestive Enzymes (90 caps) | 3,250 CU per capsule, in a 16-enzyme complex | Broad plant-based enzyme complex, vegetarian |
| Devigest ADS (180 caps, also 3×180) | In an enzyme formula with amylase, protease, lipase and lactase, among others | Broad complex for mixed meals |
| Syntol AMD (360 caps) | In combination with live cultures | For those who want enzymes and flora in one product |
We do not currently stock a single cellulase product.
What is cellulase?
Cellulase is an enzyme that breaks down cellulose (plant fibre) into simple sugars. Notably, humans do NOT produce cellulase themselves — fibre breakdown comes exclusively from gut flora fermentation. Cellulase supplements are microbial.
Unlike amylase, protease and lipase, which the body makes itself, cellulase in humans depends entirely on the gut flora. Those who eat a lot of plant fibre (vegans, vegetarians, legume lovers) rely heavily on their own flora to break down cellulose. With a flora imbalance or a heavy fibre load, this can cause bloating and gas.
Cellulase supplementation provides an extra route for cellulose breakdown — not via the gut flora but directly enzymatically. Cellulase is therefore being researched in the context of the digestion of fibre-rich, plant-based food.
What does science say?
The action of cellulase (enzymatic breakdown of cellulose into sugars) is scientifically well documented. Cellulase in supplements is produced microbially (including via Trichoderma or Aspergillus fermentation) and works across a broad pH range.
The cellulase forms at Plenthera
Doctor's Best Digestive Enzymes — 16 enzymes, 90 vegetarian capsules
Sixteen plant-based enzymes in one capsule, including 3,250 CU cellulase. Vegetarian.
Devigest ADS — enzyme formula, 180 capsules
Broad enzyme complex from Arthur Andrew Medical with amylase, protease, lipase, lactase and cellulase, among others. Also available as a 3×180 value pack.
Syntol AMD — 360 capsules
A combination of digestive enzymes (including cellulase) with live cultures and prebiotic fibre, from Arthur Andrew Medical.
Other forms on the market
Single cellulase capsules do exist, but are not in our range.
How do you use cellulase?
A simple basic approach for cellulase:
- With a fibre-rich/plant-based meal — dosage according to the label of the enzyme complex.
- Specifically with beans or heavy vegetables.
- A broad enzyme complex covers protein, fat and starch as well as cellulose.
Myths and misconceptions about cellulase
Myth 1: "Everyone needs cellulase."
Not automatically. For those without complaints on a fibre-rich diet: not necessary.
Myth 2: "Cellulase works on all fibres."
Specifically on cellulose. Other fibres (pectin, beta-glucans) require other enzymes.
Myth 3: "Cellulase eliminates bloating."
Cellulase only splits cellulose. For complaints with other causes (FODMAPs, lactose, gluten) it does nothing, and even for cellulose the evidence for an effect on complaints is limited.
Combining cellulase with other supplements
Cellulase is often combined. Popular combinations:
- Digestive enzyme complex with cellulase: broad plant-based coverage.
- Live cultures (probiotics): for the flora theme.
- Psyllium husk: for those who want to approach the fibre theme more broadly.
- Vegan Protein: for the plant-based sports cluster.
Frequently asked questions
What is cellulase?
An enzyme that breaks down plant fibre/cellulose.
Does the body produce cellulase?
NO — only the gut flora does that.
When should you take cellulase?
With a fibre-rich/plant-based meal.
Cellulase for vegans?
Logical — a plant-based diet means a lot of cellulose.
How much cellulase per day?
Follow the label.
Does cellulase help with bloating?
Cellulase splits cellulose; scientific evidence for an effect on bloating is limited.
Plant-based cellulase?
Microbial — vegan-friendly.
Does cellulase have side effects?
Generally well tolerated.
Cellulase with beans?
Beans also contain other carbohydrates (oligosaccharides) — cellulase alone does not solve everything. An enzyme complex with alpha-galactosidase is often more effective with beans.
Cellulase for IBS?
With irritable bowel complaints, always consult a doctor first.
Sources
- Roxas M., "The role of enzyme supplementation in digestive disorders", Altern Med Rev (2008).
- Bhat MK., "Cellulases and related enzymes in biotechnology", Biotechnol Adv (2000).
Disclaimer: This text is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Cellulase is a food supplement, not a medicine. If in doubt or if you take medication, we recommend consulting a doctor or orthomolecular therapist first.