Pectic Enzymes

Abstract

Tests made with human subjects and dogs indicated that saliva and gastric juice do not contain enzymes acting upon pectin. Pectin passed through the stomach and part of the small intestine of a dog could be recovered without loss. Trypsin, pepsin and rennet had no effect on pectin in vitro, but pectin incubated with feces was rapidly decomposed. It appears probable that pectin taken orally is not attacked until it reaches the large intestine where it is completely hydrolysed by bacterial enzymes.