Health Guide

Rennet

Rennet, specifically vegetable rennet (often derived from the Cardoon thistle), is a natural source of the enzyme rennin. While famous for making cheese, it has a rich history in traditional herbal medicine as a digestive aid. Unlike animal rennet, vegetable rennet is plant-based and contains compounds that support the breakdown of fats and proteins. It acts as a powerful digestive stimulant, helping your body process heavy meals more efficiently and supporting overall liver and gallbladder function.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Digestive Enzyme Activity (Rennin Equivalent)

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Potency (Units)

Source →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Digestive Powerhouse: Contains enzymes that help break down tough proteins and casein.
Fat Metabolism: Stimulates bile flow, essential for digesting fats and absorbing vitamins.
Stomach Comfort: Historically used to soothe the stomach and reduce bloating after meals.

Deep Dive

Vegetable rennet contains enzymes that mimic the action of pepsin and rennin in the human gut. For those with sluggish digestion or difficulty breaking down rich foods, supplementing with vegetable rennet can provide the enzymatic 'spark' needed to kickstart the process. It is particularly valued for its ability to support the liver in producing bile, which is crucial for emulsifying fats. This makes it a favorite among those looking to optimize nutrient absorption and reduce post-meal fatigue.

Natural Food Sources

True 'rennet' as a supplement is extracted from plants, but the enzymes it contains are found in various digestive fruits.

Food	Amount	% DV
Cardoon Flowers	High	N/A
Pineapple	Medium	N/A
Papaya	Medium	N/A
Kiwi	Medium	N/A

Supplementation

Vegetable rennet is most commonly found as a liquid extract or in tablet form. It is typically taken immediately before or with a meal containing meat or dairy to aid digestion. Dosage varies by brand, but usually ranges from 1 to 5 drops or 1-2 tablets per meal.

Top Food Sources

Cardoon Flowers

Primary natural source of vegetable rennet

Pineapple Stems

Contains bromelain, a similar proteolytic enzyme

Papaya Latex

Source of papain, functionally similar to rennin

Fig Tree Latex

Contains ficin, an enzyme used similarly

Thistle Leaves

Specific varieties of Cynara used in extracts

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if it is labeled 'Vegetable Rennet.' This is derived from thistles like Cardoon. Animal rennet comes from the stomachs of calves.

Absolutely! Vegetable rennet is the standard choice for vegetarians making cheese, acting as a coagulant to separate curds and whey.

It helps break down casein (milk protein), not lactose (milk sugar). It may make digestion easier, but it is not a cure for lactose intolerance.

Keep it in a cool, dark place (like the refrigerator) to maintain its enzymatic activity. Heat will destroy the enzymes.

Safety & Side Effects

Vegetable rennet is generally considered safe for most people when used as a digestive aid. However, because it stimulates bile flow, those with obstructed bile ducts or gallstones should consult a doctor before use, as it could cause discomfort. Allergic reactions are rare but possible in individuals sensitive to thistle family plants.

Scientific References

[1]Brock, T. D. (1961). 'Rennin Enzyme from Cardoon.' *Journal of Bacteriology*.
[2]Steiner, E. (1960). 'The Enzymatic Properties of Cynara Rennet.' *Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture*.
[3]Hofmann, A. F. (1963). 'The Function of Bile in Fat Digestion.' *Archives of Internal Medicine*.