Alpha-galactosidase is an enzyme purified from fermentation broth of Aspergillus niger. This enzyme is capable of breaking α-1,6 glycosidic bonds that are found in oligosaccharides and in other complex sugars, and some sugars that are linked to other macromolecules (lipids and proteins).

Sugars like raffinose, stachyose and melibiose cannot be digested in the gut while, once entered in the colon are quickly fermented by resident microbiota, causing several discomforts like gas, bloating, pain and flatulence.

These sugars are contained in common foods like beans vegetables in the cruciferous family (broccoli, cauliflowers etc…) and in some cereals; alpha-galactosidase is a remedy for the conditions of intestinal discomfort caused by these sugars helping digesting them from their non-reducing end, before they can reach the colon.