This review article has focused on the enzymatic hydrolysis (HE) of plant matrices (MV), the mechanisms of action of cellulases, hemicellulases and ligninases; the optimal process conditions most used to obtain products of interest; as well as some factors that reduce catalytic activity. Based on the enzymatic mechanism, a compendium of the applications on different substrates is elaborated, with the idea of reorienting the current application of the hydrolysis of MV (biofuels) and providing an alternative for its use and obtaining compounds of added value. For example, the extraction of phenolic compounds with antioxidant capacity, of xylooligosaccharides and aromatic phenolic compounds from the hydrolysis of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, respectively.