ptyalin

biochemistry

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Ptyalin is an enzyme found in the saliva of many animals, including humans. It is a type of alpha-amylase that plays a role in digestion by breaking down starch into smaller carbohydrate molecules like maltose.12

When food is mixed with saliva in the mouth, ptyalin begins to act on starches. This action can continue for several hours in the stomach until the stomach's acidic secretions inactivate the enzyme. The effectiveness of ptyalin in the stomach depends on factors such as acidity and how quickly stomach contents empty. While ptyalin initiates starch digestion, pancreatic amylase in the small intestine completes the process. The term "ptyal-" itself is a combining form derived from Greek, meaning "saliva".23

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amylase
…other mammals, an alpha-amylase called ptyalin is produced by the salivary glands, whereas pancreatic amylase is secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine. The optimum pH of alpha-amylase is 6.7–7.0.
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…other mammals, an alpha-amylase called ptyalin is produced by the salivary glands, whereas pancreatic amylase is secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine. The optimum pH of alpha-amylase is 6.7–7.0.
Read More