The enzyme that is present in the saliva is called ptyalin, also known as salivary amylase. Ptyalin is an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates, such as starch and glycogen, into smaller molecules like maltose and glucose. This process is called hydrolysis, and it helps to start the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth.
When you eat food, your salivary glands produce saliva that contains ptyalin. As you chew and mix the food with saliva, ptyalin begins to break down the carbohydrates into simpler molecules. This process continues as the food moves through your digestive system, with other enzymes and digestive juices breaking down the food further until the nutrients are absorbed by the body.
In summary, ptyalin is an important enzyme present in saliva that helps break down carbohydrates during digestion.