Salivary amylase is an enzyme produced in the salivary glands that helps break down carbohydrates in the mouth as we chew food. There are several synonyms for this enzyme, including ptyalin, alpha-amylase, and 1,4-alpha-D-glucan glucanohydrolase. Ptyalin was the original name given to salivary amylase by French physiologist Francois Magendie in 1833. Alpha-amylase refers to the specific type of amylase that is found in the saliva, whereas other types can also be found in the pancreas and small intestine. 1,4-alpha-D-glucan glucanohydrolase describes the specific chemical reaction that the enzyme performs on carbohydrates to break them down into smaller sugars.