Ptyalin is a type of amylase found in human saliva. Ptyalin is also known as salivary amylase. The salivary glands secrete the most important amylolytic enzyme in the mouth (buccal cavity). Ptyalin's main job is to catalyze the conversion of starch to maltose and dextrin. The chloride ions found in saliva activate ptyalin. Saliva contains the enzyme ptyalin, which converts starch to maltose.