Whole human saliva contains a number of proteolytic enzymes, mostly derived from white blood cells and bacteria in the oral cavity. ... The submandibular saliva proteases were shown to be sensitive to both serine and acidic protease inhibitors.

Which enzyme is present in human saliva?

Saliva contains special enzymes that help digest the starches in your food. An enzyme called amylase breaks down starches (complex carbohydrates) into sugars, which your body can more easily absorb. Saliva also contains an enzyme called lingual lipase, which breaks down fats.

What does the saliva contain?

It is composed of water, mucus, proteins, mineral salts, and amylase. As saliva circulates in the mouth cavity it picks up food debris, bacterial cells, and white blood cells. One to two litres of fluid are excreted daily into the human mouth.