The ptyalin enzyme is an enzymewhich is contained on saliva. Apart from havingrole in the digestive process in the mouth, ptyalin enzyme is also believed to be able to made indicators to indicate the presence of chronic stress and cancer.
Ptyalin enzymes are included in the amylase enzyme group which is in charge of breaking down starch or carbohydrates into sugar. This breakdown process occurs through a biochemical process to produce the sugar oligosaccharides and maltose. This sugar will then be used as a source of energy for the body.
Ptyalin Enzyme Function
Enzymes belonging to the digestive enzymes have many functions. Some of them are:
1. Supports the digestive process
One of the most abundant components in saliva is the enzyme ptyalin. Saliva is like a home for ptyalin which is in charge of facilitating the digestive process.
The presence of this enzyme also allows starch in food to be digested. If the production of the ptyalin enzyme is disrupted, the nutrients in food and beverages cannot be properly absorbed by the intestines.
2. Be an indicator of stress
Based on the results of several studies, it is known that stressful and stressful situations can increase the production of amylase and ptyalin enzymes in the body.
Compared with people who do not experience stress, people who are under stress or psychological stress appear to produce much higher levels of the enzyme ptyalin. Conversely, if a person can calm down after facing stress, then the production of ptyalin in the body will decrease.
It is not clear why stress can cause an increase in the enzyme ptyalin, but it is thought that this is due to an increase in stress hormones, namely cortisol and adrenaline.
3. Be an indicator of cancer
According to one study, the amount of the enzyme ptyalin in cancer patients is higher than in healthy people. This is thought to be related to the inflammatory response in the body to fight cancer cells.
However, the results of this study have not been able to confirm whether the examination of ptyalin and amylase enzymes can be a way to diagnose cancer. Until now, the examinations used to diagnose cancer are still in the form of a biopsy, blood test, X-ray, MRI, or CT-scan.
The benefits of the ptyalin enzyme that have been proven are as digestive enzymes that function to digest carbohydrates. While the benefits of the ptyalin enzyme as a determinant of stress and cancer still need to be studied further.