The enzyme produced in the salivary glands is salivary amylase, also known as ptyalin. This enzyme begins the digestion of carbohydrates by catalyzing the hydrolysis of starch into smaller sugar molecules like maltose and glucose in the mouth during chewing. The salivary amylase is specifically secreted by the salivary glands and acts on starch while food is still in the oral cavity, although its activity is mostly stopped once the food reaches the acidic environment of the stomach.