In the α-Amylase Saliva Assay Kit, the human α-Amylase hydrolyses the 2-chloro-4 nitrophenyl-α-maltotrioside (CNP-G3) in glucose polymers and short-chain p-nitrophenyl-oligosaccharide with formation of 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol (CNP). The increase of the extinction is evaluated spectrophotometrically at 405 nm and is proportional to α-amylase activity in the sample. Sample Types: saliva. Range: 2.5 - 400 U/mL. Sensitivity: 2.5 U/mL. Time: 3 minutes ? Amylase is the name given to enzymes that break down starch. They are classified as saccharidases, enzymes that cleave polysaccharides.Although the amylases are designated by different greek letters, they all act on α-1,4 glycosidic bonds. The α-amylases are calciummetalloenzymes, completely unable to function in the absence of calcium. The α-amylase breaks down long-chain carbohydrates, ultimately yielding maltotriose and maltose from amylose, or maltose, glucose and limit dextrin from amylopectin. In animals, it is a major digestive enzyme.