A debridement enzyme for necrotic tissue is described that is not dependent upon proteolytic enzymatic activity but instead utilizes the amylase family of enzymes. The amylases (α-, β-, γ-amylase) are noted for the cleavage of the α-glycosidic bonds of polysaccharides, yielding lower molecular weight carbohydrate/sugar fragments. It has now been found that α-amylase is effective in the debridement of devitalized tissue.