Theanine

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Theanine^[1]

Chemical name	2-Amino-4-(ethylcarbamoyl)butyric acid
Other names	L-Theanine N-Ethyl-L-glutamine
Chemical formula	C₇H₁₄N₂O₃
Molecular mass	174.20 g/mol
CAS number	[3081-61-6]
Density	? g/cm³
Melting point	217-218 °C
SMILES	OC([C@@H](N)CCC(NCC)=O)=O
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Theanine is an amino acid which is a deriviative of glutamine. It is commonly found in tea (infusions of Camellia sinensis) and can produce a feeling of relaxation and anxiolysis ^[2]. Theanine produces these effects by increasing the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production. Theanine affects the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain.^[3] It also inhibits glutamic acid excitotoxicity.

Theanine is most readily available in green, black, oolong and pekoe teas, and can also be purchased as a nutritional supplement. Unusually for an amino acid, it crosses the blood-brain barrier in animal studies. It is also theorized that the GABA-binding properties of theanine reduce the caffeine buzz delivered in black tea versus that of coffee. It also promotes alpha wave production in the brain. Alpha waves are commonly associated with a state of alert relaxation. Theanine is not removed by the decaffeination process because it is not an alkaloid.

On 21 April 2003 the Brigham and Women's Hospital released details of a research project which found that L-Theanine may help the body's immune system response when fighting infection by boosting the disease-fighting capacity of gamma delta T cells. The study included a four-week trial with 11 coffee drinkers and 10 tea drinkers, who consumed 600ml of coffee or black tea daily. Blood sample analysis found that the production of anti-bacterial proteins was up to five times higher in the tea-drinkers, an indicator of a stronger immune response.^[4]

Recently, marketing campaigns from companies like Lipton have been emphasizing the natural presence of L-Theanine in their tea.^[5]