Clinical data | |
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Other names | γ-L-Glutamylethylamide |
Dependence liability | None |
Routes of administration | Oral |
Drug class | dietary supplement |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Onset of action | about 1 hour[1] |
Elimination half-life | Capsule ~1.2 hours Green Tea ~0.8 hours[1] |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.019.436 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C7H14N2O3 |
Molar mass | 174.200 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
Melting point | 174.20 °C (345.56 °F) [3] |
Boiling point | 215 °C (419 °F) [3] |
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Theanine /ˈθiːəniːn/, also known as L-theanine, L-gamma-glutamylethylamide, or N5-ethyl-L-glutamine, is a non-proteinogenic amino acid similar to L-glutamate and L-glutamine. It is produced by certain plants such as Camellia sinensis (the tea plant), and by some fungi.[3][4] It was discovered in 1949 as a constituent of green tea and isolated from gyokuro leaves in 1950.[5] It constitutes about 1–2% of the dry weight of green tea leaves.[4]
The name theanine usually refers to the enantiomer L-theanine, which is the form found in tea leaves from which it is extracted as a powder.[4][6] The right-handed enantiomer, D-theanine, is less-studied.
Theanine is sold as a dietary supplement and is considered to be safe at doses up to 250 milligrams (mg) by the US Food and Drug Administration.[4][7] It is packaged in gelatin capsules, tablets, and as a powder, and may be an ingredient in branded supplements with caffeine.
The European Food Safety Authority found there was insufficient evidence for a causal relationship between theanine consumption and improved cognitive function, alleviation of psychological stress, maintenance of normal sleep, or reduction of menstrual discomfort.[8]
RSC_Chemspider
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).