The L-theanine Molecule

L-theanine Molecule Ball and Stick Model

L-Theanine Ball and Stick Model

To View the L-Theanine Molecule in 3D --->>in 3D with Jsmol

Theanine C₇H₁₄N₂O₃

theanine structure

Theanine also known as L-γ-glutamylethylamide and N⁵-ethyl-L-glutamine, is an amino acid analogue of the proteinogenic amino acids L-glutamate and L-glutamine and is found primarily in particular plant and fungal species. Theanine gives a savory (umami) flavor to green tea infusions. The name "theanine" without a prefix generally implies the enantiomer L-theanine, which is the form found in green tea leaves and as a dietary supplement ingredient. Most studies have used L-theanine. The opposite enantiomer, D-theanine, has been studied less. L-theanine is more readily absorbed than d-theanine. It has been shown that if equal amount of ‘L’ and ‘D’ form is given separately to mammals, ‘L’ form has almost three times more absorption capacity than ‘D’ form in the plasma level (see Health Benefits of Theanine in Green Tea: A Review )

Pharmacology

Theanine is structurally similar to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, and will bind to glutamate receptors, though with much lower affinity.

Glutamate is the brain’s most important excitatory neurotransmitte. L-theanine will bind to the glutamate receptors and block the glutamate’s effects. This produces an inhibitory effect which produces a calming, relaxing effect by decreasing anxiety.

Theanine also increases serotonin, dopamine and glycine levels in various areas of the brain, as well as BDNF and NGF levels in certain brain areas. However, its effect on serotonin is still a matter of debate in the scientific community, with studies showing increases and decreases in brain serotonin levels using similar experimental protocols.

Unlike prescription anti-anxiety drugs, however, some of which mimic GABA’s effects, L-theanine produces its anti-anxiety effects without producing sleepiness or impairing motor behavior. 4 In fact, L-theanine has been shown in human studies to moderately improve alertness and attention while exerting its anxiety-reducing effects. see source