ReviewL-theanine—a unique amino acid of green tea and its relaxation effect in humans
Section snippets
Physiological activity of theanine
Theanine has been known to act antagonistically against paralysis induced by caffeine. It has been revealed that theanine was absorbed quickly in the intestinal tract and showed characteristic physiological activities.
Industrial preparation of theanine
L-theanine is synthesized naturally from glutamic acid and ethylamine in the root and transferred to the young leaves of the tea plant [17]. Many attempts have been made to produce theanine commercially. However, most of them have remained unsuccessful, because of low yields, high cost, or highly complicated processes 18, 19, 20, 21. We have succeeded in developing an enzymatic method to manufacture theanine on an industrial scale.
Application of Suntheanine™
L-theanine can be used for many kinds of food applications, for example, beverages, cookies, candies, ice creams and ice candies.
Conclusion
Since ancient times, it has been said that drinking green tea induces relaxation. We investigated this particular effect. It was confirmed that besides its effect of giving flavor to green tea, Suntheanine™ also had a noticeable relaxation effect.
Most people in modern times who live especially in urban areas are exposed to many kinds of mental pressures.
Suntheanine™ would be an effective way of linking food ingredients to make people feel relaxed.
References (21)
- et al.
Hypotensive Effect of γ-Glutamylmethylamide in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Life Sci.
(1998) - et al.
Chemistry and Applications of Green Tea
(1997) - Neims, A.H. and Borstel, R.W. (1983) ‘Nutrition and the Brain’ (Wurtman, R. J., ed.), Raven Press, New York, pp....
- et al.
Nippon Nogeikagaku Kaishi
(1987) - et al.
Differences in Free Amino Acids and Total Nitrogen Contents Among Various Prices of Green Tea
Tea Res. J.
(1992) Brewing Condition of Tasty Cup of Green Tea
J. Tea Res.
(1973)The Chemical Constituents of Tea. III. A New Amide Theanine
J. Agri. Chem. Soc.
(1949)- et al.
Effects of L-theanine on the Release of α-Brain Waves in Human Volunteers
Nippon Nogeikagaku Kaishi
(1998) - et al.
Influence of Alkylamides of Glutamic Acid and Related Compounds on the Central Nervous System. I. Central Depressant Effect of Theanine
Chem. Pharm. Bull.
(1971) - et al.
Review of the Role of the Central Serotonergic Neuronal System in Blood Pressure Regulation
Hypertension
(1980)
Cited by (303)
Discrimination of Chinese green tea according to tea polyphenols using fluorescence sensor array based on Tb (III) and Eu (III) doped Zr (IV) metal–organic frameworks
2023, Spectrochimica Acta - Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular SpectroscopyQuality evaluation of matcha from different producing areas by HPLC fingerprint, multi-component quantitative and chemical pattern recognition
2024, Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs