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Theanine
Systematic (IUPAC) name
2-Amino-4-(ethylcarbamoyl)butyric acid
Identifiers
CAS number 3081-61-6
ATC code none
PubChem 228398
ChemSpider 388498
Chemical data
Formula C7H14N2O3
Mol. mass 174.20 g/mol
SMILES eMolecules & PubChem
Synonyms L-Theanine, N-Ethyl-L-glutamine
Physical data
Melt. point 117 °C (243 °F)
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability ?
Metabolism ?
Half life ?
Excretion ?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.

?
Legal status

Legal
Routes Oral

Theanine (pronounced tea-anene) (gamma-glutamylethylamide, or 5-N-ethyl-glutamine) is a glutamic acid analog or amino acid derivative commonly found in tea (infusions of Camellia sinensis), and also in the basidiomycete mushroom Boletus badius.[1] In 1950 the Tea laboratory of Kyoto successfully separated theanine from Gyokuro leaf, which has the highest theanine content among all teas. Theanine is an analog to glutamine and glutamate, and can cross the blood-brain barrier.[2] It is sold in the US as a dietary supplement and is FDA confirmed as GRAS.[3] The Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare approved the use of L-theanine in 1964.[4]
Contents
[hide]

* 1 Effects on the brain
* 2 Immune system benefits
* 3 See also
* 4 References

[edit] Effects on the brain

Able to cross the blood-brain barrier, theanine has psychoactive properties.[5] Theanine has been shown to reduce mental and physical stress[6], reduce anxiety to a degree similar to anxiolytics such as alprazolam[7] and improves cognition and mood in a synergistic manner with caffeine.[8]

While structurally related to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, theanine only has weak affinity for the glutamate receptor on post-synaptic cells.[9] Rather, its primary effect seems to increase the overall level of the brain inhibitory transmitter GABA. Theanine also increases brain dopamine levels and has micromolar affinities for AMPA, Kainate and NMDA receptors.[10] 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.[11][12] It has also been found that injecting spontaneously hypertensive mice with theanine significantly lowered levels of 5-hydroxyindoles in the brain.[13] Researchers also speculate that it may inhibit glutamic acid excitotoxicity.[10] Theanine also promotes alpha wave production in the brain.[5]

Studies on test rats have shown that even repeated, extremely high doses of theanine cause little to no harmful psychological or physical effects.[14] Theanine showed neuroprotective effects in one rat study.[15]

Several beverage manufacturers are selling drinks containing theanine and are marketing them as drinks that help people focus and concentrate.[16]

[edit] Immune system benefits

L-Theanine may help the body's immune response to infection by boosting the disease-fighting capacity of gamma delta T cells. The study, published in 2003 by the Brigham and Women's Hospital, included a four-week trial with 11 coffee drinkers and 10 tea drinkers, who consumed 600 milliliters 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.[17]

Aaaalso:

Ich habe ausgiebig Erfahrungen mit L-Theanin gesammelt,naemlich vor zwei Jahren, als ich ca. 6 Monate aufgrund einer Angsterkrankung in der Psychiatrie gewesen bin..
Als ich ueber L-Theanin in einem amerikanischen Buch ueber Nahrungsergaenzungsmittel gelesen hab, dachte ich:
WIE GEIL IST DAS DENN? Ein Stoff, den ich einfach so bestellen kann und der an Benzos drankommt von der Wirkung! Die Pfleger wollten mir naemlich nach ein par Wochen keine Loraz mehr geben, was wahrscheinliich auch ganz gut war..jedenfalls hab ich fuer 35! Euronen ein hochwertiges Praeparat in der Apo bestellt ( relativ hoch dosiert) und mich unglaublich drauf gefreut....

Aber ich muss Dich leider enttaeuschen...L Theanin WIRKT NICHT,oder. Nur ganz ganz ganz ganz ganz leicht, vl. Wie 0,5 mg Diazepam :)
Ich war jedenfalls boese enttaeuscht, vor allem, nachdem ich am Ende die ganze restliche Packung gefuttert habe( 18 tabs), um wenigstens ueberhaupt einmal etwas zu merken...und was war? NiCHTS!
Leider kannste das Zeuch echt n die Tonne kloppen, es ist sein Geld ABSsOLUT nicht wert, wirkt nichtmal im geringsten anxiolytisch(ggn Aengste)...

Ich koennt jetzt noch andere Situationen aufschreiben, indem das Zeug mich im Stich gelassen hat( waehrend der Therapie) aber ich belasse es mal dabei:

L-Theanin ist nicht missbrauchbar, selbst in sehr hohen Dosen.

P.s.
Ich hatte zu der Zeit seit einigen Wochen keine Loraz mehr bekommen, also vermute ich, dass das L-Theanin nicht aufgreund einer enormen Benzo-Toleranz oder so nicht gewirkt hat