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2013/08
28
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茶氨酸(L-theanine)
來原:本網 發布的時長:2013/08/28
Molecular formula: C7H14N2O3
CAS number: 3081-61-6
Theanine is an amino acid primarily found in , specifically, this compound is called L-theanine, being the L- amino acid. It was discovered as a constituent of green tea in 1949 and was approved in Japan in 1964 for unlimited use in all foods, including chocolates, soft drinks, and herb teas, except infant foods. It also provides a unique pleasantly umami taste and flavor to green tea infusion, able to across blood-brain-barrier, theanine has psychoactive properties.
Theanine has been studied for its potential ability to reduce mental and physical , improve cognition and boost mood and cognitive performance in a synergistic manner with .
While structurally related to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, theanine only has weak affinity for the glutamate receptor on postsynaptic cells. Rather, its primary effect seems to increase the overall level of the brain inhibitory transmitter .[] Theanine also increases brain levels and has a low affinity for , and . Its effect on is still a matter of debate in the scientific community, with studies showing increases and decreases in brain serotonin levels using similar experimental protocols. It has also been found that injecting spontaneously hypertensive mice with theanine significantly lowered levels of in the brain. Researchers also speculate it may inhibit . Theanine also promotes production in the brain.
Studies on test rats have shown even repeated, extremely high doses of theanine cause little to no harmful psychological or physical effects. Theanine showed neuroprotective effects in one rat study.
A placebo-controlled trial has shown adding theanine to ongoing medication is helpful in reducing some symptoms of .
Several beverage manufacturers are selling drinks containing theanine and are marketing them as drinks to help people focus and concentrate, while other manufacturers claim relaxing and tranquillizing properties.