L-Theanine

June 16, 2009
Image of L-Theanine 3D Image of L-Theanine

L-Theanine, or聽L-2-amino-4-(ethylcarbamoyl)butyric acid, is found in tea leaves and the mushroom聽Boletus badius. A May聽聽suggests that聽L-theanine can help you improve your concentration and mental stamina. The amino acid has been added to some SoBe, Vitamin Water, and Gatorade products.

MOTW update:聽
December 5, 2022

L-Theanine1, the Molecule of the Week for June 15, 2009, is a natural amino acid found in tea leaves and a species of mushroom. It is purported to have beneficial psychological effects; but this past month, Wei Xu, Wen-Jun Xiao, and co-workers at Hunan Agricultural University (Changsha, China) described a potentially more significant medical breakthrough. They found that L-theanine modulates intestine-specific immunity in mice, which, if it acts similarly in humans, can lead to treatments for , the main protein in egg whites.

1. CAS Reg. No. 3081-61-6.

Chemical Abstract Service - a division of ACS

, the most authoritative and comprehensive source for chemical information.

Molecule of the Week needs your suggestions!

If your favorite molecule is not in our聽archive, please send us a message. The molecule can be notable for its current or historical importance or for any quirky reason. Thank you!

Stay Ahead of the Chemistry Curve

Learn how ACS can help you stay ahead in the world of chemistry.