Theanine is a white needle-shaped crystal with a melting point between 217℃ and 218℃ and a specific rotation of \[α\]D20=0.7°. Theanine is highly soluble in water, insoluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether, and its aqueous solution is slightly acidic, with a caramel aroma and a fresh taste similar to MSG, and a taste threshold of 0.06%.
Theanine is absorbed in the small intestine, and may be absorbed in the intestine through the methionine carrier transport system, or it may share a Na-coupled co-transporter with glutamate. After theanine is metabolized in the body, intact theanine, glutamate and ethylamine are detected in the urine.
Theanine has multiple physiological functions and application prospects. It can break through the blood-brain barrier to directly affect brain activity, affect emotions, and may have a positive effect on human health. Theanine also has a hypotensive effect, can reduce the content of 5-hydroxytryptamine, and has a hypotensive effect on spontaneously hypertensive rats. In addition, although theanine itself has no anti-tumor activity, it can improve the efficacy of a variety of anti-tumor drugs.
Theanine has the effects of relaxing nerve tension and relaxation. It can significantly increase the neurotransmitter dopamine in the mitochondria of brain cells and affect people's emotions. It can also promote the generation of alpha waves, causing a comfortable and pleasant feeling, while making attention more focused. Theanine has a competitive protective effect on glutamate receptors and a protective effect on brain tissue, which can prevent brain nerve cell death caused by cerebral ischemia.
In the food industry, theanine has a wide range of applications. It can be used as a green tea flavor improver to inhibit the bitterness and astringency in other foods and improve the flavor of food. For example, adding theanine to cocoa drinks and barley tea can improve the flavor. In addition, theanine also has weight loss and anti-fatigue effects.
