Theanine

Theanine is an amino acid, commonly found in tea(infusions of Camellia sinensis), that can produce a feeling of relaxation. Theanine produces these effects by increasing the level of Gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA) production. Theanine affects the levels of serotoninand dopaminein the brain. It also inhibits glutamic acidexcitotoxicity.

Theanine is most readily available in green teaand can also be purchased as a supplement. Unusual for an amino acid, it crosses the blood-brain barrierin animal studies. It is also theorized that the GABA-binding properties of theanine reduce the caffeinebuzz delivered in black teaversus that of coffee. It also promotes alpha waveproduction in the brain. Alpha waves are commonly associated with a state of alert relaxation. Theanine is not removed by the decaffeinationprocess because it is not an alkaloid.ja:???? zh:???

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It uses material from the Wikipedia article Theanine.