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Send EmailTheanine, L-Theanine, N-Ethyl-L-glutamine, 3081-61-6
L-THEANINE
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | L-Theanine |
| Chemical Name | L-Glutamic acid γ-ethylamide, L-γ-Glutamylethylamide |
| CAS Number | 3081-61-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₁₄N₂O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 174.20 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Amino acid / Glutamine analog |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Odor | Slight characteristic odor |
| Physical State (20°C) | Solid (crystalline powder) |
L-Theanine is a unique amino acid found almost exclusively in tea plants (Camellia sinensis). It is an analog of glutamine and glutamic acid, with an ethylamide group replacing the amine group. The molecule consists of a glutamic acid backbone with an ethylamine side chain, forming a γ-glutamyl linkage.
Structural Formula:
COOH
|
H₂N — C — H
|
CH₂
|
CH₂
|
C = O
|
NH
|
CH₂
|
CH₃
Molecular Structure Properties:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Functional Groups | Carboxyl group (-COOH), amino group (-NH₂), amide group (-CONH-) |
| Chirality | L-isomer (naturally occurring) |
| Amino Acid Type | Non-proteinogenic amino acid |
| Glutamate Analog | Structural analog of L-glutamic acid |
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| pKa (COOH) | ~2.1 |
| pKa (NH₂) | ~9.2 |
| Isoelectric Point (pI) | ~5.6 |
| Optical Rotation | [α]D20 = -8.0° to -10.0° |
| Molecular Weight | 174.20 g/mol |
| Chemical Formula | C₇H₁₄N₂O₃ |
| Property | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Odor | Slight characteristic odor |
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₁₄N₂O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 174.20 g/mol |
| Purity | ≥ 98.0% (typical) |
| Melting Point | 195 – 205 °C |
| Density | ~1.2 g/cm³ |
| Solubility (Water, 25°C) | ~13 g/L (freely soluble) |
| Solubility (Ethanol) | Slightly soluble |
| Solubility (Chloroform) | Insoluble |
| Solubility (Ether) | Insoluble |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 5.0 – 6.0 |
| Hygroscopicity | Moderate (low hygroscopicity) |
| Optical Rotation | [α]D20 = -8.0° to -10.0° |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 1.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤ 0.1% |
| Chloride (Cl⁻) | ≤ 0.1% |
| Sulfate (SO₄²⁻) | ≤ 0.1% |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 3 ppm |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 2 ppm |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤ 1 ppm |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Stability | Stable under normal conditions; sensitive to light and moisture |
| Conditions to Avoid | Light, high temperature, moisture, strong acids, strong bases |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases |
| Hazardous Decomposition Products | Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides |
| Hazardous Polymerization | Will not occur |
| Light Sensitivity | Moderate; protect from direct sunlight |
| Moisture Sensitivity | Moderate; caking may occur in high humidity |
| Thermal Stability | Decomposes above 205°C |
L-Theanine exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms. It crosses the blood-brain barrier via the large neutral amino acid transporter (LAT1) and influences various neurotransmitter systems in the brain.
Primary Mechanisms:
| Mechanism | Description |
|---|---|
| Glutamate Antagonism | Competes with glutamate for binding sites at glutamate receptors |
| GABA Enhancement | Increases GABA levels through glutamate conversion |
| α2δ-1 Subunit Binding | Binds to voltage-gated calcium channels (α2δ-1 subunit) |
| NMDA Receptor Modulation | Allosteric modulation of NMDA receptors |
| BDNF Increase | Increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) |
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Relaxation (Alpha Waves) | Increases alpha brain wave activity; promotes relaxation without drowsiness |
| Focus and Cognition | Enhances attention, focus, and cognitive performance |
| Stress Reduction | Reduces subjective stress and anxiety; decreases cortisol levels |
| Sleep Quality | Improves sleep quality and duration (synergistic with GABA) |
| Neuroprotection | Protects against glutamate excitotoxicity and oxidative stress |
| Blood Pressure Regulation | Modest reduction in blood pressure |
| Immune Function | Supports immune function |
| Anti-inflammatory | Reduces inflammatory markers |
| Caffeine Synergy | Works synergistically with caffeine: improves focus while reducing jitteriness |
| Effect | Caffeine | Caffeine + L-Theanine |
|---|---|---|
| Alertness | High | High |
| Jitteriness | High | Reduced |
| Focus | Moderate | Enhanced |
| Heart Rate | Increased | Moderated |
| Alpha Waves | Decreased | Increased |
| Calmness | Decreased | Enhanced |
| Crash Effect | Common | Reduced |
Optimal Ratio: 2:1 L-Theanine : Caffeine (e.g., 200 mg L-Theanine : 100 mg Caffeine)
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Stress Relief Supplement | Relaxation and calm | Promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness |
| Focus and Cognition Supplement | Mental clarity | Enhances attention, focus, and cognitive performance |
| Sleep Support Supplement | Sleep quality | Improves sleep quality; reduces time to fall asleep |
| Mood Support | Emotional balance | Supports positive mood and emotional well-being |
| Pre-workout Supplement | Focus enhancement | Combines with caffeine for pre-workout focus |
| Stress Management | Cortisol reduction | Reduces stress-induced cortisol spikes |
| Neuroprotection | Brain health | Protects against neurodegenerative conditions |
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Drinks | Synergistic focus | Combined with caffeine for enhanced focus and reduced jitteriness |
| Tea Beverages | Natural component | Naturally occurring in green and black tea |
| RTD Relaxation Drinks | Calming effect | Promotes relaxation in beverage format |
| Pre-workout Drinks | Focus and energy | Enhances mental focus during exercise |
| Sleep Drinks | Sleep support | Supports healthy sleep patterns |
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Functional Confectionery | Relaxation support | Gummies, chocolates, mints |
| Nutritional Bars | Calming energy | Energy bars, protein bars |
| Functional Dairy | Relaxation | Yogurts, protein shakes |
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Neuroscience Research | Neurotransmitter studies | Mechanisms of action in neurological research |
| Psychopharmacology | CNS effects | Effects on cognitive function and mood |
| Clinical Studies | Therapeutic potential | New therapeutic applications discovery |
| Nutritional Research | Dietary supplementation | Health benefits research |
| Application | Recommended Daily Dosage | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Relaxation and Stress Relief | 100 – 200 mg | Single dose |
| Focus and Cognition | 100 – 250 mg | With or without caffeine |
| Sleep Support | 200 – 400 mg | Evening dose |
| Pre-workout | 100 – 200 mg | Combined with caffeine |
| General Supplementation | 100 – 400 mg | Divided doses |
Synergy with Caffeine:
| L-Theanine | Caffeine | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 100 mg | 50 mg | Mild focus enhancement |
| 200 mg | 100 mg | Optimal focus with calm alertness |
| 200 mg | 150 mg | Strong focus, minimal jitteriness |
| 400 mg | 200 mg | Maximum synergistic effect |
Note: Safe doses up to 1,000 mg/day have been studied. Medical conditions require physician consultation.
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Oral Bioavailability | High (~90% absorption) |
| Blood-Brain Barrier Penetration | Yes (via LAT1 transporter) |
| Plasma Peak Time (Tmax) | ~1-2 hours |
| Half-Life (t½) | ~1-1.5 hours |
| Elimination Route | Renal excretion (urine) |
| Metabolism | Liver metabolism, hydrolysis to glutamic acid and ethylamine |
| Metabolites | L-Glutamic acid, ethylamine, L-glutamine |
| Receptor Binding | AMPA, NMDA, GABA-A, GABA-B receptors |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) | > 5,000 mg/kg (very low toxicity) |
| Acute Dermal Toxicity | > 2,000 mg/kg |
| Skin Irritation | Not an irritant |
| Eye Irritation | Mild irritant |
| Inhalation | Dust may cause respiratory irritation |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified as a carcinogen |
| Mutagenicity | Not mutagenic |
| Reproductive Toxicity | No significant toxicity observed |
| Genotoxicity | Negative |
| GRAS Status | Generally Recognized as Safe |
| Acceptable Daily Intake | No specified limit; safe at typical intake levels |
Tolerability:
Well tolerated at doses up to 1,000 mg/day
No known serious side effects
Mild effects: occasional headache, gastrointestinal discomfort (high doses)
No sedative effects at normal doses
Safe for long-term use
| Hazard Class | Category | H-Statement |
|---|---|---|
| No significant hazard classification | – | – |
Signal Word: None
Hazard Pictograms: None
Hazard Statements: No H-codes
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P261 | Avoid breathing dust |
| P264 | Wash hands thoroughly after handling |
| P271 | Use only in well-ventilated areas |
| P280 | Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection |
| P304+P340 | IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing |
| P305+P351+P338 | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present |
| P337+P313 | If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention |
| P501 | Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations |
| Route of Exposure | Action to Be Taken |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Move to fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention |
| Skin Contact | Wash with plenty of soap and water |
| Eye Contact | Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses. If irritation persists, seek medical attention |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth. Drink plenty of water. If large amount is swallowed, seek medical attention |
| Parameter | Condition |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Store in a cool, dry, light-protected environment |
| Container Requirements | Keep in original packaging, protected from moisture |
| Light Protection | Light-proof packaging recommended |
| Moisture Protection | Keep away from high humidity; silica gel recommended |
| Temperature | Room temperature (15-25°C) |
| Shelf Life | 24 months in unopened original packaging under proper storage conditions |
| After Opening | Reseal tightly; use within 6 months |
| Packaging Type | Quantity | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Foil Bag | 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg | Light-proof, moisture-proof |
| Fiber Drum | 25 kg | PE-lined, moisture-proof |
| Small HDPE Containers | 10 g, 50 g, 100 g, 500 g | Moisture-proof, light-proof |
| Vacuum Packaging | Custom sizes | Moisture and oxygen barrier |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | Not applicable (not dangerous goods) |
| Hazard Class | Not applicable |
| Packing Group | Not applicable |
| ADR/RID | Not regulated |
| IMDG | Not regulated |
| IATA | Not regulated |
| Transport Temperature | Ambient; protect from moisture and heat |
| Region / Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| USA (FDA) | GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) |
| European Union (EFSA) | Novel food approved; EU 2022/2443 |
| Turkey | Can be used as dietary supplement raw material |
| Japan | Approved as food ingredient |
| Canada | Approved as health ingredient |
| China | Approved as food ingredient |
| Australia/New Zealand | Approved as food ingredient |
| Korea | Approved as food ingredient |
| Source | L-Theanine Content |
|---|---|
| Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) | 1-3% dry weight |
| Black Tea | 0.5-1.5% dry weight |
| White Tea | 1-2% dry weight |
| Oolong Tea | 0.5-1.5% dry weight |
| Matcha | 1-3% dry weight |
| Gyokuro Tea | 1-3% dry weight |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Biodegradability | Readily biodegradable |
| Aquatic Toxicity | Low toxicity |
| Bioaccumulation | Not expected |
| Environmental Precautions | Avoid large releases into water bodies |
L-Theanine
L-Glutamic acid γ-ethylamide
L-γ-Glutamylethylamide
N-Ethyl-L-glutamine
Theanine
Tea Amino Acid
L-Theanine (INCI)
Suntheanine® (Trademark)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 3081-61-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₁₄N₂O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 174.20 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Purity | ≥ 98.0% |
| Melting Point | 195 – 205 °C |
| Solubility (Water) | ~13 g/L (25°C) |
| pH (1% solution) | 5.0 – 6.0 |
| Optical Rotation | [α]D20 = -8.0° to -10.0° |
| Bioavailability | ~90% |
| Plasma Half-Life | ~1-1.5 hours |
| Shelf Life | 24 months |
| FDA Status | GRAS |
| GHS Signal Word | None |
| UN Number | Not applicable |
Moisture Sensitivity: L-Theanine has moderate moisture sensitivity; high humidity may cause caking. Keep in moisture-proof packaging.
Light Sensitivity: Moderate light sensitivity; protect from direct sunlight and UV light.
Temperature Stability: Stable at room temperature; decompose above 205°C.
Caffeine Synergy: L-Theanine works synergistically with caffeine. The 2:1 ratio (L-Theanine:Caffeine) is optimal for focus and reduced jitteriness.
Dosage Considerations: Well tolerated at doses up to 1,000 mg/day. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur at very high doses.
Non-Sedative: L-Theanine promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness at standard doses.
Drug Interactions: Caution with blood pressure medications due to mild blood pressure-lowering effects.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, light-protected environment
Use light-proof, moisture-proof packaging
Store at room temperature (15-25°C)
Reseal immediately after opening
Formulation:
Can be used in capsules, tablets, powders, or liquid formulations
Freely soluble in water; suitable for beverages
Stable in acidic environments
Compatible with most food ingredients
Synergistic with caffeine and GABA
Handling:
Use dust mask, protective goggles, and gloves
Avoid dust formation
Use in well-ventilated areas
Wash hands after handling
Waste Management:
Dispose in accordance with local regulations
Avoid release into the environment
Dosage:
Daily dose: 100-400 mg (general supplementation)
Relaxation: 100-200 mg
Sleep support: 200-400 mg
Focus: 100-250 mg with caffeine
Medical conditions require physician consultation
This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and is prepared based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific application and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transport, waste, and regulatory compliance information, the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier must be consulted. This document does not substitute professional advice. Dosage and application conditions should be optimized through product-specific trials. Regulatory status of L-Theanine may vary by country; verify compliance before use. Medical conditions require consultation with a healthcare professional.