theanine

noun

the·​a·​nine ˈthē-ə-ˌnēn 

variants or L-theanine

ˈel-ˈthē-ə-ˌnēn 

: an amino acid C₇H₁₄N₂O₃ found especially in green tea and used as a dietary supplement

Green tea, which is rich in a depression-fighting amino acid called theanine, has previously been lauded for its health benefits.

—Camilla Turner

Examples of theanine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, when participants were given 200 milligrams of theanine daily for four weeks, no improvements were seen in memory, motor speed, decision-making, or verbal skills. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 30 Oct. 2024

Researchers believe this is because of matcha’s theanine content—an amino acid found in green tea. —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 2 Sep. 2024

Increasing the time tea steeps increases the amount of caffeine and other components like theanine. —Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 11 July 2024

Green tea has the highest concentration of theanine compared to other types of tea, according to a 2016 study in Pharmacognosy Magazine. —Lindsay Funston, Health, 12 Dec. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above