L-Theanine
Amino Acids
Nutritional Enhancers
Flavoring Agents
3081-61-6
C₇H₁₄N₂O₃
$26.68 ~ $40.02
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/barrel
One unit of:25kg/barrel
25kg/barrel
Product Info
What is L-Theanine?
L-Theanine is a non-dietary amino acid naturally found in tea leaves that is widely used as a calming agent in dietary supplements and functional foods to promote relaxation and improve focus.
How is L-Theanine made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enzyme Production (Fermentation) | Cultivate a specific microbial strain (e.g., Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) in a nutrient-rich medium to produce the glutaminase enzyme required for synthesis. | Control of temperature, pH, aeration, and nutrient feed is critical for high enzyme yield. Must ensure a pure culture, free from contamination. |
| 2 | Enzymatic Synthesis Reaction | Combine the produced enzyme with the primary substrates, L-Glutamine and Ethylamine, in a temperature-controlled reaction vessel. | The ratio of substrates, reaction temperature, and pH (typically alkaline) are strictly controlled to maximize the conversion rate to L-Theanine. |
| 3 | Reaction Termination & Separation | Stop the reaction by heating to denature the enzyme. The resulting crude solution is then filtered or centrifuged to remove the enzyme and other solid matter. | Heat treatment must be sufficient to completely inactivate the enzyme but gentle enough to prevent L-Theanine degradation. Filtration efficiency is key for subsequent purification. |
| 4 | Purification (Chromatography) | Pass the crude L-Theanine solution through ion-exchange chromatography columns to separate the L-Theanine from unreacted substrates, by-products, and salts. | This is the most critical step for achieving high purity. Column performance, eluent concentration, and flow rate are precisely controlled. Purity is monitored using HPLC. |
| 5 | Concentration & Crystallization | Concentrate the purified solution by evaporating the water under vacuum, causing the L-Theanine to crystallize out of the solution. | Low-temperature vacuum evaporation prevents thermal degradation. The rate of cooling and final concentration dictates the crystal size and quality. |
| 6 | Drying | The wet L-Theanine crystals are separated from the liquid (mother liquor) and dried, typically in a vacuum dryer, to remove all residual moisture. | Drying temperature and duration must be controlled to achieve a final moisture content below the specification (e.g., <0.5%) to ensure product stability and prevent clumping. |
| 7 | Sieving, QC & Packaging | The dried L-Theanine powder is sieved to achieve a uniform particle size. Final quality control tests are performed before packaging into sealed containers. | Final checks confirm purity (>99%), identity, heavy metal levels, and microbiological safety. Packaging must be airtight and moisture-proof to protect the final product. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 3081-61-6 |
| Chemical Formula | C₇H₁₄N₂O₃ |
| Solubility | Water-soluble (~20 mg/mL); insoluble in ethanol/ether |
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, dark; store 2–8 °C for long term |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Foods & beverages (tea
drinks)
dietary supplements
nutraceuticals
cosmetics
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | L-Theanine |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Flavoring Agent; Functional Amino Acid; Flavor Enhancer |
| Key Ingredients | L-γ-glutamylethylamide (L-Theanine) |
| Mechanism of Action | Acts as a partial agonist to the umami taste receptor (T1R1/T1R3), enhancing savory and brothy notes while masking bitterness. Functionally, it crosses the blood-brain barrier and increases alpha brain wave activity, promoting relaxation without sedation by modulating neurotransmitter levels (e.g., GABA, dopamine, serotonin). |
| Application Effect in Product | Imparts a distinct umami or 'brothy' taste, especially in beverages, savory snacks, and soups. Reduces bitterness from other components like caffeine or catechins. Contributes to a 'calm focus' perception in functional beverages and supplements. Improves overall flavor profile and mouthfeel. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L-Theanine | Amino Acid Supplement | Found in tea leaves (Camellia sinensis); promotes alpha brain wave activity. | Promotes a state of 'alert calm' without drowsiness; enhances focus, especially with caffeine; very low side effect profile. | Effects can be subtle for some individuals; not as potent for acute, high-level anxiety. | Daytime anxiety, reducing caffeine jitters, improving focus for work or study, enhancing sleep quality. | For non-sedating relaxation and improved cognitive function. |
| GABA | Neurotransmitter Supplement | Gamma-Aminobutyric acid, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. | Can have a direct and noticeable calming effect on the nervous system. | Poor bioavailability; its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier is scientifically debated, leading to inconsistent results. | Situational stress or anxiety where an immediate (though potentially placebo or gut-brain axis mediated) calming sensation is desired. | If you find it personally effective despite bioavailability questions. |
| Ashwagandha | Adaptogenic Herb | Reduces cortisol levels; helps the body adapt to stress over time. | Addresses chronic stress by regulating the body's physiological response; builds long-term resilience. | Takes weeks of consistent use to show full effect; not for acute relief; may interact with thyroid medication. | Managing long-term stress, burnout, adrenal fatigue, and improving overall vitality. | For holistic, long-term stress management rather than immediate calming. |
| Magnesium Glycinate | Mineral Supplement | Highly bioavailable form of magnesium, an essential mineral for nerve function. | Addresses a common nutritional deficiency that can cause anxiety symptoms; also supports muscle relaxation and sleep. | Effects are most significant if you are deficient; less of a direct-acting anxiolytic for those with sufficient levels. | General anxiety, muscle tension, trouble sleeping, restlessness, especially if a magnesium deficiency is likely. | To correct a potential underlying nutritional cause of anxiety while supporting overall health. |
| Lemon Balm | Herbal Supplement | A calming herb from the mint family; contains rosmarinic acid. | Gentle, well-tolerated, and has a long history of use for calming nerves and improving mood. | Can be mildly sedating; effects are generally less potent than other options for moderate anxiety. | Mild stress, nervous tension, and difficulty falling asleep due to racing thoughts. | For a gentle, traditional herbal approach with minimal side effects. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA, MSDS, certificate of analysis, technical dossier
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Provided
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications