Available in the form of a white powder with a characteristic odor and taste.
Theanine is a non-protein amino acid also called L-γ-glutamylethylamide is an analogue of glutamine amino acid, the most important neurotransmitter of the central nervous system. Sources of L-theanine are green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) and edible mushrooms Xerocomus badius (Polish mushroom). The presence of theanine determines the taste of green tea infusions. Theanine is highly soluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents; upon hydrolysis it breaks down into glutamic acid and ethylamine. Theanine is obtained from the leaves of Camellia sinensis (tea) and two other Camellia species (Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua).