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

These aspects lead to an even higher concentration of compounds like theanine and arginine, which may contribute to its stress-reducing effects.9 5. —Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025

Manage Your Stress Ashwagandha, St. John’s Wort, melatonin, theanine, and magnesium are commonly used to manage stress levels, as well as decrease anxiety and depression. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025

Conversely, increase the brew time for a more pungent taste and more components like theanine. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 Jan. 2025

Green tea naturally contains both theanine and caffeine.24 A smaller study found that a one-time 100-milligram dose of theanine improved attention. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for theanine

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine