Metabolism of Theanine, γ-Glutamylethylamide, in Rats

• DOI: 10.1021/jf981113t
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T05:36:34Z
• Authors: Tomonori Unno; Yuko Suzuki; Takami Kakuda; Takashi Hayakawa; Haruhito Tsuge
• Keywords: Ethylamine; Theanine; Glutamic acid

The metabolism of theanine, one the major amino acid components in tea (Camellia sinensis), was studied rats. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorometric detection used to evaluate nature theanine's metabolites plasma, urine, and tissues. In urine samples collected after administration 100, 200, 400 mg each intact L-glutamic acid, ethylamine, these compounds were detected a dose-dependent manner. When 200 theanine orally administered rats, plasma concentrations ethylamine reached their highest levels about 0.5 2 h administration, respectively. It seems most likely that enzymatic hydrolysis glutamic accomplished kidney. These results indicate is absorbed through intestinal tract hydrolyzed rat