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Poultry Science
Poultry Science
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Abstract: |
ABSTRACT L-theanine (g-Glutamylethylamide) is a
nonprotein water soluble amino acid (AA) mostly found
in leaves of Camellia sinensis (green tea). This is a key
component of green tea and is considered as the most
abundant form of total AAs in green tea (i.e., about
50%). L-theanine is an exclusive taste ingredient of tea
producing an attractive flavor and aroma in tea. It has
biological effects such as antioxidant, growth promoter,
immune booster, anti-stresser, hepatoprotective, anti-
tumor, antiaging, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and
antianxiety activities that are worth noticing. It could
reduce the oxidative impairment by reducing the syn-
thesis of reactive oxygen species, oxidative parameters,
and lipid damage as well as increasing the activity of
antioxidant enzymes. The oral ingestion of L-theanine
enhanced gd T-cell proliferation. Therefore, it is being
considered an essential compound of green tea that has
the ability to improve immune function. The L-theanine
can be used as a potential treatment for hepatic injury
and immune-related liver diseases via the down-
regulation of the inflammatory response through the
initiation of nitric oxide synthesis and glutathione pro-
duction which are likely to be critical for the control of
hepatic diseases as well as for the improvement of im-
mune function. In addition, it could be used as a best
natural feed additive with a potent antistressor by
decreasing the levels of corticosterone, dopamine, and
noradrenaline. After systematically reviewing the liter-
ature, it is noticed that most studies were carried out on
mice, pig, human, and butterfly; while dietary supple-
mentation studies of L-theanine in animal and poultry
especially among broilers are very limited because of less
awareness of this AA. So, the aim of this review is to
encourage the veterinarian and poultry researchers to
conduct more research at the molecular level about this
AA to expose its more beneficial effects and its mecha-
nism of absorption for potential use of this unique green
tea AA in poultry nutrition.
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