Effect of theanine, γ‐glutamylethylamide, on bodyweight and fat accumulation in mice

Abstract

ABSTRACTTo clarify the details of the anti‐obesity effect of theanine, γ‐glutamylethylamide, female ICR mice were fed diets containing theanine at the concentrations of 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.08 and 0.16% for 16 weeks. Bodyweight and food intake in the mice were measured every 4 weeks, and several organs and intraperitoneal adipose tissues (IPAT) were weighed after the feeding. In addition, lipid levels in the serum and liver were analyzed. As a result, the bodyweight increase and weight of IPAT were significantly reduced in mice fed 0.04% theanine compared with controls, but not in mice fed other diets. The levels of triglycerides (TG) and non‐esterified fatty acids in the serum and TG level in the liver in mice fed the 0.04% theanine diet were remarkably decreased. These results indicated that bodyweight increase and fat accumulation were suppressed by a limited concentration of 0.04% theanine in mice.