Here is a Wiki on Taurine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taurine

Taurine is not really an "amino acid" per se.

It does have lots of actions in the brain and for heart muscle.
There is an long bibliography on the wiki article to consult.
The glutamate protection is very important for brain injured people, (including stroke), as glutamate is released from damaged neurons, leading to cell death.

I use taurine for gall bladder issues. It will complex cholesterol and help prevent gall stones, and it improves bile flow for those with "sluggish gallbladders"

I get mine at Puritan's Pride...where it is very inexpensive.