l-Theanine Educational Handout
What is it?
l-Theanine is a natural component of green tea that is responsible for its characteristic taste. l-Theanine is also believed to be the component in green tea responsible for its relaxation effects.*
Uses of Theanine:
- Relaxation support: Preliminary clinical evidence shows an increase in alpha brain wave activity after theanine administration. Alpha waves are an indication of an alert/relaxed mental state.*
- Premenstrual support: In a clinical test, theanine provided both mental and physical support for women, including moderation of occasional irritability and stress.*
- Nervous system support: l-Theanine moderates the effects of caffeine on the central nervous system. It has also been shown to support healthy neurotransmitter function.*
What is the source?
l-Theanine is the most abundant free-form amino acid in tea leaves. l-Theanine in supplement form is synthetically derived but is nature identical.
How much is usually taken?
Each capsule contains 200 mg l-theanine. Take 1-6 capsules daily, in divided doses, between meals.
Are there any side effects or precautions?
There does not appear to be any side effects associated with the use of theanine. Higher doses in some people may cause drowsiness; however lower doses are not associated with this effect.
Potential drug interactions:
There are no reported drug interactions with theanine at this time.
References:
1.) Kobayashi K, Nagato Y, Aoi N, Juneja LR, Kim M, Yamamoto T, Sugimoto S. Effects of L-theanine on the Release of alpha-Brain Waves in Human Volunteers. Nippon Noegikagaku Kaishi 1998;72(2):153-7.
2.) Yokogoshi H, Kobayashi M, Mochizuki M, Terashima T. Effect of theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, on brain monoamines and striatal dopamine release in conscious rats. Neurochem Res 1998 May;23(5):667-73.
3.) Yokogoshi H, Mochizuki M, Saitoh K. Theanine-induced reduction of brain serotonin concentration in rats. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 1998 Apr;62(4):816-7.
4.) Yokogoshi H. et al. Reduction effect of theanine on blood pressure and brain 5-hydroxyindoles in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 1995 Apr;59(4):615-8.
5.) Kakuda T, Nozawa A, Unno T, Okamura N, Okai O. Inhibiting effects of theanine on caffeine stimulation evaluated by EEG in the rat. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2000 Feb;64(2):287-93.
6.) Sugiyama T, Sadzuka Y. Combination of theanine with doxorubicin inhibits hepatic metastasis of M5076 ovarian sarcoma. Clin Cancer Res 1999 Feb;5(2):413-6.
7.) Sugiyama T, Sadzuka Y, Tanaka K, Sonobe T. Inhibition of glutamate transporter by theanine enhances the therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin. Toxicol Lett 2001 Apr 30;121(2):89-96.
8.)Kakuda T, Yanase H, Utsunomiya K, Nozawa A, Unno T, Kataoka K. Protective effect of gamma-glutamylethylamide (theanine) on ischemic delayed neuronal death in gerbils. Neurosci Lett 2000 Aug 11;289(3):189-92.
9.) Sadzuka Y, Sugiyama T, Sonobe T. Improvement of idarubicin induced antitumor activity and bone marrow suppression by theanine, a component of tea. Cancer Lett 2000 Oct 1;158(2):119-24.
10.) P. He, S. Wada, N. Watanabe, and K. Sugiyama. Liver Injury-preventive Effect of Tea Theanine in Rats. J. of Food Sci., Vol. 65, No. 1, 2000.
11.) Yokozawa T, Dong E. Influence of green tea and its three major components upon low-density lipoprotein oxidation. Exp Toxicol Pathol 1997 Dec;49(5):329-35.
12.) Effect of l-theanine on the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Nogei Kagaku Kai, 2001.
For educational purposes only. Consult your physician for any health problems.
*This is a statement of nutritional support. This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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