L-theanine from green tea
What is L-theanine?
L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found mainly in black, oolong and green tea. Unlike the 20 standard amino acids used by the body to build proteins, L-theanine is not involved in protein synthesis. Instead, it is valued for its unique effect on the brain. A serving of tea usually contains less than 50 mg of L-theanine. Dietary supplements may contain L-theanine extracted from tea or produced synthetically using bacterial enzymes. The popularity of L-theanine has grown due to its potential ability to promote relaxation without inducing drowsiness, making it a unique and sought-after ingredient for those looking to manage stress and improve mental clarity.
Potential health benefits
L-theanine is known for its calming effects and can reduce stress and anxiety, especially in hectic situations. It can also prevent the rise in blood pressure that often accompanies mental stress. Some studies suggest that L-theanine may reduce anxiety and depression levels, both in healthy individuals and in those with major depressive disorder. In addition, L-theanine may improve certain aspects of cognitive function, such as attention, memory and executive function. However, its effects on cognition are not always clear, as it may impair perception and reduce attentional control in emotionally aroused or stressed individuals. In addition, L-theanine is associated with improved sleep quality as it may induce a relaxed state of the brain; however, further research is needed to confirm these benefits, particularly in people with chronic medical conditions.
How does L-theanine work?
L-theanine works by crossing the blood-brain barrier and influencing brain activity. It promotes increased alpha wave activity, a pattern associated with a relaxed and calm mental state. This mechanism probably explains its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Animal studies have shown that L-theanine can modulate neurotransmitter signaling by acting as a glutamate reuptake inhibitor and glutamate receptor antagonist, which helps to balance excitatory signals in the brain. In addition, L-theanine may have neuroprotective effects through its action on GABA-A receptors, which play a key role in calming the nervous system. While these mechanisms are promising, further research in humans is needed to fully understand how L-theanine exerts its effects on the brain and whether these results in animals translate to similar benefits in humans.
Fermented L-Theanine
The 98% L-theanine granules used are a highly purified compound extracted from the leaves of green tea (Camellia sinensis). The product is obtained through a fermentation process, a natural biochemical method. This fermentation method helps to maintain the purity and potency of the compound and ensure that it meets strict quality standards. The final product is a granulate with a purity level between 98.00 and 102% and is free from additives, genetically modified organisms and allergens.
