L-Theanine, a Natural Constituent in Tea, and Its Effect on Mental State
Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2008
Each capsule delivers 250mg of L-Theanine from green tea leaf (Camellia sinensis) a naturally occurring non-protein amino acid found almost exclusively in the tea plant. L-Theanine is the compound responsible for the calm, focused quality of green tea that distinguishes it from other caffeinated beverages. At 250mg per capsule, this formula delivers the L-Theanine equivalent of approximately 5–12 cups of brewed green tea without caffeine.
L-Theanine (γ-glutamylethylamide) is a non protein amino acid found almost exclusively in the leaves of Camellia sinensis the tea plant from which green tea, black tea, white tea, and oolong tea are derived. It is one of the primary bioactive compounds in green tea alongside caffeine and catechin polyphenols. A standard cup of green tea contains approximately 20–50mg of L-Theanine depending on variety, growing conditions, and brewing method. L-Theanine crosses the blood-brain barrier efficiently after oral ingestion, reaching peak plasma concentrations within approximately 30–60 minutes.
The most consistently documented neurological effect of L-Theanine is its ability to increase alpha brain wave activity (8–13 Hz) the wave pattern associated with relaxed, wakeful alertness: calm but mentally present, without tension or drowsiness. Multiple EEG studies have demonstrated that L-Theanine increases alpha wave activity in the occipital and parietal regions within 30–60 minutes of ingestion. Most relaxation compounds produce sedation alongside relaxation by broadly increasing inhibitory neurotransmission. L-Theanine's alpha wave promotion produces a qualitatively different state calm without drowsiness appropriate for daytime use, work, and study.
Glutamate receptor modulation: Structurally similar to glutamate, L-Theanine acts as a partial agonist at NMDA receptors and inhibits glutamate uptake at AMPA and kainate receptors, moderating excitatory neurotransmission without fully blocking it. GABA support: L-Theanine increases GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) levels, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, contributing to calm and relaxation. Dopamine modulation: L-Theanine increases dopamine in certain brain regions, supporting motivation, mood, and focused mental state under stress. Serotonin: L-Theanine may also influence serotonin levels, contributing to mood balance and emotional resilience.
Each capsule delivers 250mg of L-Theanine from green tea leaf (Camellia sinensis) a naturally occurring non-protein amino acid found almost exclusively in the tea plant. L-Theanine is the compound responsible for the calm, focused quality of green tea that distinguishes it from other caffeinated beverages. At 250mg per capsule, this formula delivers the L-Theanine equivalent of approximately 5–12 cups of brewed green tea without caffeine.
L-Theanine (γ-glutamylethylamide) is a non protein amino acid found almost exclusively in the leaves of Camellia sinensis the tea plant from which green tea, black tea, white tea, and oolong tea are derived. It is one of the primary bioactive compounds in green tea alongside caffeine and catechin polyphenols. A standard cup of green tea contains approximately 20–50mg of L-Theanine depending on variety, growing conditions, and brewing method. L-Theanine crosses the blood-brain barrier efficiently after oral ingestion, reaching peak plasma concentrations within approximately 30–60 minutes.
The most consistently documented neurological effect of L-Theanine is its ability to increase alpha brain wave activity (8–13 Hz) the wave pattern associated with relaxed, wakeful alertness: calm but mentally present, without tension or drowsiness. Multiple EEG studies have demonstrated that L-Theanine increases alpha wave activity in the occipital and parietal regions within 30–60 minutes of ingestion. Most relaxation compounds produce sedation alongside relaxation by broadly increasing inhibitory neurotransmission. L-Theanine's alpha wave promotion produces a qualitatively different state calm without drowsiness appropriate for daytime use, work, and study.
Glutamate receptor modulation: Structurally similar to glutamate, L-Theanine acts as a partial agonist at NMDA receptors and inhibits glutamate uptake at AMPA and kainate receptors, moderating excitatory neurotransmission without fully blocking it. GABA support: L-Theanine increases GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) levels, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, contributing to calm and relaxation. Dopamine modulation: L-Theanine increases dopamine in certain brain regions, supporting motivation, mood, and focused mental state under stress. Serotonin: L-Theanine may also influence serotonin levels, contributing to mood balance and emotional resilience.
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
Servings Per Container: 300
† Daily Value not established.
Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2008
Biological Psychology, 2007
Nutritional Neuroscience, 2008
Research information is provided for educational purposes and does not replace the product's approved label information.