Theanine 100 is a unique amino acid found almost exclusively in green tea that exerts beneficial effects on brain metabolism. Theanine induces relaxation without causing drowsiness, as measured by increased generation of alpha-waves. Theanine may improve learning ability and sensations of pleasure by affecting dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters in the brain. Also, theanine exerts protective effects on the brain by antagonizing glutamate toxicity.
Theanine is an amino acid commonly found in tea (infusions of Camellia sinensis). Theanine is related to a glutamine, and can cross the blood-brain barrier. Because it can enter the brain, theanine has psychoactive properties. Theanine has been shown to reduce mental and physical stress and may produce feelings of relaxation.
Biologically Active - In addition to relaxation, research suggests that L-theanine may have application in:
- Diminishing symptoms of PMS
- Improving learning performance
- Heightening mental acuity - neurotransmitter
- Promoting concentration
- Acting antagonistically against the paralysis induced by caffeine
- Supporting the immune system
- Lowering blood pressure
- Increasing formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA
- Increasing brain dopamine levels among other positive benefits with no known downside
Theanine is speculated
to produce these effects by increasing the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production. Theanine increases brain serotonin, dopamine, GABA levels and has micromolar affinities for AMPA, Kainate and NMDA receptors. It has also been found that injecting spontaneously hypertensive mice with theanine significantly lowered levels of 5-hydroxyindole in the brain.Researchers also speculate that it may inhibit glutamic acid excitotoxicity. Theanine also promotes alpha wave production in the brain.
L-theanine may help the body's immune system response when fighting infection by boosting the disease-fighting capacity of gamma delta T cells.
Jarrow Formulas' Theanine 100 is identical to the theanine found in green tea made enzymatically from amino acids.