L-theanine, or gamma-ethylamino-L-glutamic acid, is an amino acid which is derived from Camellia sinensis. Green, oolong and black tea is produced from the leaves of C. sinensis, a shrub native to Eastern Asia. L-theanine was first discovered in 1949 and is available as an herbal supplement. Reportedly, L-theanine is useful for stress relief, decreasing cholesterol levels, moderating the effects of caffeine, enhancing cancer-related treatment and enhancing the flavor of foods, as well as cosmetic use.
Stress Relief
According to NutriScience Innovations, L-theanine is linked to decreased stress levels. The amino acid increases the brain's levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter which is linked to emotions. It also increases the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is another neurotransmitter which has antianxiety effects, enhancing an overall feeling of well-being.
L-theanine provides a feeling of relaxation without inducing drowsiness. The amino acid encourages the production of alpha brain waves. Alpha brain waves are characterized by relaxation without any corresponding fatigue or sleepiness. It also may moderate stress and irritability related to premenstrual syndrome in women.
Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
According to NutriScience Innovations, theanine may lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and total cholesterol levels which are responsible for causing heart disease and atherosclerosis (thickening or hardening of the arteries). Additionally, by regulating the nervous system and brain, it is widely believed that L-theanine may also lower blood pressure levels.
Reducing Caffeine's Effects
L-theanine may help to moderate caffeine's effect on the body's central nervous system. According to NutriScience Innovations, mice injected with theanine experienced fewer caffeine-induced convulsions, diminished caffeine-related sleep problems and lower blood pressure levels after receiving high doses of caffeine.
Cancer
According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, L-theanine is believed to enhance the effects of doxorubicin and idarubicin. According to a study completed at the University of Shizuoka in Japan, theanine amplifies the antitumor activity of the chemotherapeutic medications while helping to minimize medication-related toxicity.
Additional Uses
L-theanine is linked to increased immune response in the body and is reported to enhance the body's natural mechanism for fighting microbial infections.
According to Drugs.com, in 1964, Japan approved the use of L-theanine in all foods with the exception of baby/infant foods. It has since been added to herbal teas, ice cream, soda, chocolate and to green tea infusions (to which it lends a savory "umami" flavor).
L-theanine has also been widely used as a skin moisturizer and an added ingredient in cosmetics.
Safety
According to Drugs.com, despite widespread usage of L-theanine, no adverse effects have been reported. There is no safety concern associated with L-theanine use; however, patients with any hypersensitivity to the product should avoid using it.
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