Theanine
Other names
2-amino-4-(ethylcarbamoyl)butyric acid
alphawave l-theanine
alphawave(tm)
anti-cortisol amino acid complex
gamma-ethylamino-l-glutamic acid
i-theanine
l-teaactive
l theanine
l-theanine
l-theanine 99%
l-theanine alphawave
l-theanine extract, powder
l-theanine hydrochloride
l-theanine, natural
l-theanine powder
l-theanine, powder
l-theanine, pure
l-theanine suntheanine
l theonine
l-theonine
l-y-glutamylethylamide
n-ethyl-l-glutamine
phytosure l-theanine
providing 50 mg l-theanine
pure sun theanine
suntheamine(r)
suntheanine
suntheanine l-theanine
suntheanine(r)
suntheanine(tm)
thea-max l-theanine
theanine
theapure l-theanine
theonine
with added l-theanine
Synopsis
History
Theanine, particularly in the form of L-theanine, is a naturally occurring amino acid most commonly associated with tea leaves, especially those of Camellia sinensis. Its use traces back to ancient China and Japan, where green tea was revered not only as a refreshing beverage but also for its calming and restorative properties. Traditional herbal medicine practitioners observed that regular tea consumption promoted relaxation, improved focus, and supported overall well-being—benefits now attributed in part to theanine.
Historical remedies often included theanine-rich teas to ease mental stress, support restful sleep, and enhance mood. In Japanese culture, monks consumed matcha (a concentrated green tea) to maintain alertness and tranquility during long meditation sessions. This unique state of "alert calmness" is a hallmark of theanine and remains a sought-after effect in modern nutraceuticals.
Theanine is also valued in herbal combinations, enhancing both the efficacy and tolerability of other botanicals. For example, blends of green tea with calming herbs such as Valeriana officinalis (valerian) or Piper methysticum (kava) have been traditionally used to naturally promote relaxation and reduce nervous tension. Theanine’s gentle, non-sedative calming effect can smooth the action of stronger herbal sedatives, creating a balanced, harmonious remedy. Additionally, in modern formulas, theanine is often combined with adaptogens like ashwagandha or Rhodiola to promote resilience to stress while supporting mental clarity.
Overall, theanine stands out as a safe, versatile, and effective ingredient with a rich history of supporting mental well-being and complementing a wide range of herbal remedies.
Traditional and scientific validation
Theanine, primarily found in green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis), has a long history of use in traditional Asian cultures, where it is valued for its calming and relaxing properties. Discovered in the mid-20th century, theanine's unique profile as a non-protein amino acid has led to increasing interest in its potential health benefits, particularly for stress reduction and cognitive support.
Scientific research has explored theanine's effects on the brain, most notably its ability to promote relaxation without sedation. Several clinical studies have demonstrated that theanine supplementation can increase alpha brain wave activity, indicative of a relaxed yet alert mental state. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in 2008 found that healthy adults who consumed theanine exhibited reduced physiological and psychological markers of stress in response to challenging tasks.
Further investigations have suggested that theanine may enhance focus and attention, especially when combined with caffeine. Some studies also report modest benefits for sleep quality, anxiety reduction, and blood pressure modulation, though these findings are not yet universally accepted within the scientific community.
While more large-scale and well-controlled studies are needed to conclusively establish all of theanine's health effects, its safety profile appears favorable, with few reported adverse effects. As such, theanine continues to be a promising natural ingredient for supporting relaxation, cognitive function, and overall well-being in nutritional products.
Uses: Health Conditions
Addictions (coffee, caffeine) (Scientific)
Anxiety (Scientific)
Anxiety Disorders (Scientific)
Depression (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Mood Swings (Scientific)
Stress (Scientific)
Worry (Scientific)
Body Systems
Brain (Traditional)
GABA (Traditional)
Dopamine (Traditional)
Serotonin (Traditional)
Parasympathetic Nervous System (Traditional)
Sympathetic Nervous System (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Adrenal Glands (Traditional)
Adrenal Cortex (Traditional)
Adrenal Medulla (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)