Evidence supporting the use of: L-theanine
For the health condition: Anger (excessive)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

L-theanine is an amino acid found primarily in green tea, known for its calming and relaxing effects without causing drowsiness. Its use to support excessive anger is primarily grounded in scientific research rather than traditional herbal medicine. Several clinical studies have demonstrated that L-theanine supplementation can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve cognitive function. These effects are thought to be mediated through modulation of neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, and dopamine, all of which play roles in mood regulation.

Specifically regarding anger, while direct studies on L-theanine's impact on anger outbursts are limited, research does show that L-theanine can reduce psychological and physiological markers of stress and anxiety. For example, a 2019 randomized controlled trial published in Nutrients found that L-theanine reduced stress-related symptoms and improved sleep quality in healthy adults. Another study in Biological Psychology (2007) reported that L-theanine supplementation led to decreased heart rate and salivary immunoglobulin A responses to stress, suggesting improved stress recovery. Since excessive anger often arises in the context of heightened stress and poor emotional regulation, these calming effects suggest a plausible benefit.

However, because there is a lack of direct evidence examining L-theanine for the explicit treatment of anger, the overall evidence rating is moderate (2 out of 5). More targeted research is needed, but current findings support its potential use as an adjunct for managing emotional reactivity associated with stress and anger.

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