Psychotropic effects of L-theanine and its clinical properties: from the management of anxiety and stress to a potential use in schizophrenia

firemonkey · August 15, 2019, 11:39am

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychotropic effects of L-theanine and its clinical properties: from the management of anxiety and stress to a potential use in schizophrenia.

F Lopes Sakamoto, R Metzker Pereira Ribeiro, A Amador Bueno and H Oliveira Santos, Pharmacological research, Aug 2019 11

Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in modern societies, and are ranked the sixth most important contributor of non-fatal negative health outcomes. L-theanine is an amino acid naturally found in green tea (Camellia sinensis) and some other plant extracts, and recent clinical studies have proposed promising adjuvant effects of L-theanine for the negative impact of anxiety and psychological stress on health. In this integrative narrative review, we aimed to appraise and further discuss the effects of L-theanine administration on anxiety disorders and psychological stress. Published data suggests that L-theanine administered at daily doses ranging from 200 to 400 mg for up to 8 weeks are safe and induce anxiolytic and anti-stress effects in acute and chronic conditions. L-theanine at doses lower and higher than these may also show promising therapeutic potential; however, a more thorough investigation through randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover clinical trials are necessary to elucidate its effects for longer periods, providing further insights for meta-analyses and the development of recommendation guidelines. Additionally, animal studies investigating a higher dosage, its combination with other pharmacological compounds and associated metabolic comorbidities are recommended, as cases of hepatotoxicity associated with the consumption of green tea extract have been reported.

CopperKettle · August 16, 2019, 5:57am

There was also a small study about Ashwagandha. I hope further studies will be made to elucidate its effects.

far_cry0 · August 16, 2019, 5:49pm

Try axio from life vantage…