L-Theanine…what is it? ANXIETY Theanine is a compound found in green or black tea, available as a supplement that some people find helpful in relieving their anxiety. PICTURE: L-Theanine’s effect on brain waves INCREASES… GABA GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter and reduced amounts can be associated with anxiety. Some people do well just taking GABA directly as a supplement but GABA doesn’t cross into the Blood Brain Barrier [BBB] very easily. L-Theanine can cross Blood Brain Barrier [BBB] and helps to elevate the inhibitory neurotransmitter called GABA. BLOCKS… GLUTAMATE L-Theanine is an analog to glutamine and glutamate. L-Theanine acts to inhibit excess extracellular glutamine. L-Theanine can directly bind to post-synaptic receptors or prevent the reuptake of glutamine by blocking pre-synaptic glutamine transporters. L-Theanine is neuroprotective because it decreases the formation of glutamine to glutamate. NEUROPROTECTIVE ROLE OF….THEANINE L-Theanine helps to prevent neurotoxic over-excitation caused by glutamate. L-Theanine also increases SEROTONIN production. HEALTH BENEFITS: Relaxation Alertness Memory improvement Increased attention Increased immunity Long-term neuroprotection The inhibition of gluatmate produces important cognitive effects by: Moderating glutamate excitation Increasing glycine levels Elevating dopamine release Encouraging the production of GABA L-theanine promotes a balance of neuronal excitation in important brain regions.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 01:07:07 +0000