L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea that has relaxing effects. It works by increasing dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Several human studies have shown that L-theanine reduces anxiety and stress responses. It is generally recognized as safe but more research is still needed on its safety during pregnancy and lactation. L-theanine shows promise as a natural and safe way to help reduce anxiety symptoms.
Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland from the essential amino acid L-tryptophan and declines significantly when a person reaches age 40. Melatonin also controls the circadian rhythm as well as deep stages of sleep. Learn more about this powerful sleep hormone and its benefits.
Lecture slides for undergraduate MBBS class in Pharmacology on " Drugs for Diarrhoea" . It includes various treatment modalities which are used in the management of Diarrhoea. Basic source of information for preparing this slides is" Essentials of Pharmacology by KD tripathi, 7th Edition". Images are searched with the help of google images.
Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland from the essential amino acid L-tryptophan and declines significantly when a person reaches age 40. Melatonin also controls the circadian rhythm as well as deep stages of sleep. Learn more about this powerful sleep hormone and its benefits.
Lecture slides for undergraduate MBBS class in Pharmacology on " Drugs for Diarrhoea" . It includes various treatment modalities which are used in the management of Diarrhoea. Basic source of information for preparing this slides is" Essentials of Pharmacology by KD tripathi, 7th Edition". Images are searched with the help of google images.
Scientific Review of Nootropic L-Theanine. Usage, Benefits, Effects, Mechanism of Action, Dosage, Side Effects, User Experiences, and FAQs. Published by Nootropics Information on https://nootro.info/nootropics/l-theanine/
Scientific Review of Nootropic L-Theanine. Usage, Benefits, Effects, Mechanism of Action, Dosage, Side Effects, User Experiences, and FAQs. Published by Nootropics Information on https://nootro.info/nootropics/l-theanine/
THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM - Cady Wellness InstituteLouis Cady, MD
This lecture, presented on February 2, 2018 at the Cady Wellness Institute in Newburgh, IN, represented Dr. Cady's review of the current peer-reviewed medical literature current as of that morning. The concepts of "endocannabinoids" vs. "phytocannabinoids" were reviewed. Themes in the medical literature were explored, including the relationship of the endocannabinoid system and CB! and CB2 receptors to modulate hippocampal neurogenesis, cause apoptosis in breast cancer cells, and many other interesting correlations. A careful review of legal vs illegal options for obtaining plant phytocannabinoids in the state of Indiana was emphasized.
Evaluation of Antidepressant Activity of Aqueous Extract of Withania Somnifer...iosrjce
Anti-depressants play a major role in today’s life style. There are evidences of the ayurvedic
formulation withania somnifera (roots) being effective in various neuro- psychiatric conditions. The antidepressant
activities of aqueous extract Withania somnifera roots (AEWS) were studied using - Forced swim
test (FST). Effect of different doses of AEWS (30,40,50 mg/kg), Imipramine (15mg/kg)were studied on
behavioural despair tests induced immobility time . WS produced dose dependent decrease in immobility
time in FST, maximum effect being observed with WS 50 mg/kg. The findings support the use of WS as potential
adjuvant in depressive disorders.
Schizophrenia is a chronic and disabling mental illness affecting millions of people worldwide. The symptoms of schizophrenia are classified into positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. New receptor targets and drugs have being evaluated for addressing the multifaceted syndrome of schizophrenia.
is a chronic and disabling mental illness affecting millions of people worldwide. The symptoms of schizophrenia are classified into positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. New receptor targets and drugs have being evaluated for addressing the multifaceted syndrome of schizophrenia.
Herbs are proven to effect AED levels and lower the effectiveness of a patient's epilepsy medication. In some cases, people will benefit from THC; however, some are likely to develop worsening seizures. There have been no positive studies about THC and it is generally agreed that the probable costs outweigh the possible benefits. Nevertheless, It is crucial to stay updated and informed. Lastly, patients should communicate regularly with doctors about current herbal treatments they are trying and research with doctors, the side effects of such herbs.
Anticonvulsant and toxicity effects of ethanolic extract of Thevetia Peruvian...Premier Publishers
Epilepsy is a neurologic condition due to disordered firing of brain neurons characterised by seizures. Most currently available antiepileptic drugs are synthetic and do not offer a complete cure yet with devastating side effects. Studies have shown that extracts from certain plants can produce anticonvulsant effects and may, therefore be useful against epileptic seizures. To investigate anticonvulsant effect of ethanolic extract of the leaves of Thevetia peruviana on chemically induced seizures in Wister rats. Leaves of T. peruviana were pulverised and extracted with ethanol. Graded doses of the ethanolic extract were used to test for the anticonvulsant effect of the extract using pentylenetetrazole model of seizures in rats. Acute toxicity testing and phytochemical analysis were done using Lorke’s method. Graded doses of T. peruviana leaf extract significantly delayed onset of seizures. They protected animals from death due to pentylenetetrazole-induced tonic seizures. There was no death up to 3000mg/kg. The extract was found to be rich in essential oils, flavonoids, alkaloid, phenols, proteins and resins. The ethanolic extract of the leaves of T. peruviana contains compounds with anticonvulsant effects since it protected the animals from death and delayed the onset of seizures produced by pentylenetetrazole and that is relatively safe.
Evaluation of the Anxiolytic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Galinsoga parvi...Rajesh Yadav
The anxiolytic drugs have an unfavourable risk/benefit ratio, as they produce anterograde amnesia, dependence, abstinence syndrome, the paradoxical reaction in humans and decay of psychomotor functions. Therefore, research has been conducted to identify safer, more specific medications possessing anxiolytic effects without complications. In the past few years, several herbal medicines have been used for the management of anxiety in the world.
Introduction – Benefits & Effects – Mechanisms of Action – Dosage – User Experiences – FAQs
https://nootro.info/nootropics/n-acetyl-l-tyrosine/
Summary: N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, often abbreviated to NALT, is a more bioavailable form of L-Tyrosine, an amino acid that also has nootropic benefits. It improves mood, memory, and enhances cognitive abilities in many ways. It has great effects of reducing stress and maintaining mental performance during sleep deprivation.
2. +
Overview
The Root of Relaxation
Cultivation
Mechanism of Action
3. +
The Root of Relaxation
Since ancient times, people have drunk green tea to induce
relaxation. The substance responsible for this effect is the
amino acid L-theanine(delta-glutamylethylamide), a significant
amino acid present in green tea (camellia sinensis).
L-theanine accounts for nearly half of the total amino acids
found in green tea and makes up from 1%–2% of the leaf dry
weight.
4. +
Cultivation
L-theanine is made in the roots of the green tea plant.
It concentrates in the leaves, where sunlight converts it to
polyphenols.
Cultivating tea in the shade preserves L-theanine content.
5. +
Mechanism of Action
L-theanine increases dopamine and serotonin production in the
brain, producing a sense of relaxation.
It balances and controls the excitement caused by caffeine also
found in the plant.
L-theanine us used therapeutically to reduce anxiety and has
been approved as a food additive in Japan since 1964.1,2
1. Juneja LR, Chu D-C, Okubo T, Nagato Y, Yokogoshi H. L-theanine—a unique amino acid of green tea and its
relaxation eff€ ect in humans. Trends in Food Science & Technology. 1999;10:199-204. Available here.
2. L-Theanine. Alternative Medicine Review. 2005;10(2):136-138. Available here.
6. +
Human Studies
At least 6 different human clinical trials have
documented L-theanine’s effect on anxiety.
These data are augmented by a number of
animal studies that bring greater
understanding of pharmacokinetics and
mechanism of action.
7. +
1998 Nippon NogeiKagakukaishi
Kobayashi et al reported L-theanine increases alpha-brain
wave activity, inducing a sense of relaxation.
Eight female college students, half rated as high anxiety and
half low anxiety, took 200 mg doses of L-theanine dissolved in
water.
The researchers concluded: ―These results indicate the
possibility for L-theanine to be applied to foods and beverages
as a new type of functional food ingredient for its relaxation
effect.‖3
3. Kobayashi K, Nagato Y, Aoi N, et al. Effects of L-theanine on the release of α-brain waves in human volunteers.
Nippon NōgeiKagakukaishi. 1998 (72)2:153-157.
8. +
2004 Human Psychopharmacology
Lu et al reported on the effect of l-theanine on anticipatory
anxiety, comparing it to the prescription benzodiazepine anxiolytic drug
alprazolam.
Sixteen healthy volunteers took either alprazolam (1 mg), L-theanine (200
mg), or placebo in a double-blind, placebo-controlled repeated measures
design.
The acute effects of alprazolam and L-theanine were assessed under a
relaxed and experimentally induced anxiety condition.
L-theanine showed some effect on baseline anxiety but did not exert an
antianxiety effect when the subjects were performing anxiety-producing
tasks. Alprzolam had no significant effect either.4
4. Lu K, Gray MA, Oliver C, et al. The acute effects of L-theanineincomparison with alprazolam on anticipatory anxiety in humans.
Hum Psychopharmacol. 2004;19(7):457-465.
9. +
2007 Biological Psychology
Kimura et al reported results of a double-blind trial that L-theanine
reduces psychological and physiological stress responses.
A series of mental arithmetic problems were used as a stressor on 12
participants who underwent 4 separate trials, taking L-theanine at the
start of the procedure and midway through, as well as 1 trial taking a
placebo and 1 taking nothing.
L-theanine reduced heart rate and salivary immunoglobulin response
because of a decrease in sympathetic nervous system activation.
Conclusion: ―L-theanine reduces psychological and physiological
stress responses.‖5
5. Kimura K, Ozeki M, Juneja LR, Ohira H. L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses.
BiolPsychol. 2007;74(1):39-45.
10. +
2011 Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
Ritsner et al examined the effect of L-theanine on 60 patients
with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who participated
in an 8-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled
study taking 400 mg/d of L-theanine in addition to their regular
medications. Forty patients completed the study.
Compared with placebo, those taking L-theanine scored lower
on measures of anxiety (HARS scale) and improved on
measures of general psychopathology (PANSS 3-dimensional
model), suggesting it may be a useful addition to antipsychotic
medications.6
6. Ritsner MS, Miodownik C, Ratner Y, et al. L-theanine relieves positive, activation, and anxiety symptoms in patients with
schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-center study. J Clin
Psychiatry. 2011 Jan;72(1):34-42.
11. +
2011 Clinical Neuropharmacology
Miodownik C et al examined circulating levels of neurochemical
indicators and the beneficial clinical effects of L-theanine
augmentation.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), DHEA, DHEA-
sulfate, cortisol, cholesterol, and insulin were monitored in the 40
who successfully completed the prior study.
Among L-theanine-treated patients, BDNF levels and cortisol-to-
DHEA-sulfate ratio were significantly associated with the beneficial
clinical effects of L-theanine supplementation, suggesting changes
in both chemical markers play a role.7
7. Miodownik C, Maayan R, Ratner Y, et al. Serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cortisol to sulfate of dehydroepiandrosterone
molar ratio associated with clinical response to L-theanine as augmentation of antipsychotic therapy in schizophrenia and schizoaffective
disorder patients. ClinNeuropharmacol. 2011 Jul-Aug;34(4):155-160.
12. +
Animal Studies
At least 3 animal studies of interest on L-
theanine and anxiety have been published.
13. +
2009 American Association of
Nurse Anesthetists Journal
In 2009 Hesse et al divided 55 rats were into 5 groups: control
(saline), L-theanine (positive control), flumazenil (a known
benzodiazepine receptor antagonist) and L-theanine, and
midazolam and L-theanine.
L-theanine does not decrease anxiety by modulation of the
GABAA receptor. Combining L-theanine with midazolam
produced a synergistic or additive effect measured by
decreased anxiety and both fine and basic motor movements.8
8. Heese T, Jenkinson J, Love C, et al. Anxiolytic effects of L-theanine—a component of green tea—when combined with
midazolam, in the male Sprague-Dawley rat. AANA J. 2009;77(6):445-449.
14. +
2012
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and
Behavioret al tested L-theanine on monkeys addicted to
In 2012 Wise
opioids and found it reduced signs of withdrawal.
The authors ―suggest that L-theanine may be useful in the
pharmacotherapy of treating opioid withdrawal as well as
anxiety-associated behaviors … L-theanine attenuates
abstinence signs in morphine-dependent rhesus monkeys and
elicits anxiolytic-like activity in mice.‖9
9. Wise LE, Premaratne ID, Gamage TF, et al. l-theanine attenuates abstinence signs in morphine-dependent rhesus monkeys
and elicits anxiolytic-like activity in mice. PharmacolBiochemBehav. 2012;103(2):245-252.
16. +
Safety Profile
Tea is the single most popular beverage in the world after water.
Significant toxicity is unlikely.
L-theanine was approved in Japan in 1964 for unlimited use in all
foods, including chocolates, soft drinks, and herb teas (except
infant foods) and has been granted GRAS (generally recognized
as safe) status by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In a 13-week rat toxicity study published in 2006, ―The no-
observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) was 4,000 mg/kg
bw/day, the highest dose tested.‖ This would be equivalent to a
100-pound person taking 200 grams of l-theanine per day for a
year (1,000 times the typical dose).11
11. Borzelleca JF, Peters D, Hall W. A 13-week dietary toxicity and toxicokinetic study with l-theanine in rats. Food ChemToxicol.
2006;44(7):1158-1166.
17. +
Absorption
L-theanine crosses the blood-brain barrier, with effects
noticeable in 30 minutes and measurable up to 5 hours after
administration.12,13
12. Bryan J. Psychological effects of dietary components of tea: caffeine and L-theanine. Nutr Rev. 2008;66(2):82-90.
13. Nobre AC, Rao A, Owen GN. L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pac J ClinNutr.
2008;17(suppl 1):167-168.
18. +
Contraindications
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and
lactation is lacking.14
Little information adverse reactions from l-theanine is available.
One study using older participants reported more headaches in
those taking 1,000 mg per day.15,16
14. Ernst E. Herbal medicinal products during pregnancy: are they safe? BJOG. 2002;109(3):227-335.
15. Kell CF, Kennedy DO, Milne AL, Wesnes KA, Scholey AB. The effects of L-theanine, caffeine and their combination
on cognition and mood. BiolPsychol. 2008;77(2):113-122.
16. Haskell CF, Kennedy DO, Milne AL, Wesnes KA, Scholey AB. The effects of L-theanine, caffeine and their
combination on cognition and mood. BiolPsychol. 2008;77(2):113-122.