An ancient Chinese tea field with farmers and architecture

A Beginner's Guide to L-Theanine as a Natural Nootropic

Tea, an elixir nearly as old as civilization itself, stands in the company of humanity's greatest culinary inventions. Its story intertwines with the fabric of human history, tracing its origins to the fertile grounds of ancient China—a cradle of innovation that introduced silk, the compass, and gunpowder to the world, yet remained an enigma for centuries.

The serendipitous discovery of tea in 2737 BC by Emperor Shennong, who found a unique and refreshing flavour in water after a dead tea leaf had accidentally boiled in it, marks the inception of a beverage that would meander through cultures and time.

By the Tang Dynasty in 800 AD, tea's importance was immortalized by Lu Yu in "The Classic of Tea," setting the foundation for its evolution into a beloved staple.

The narrative leaps to the mid-20th century, when, in 1949, Dr. Yajiro Sakato of the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Kyoto identified L-Theanine, a distinctive amino acid prevalent in green tea.

This discovery initiated a surge of research into the health benefits of the world's second-most consumed beverage, marrying traditional tea wisdom with contemporary scientific study.

The isolation of L-Theanine not only spotlighted a crucial component capable of enhancing mental and physical health but also reaffirmed tea's lasting significance in current wellness traditions.

Known for its remarkable ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, L-Theanine offers benefits that surpass the calming effects of a mere cup of tea.

 

Contents

  • What is L-Theanine?
  • L-Theanine as a Nootropic
  • Scientific Evidence on L-Theanine’s Benefits
  • Health Benefits Beyond Cognition
  • How to Use L-Theanine
  • Safety and Side Effects

 

A Beginner's Guide to L-Theanine as a Natural Nootropic

 

A realistic tea leaf with detailed veins on a muted background

 

What is L-Theanine?

L-Theanine is a distinctive non-protein amino acid predominantly found in green tea (Camellia sinensis), heralded for its myriad health benefits.

This unique compound is characterized by its molecular formula C7H14N2O3 and a molecular weight of 174.198 g/mol, presenting as a crystalline solid that is soluble in water and boasts an umami and sweet taste.

Definition and Background

L-Theanine's journey from a mere tea component to a highly regarded supplement starts with its origin in China.

It's the primary contributor to the special flavour profile of tea, distinguishing it from other beverages.

Not only does it alleviate the bitterness of caffeine, but it also imparts a savoury umami quality to the tea.

This amino acid is also noted for its wide range of therapeutic properties, including antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and neuroprotection, to name a few.

Chemical Composition of L-Theanine

L-Theanine, scientifically known as γ-glutamylethylamide, possesses a unique structure that allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier, a feature not commonly found in other amino acids.

This characteristic underpins many of its beneficial effects on brain function and mental well-being

L-Theanine is a water-soluble compound, making it highly adaptable for incorporation into beverages and liquid supplements.

This solubility also means it can be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream following oral ingestion, allowing for rapid onset of effects. Its stability in acidic conditions further enhances its versatility, ensuring that L-Theanine retains its integrity and efficacy when consumed as part of acidic foods or beverages, such as certain teas or supplements that may contain vitamin C or other acidic compounds.

Despite being odourless, the taste of L-Theanine significantly contributes to the flavour profile of tea. It is primarily responsible for the umami taste, a savoury flavour that is one of the five basic tastes, alongside sweet, sour, bitter, and salty.

Umami is a Japanese term that translates to "pleasant savoury taste" and is often described as a brothy or meaty flavour.

L-Theanine's ability to impart this taste is one of the reasons green tea has a smoother, more rounded flavour compared to the more astringent taste of teas with lower L-Theanine content.

Furthermore, L-Theanine's sweet undertone complements the umami quality, rounding out the flavour profile of the tea and making it more palatable.

This combination of umami and sweetness is not only pleasant but also potentially contributes to the overall calming effect of tea, as the act of sipping a deliciously flavoured warm beverage can be inherently soothing.

Historical Context and Traditional Uses

The origins of L-Theanine are deeply entwined with the history of tea cultivation and consumption, which dates back thousands of years in China. Tea, known scientifically as Camellia sinensis, has been a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine and daily life, revered not only for its taste but also for its health-promoting properties.

L-Theanine has played a significant role in shaping the cultural and health landscapes of societies that have embraced tea drinking as a way of life.

The discovery and utilization of tea as a beverage are believed to have occurred in ancient China, with legends attributing its origins to the emperor Shen Nong around 2737 BCE.

The serendipitous discovery, according to myth, happened when leaves from a wild tea bush fell into boiling water, creating a refreshing and somewhat stimulating drink.

This happy accident unveiled not just a beverage but a complex brew teeming with bioactive compounds, including L-Theanine, caffeine, and a myriad of antioxidants.

As tea cultivation spread and evolved, so did the appreciation for its nuanced flavors and health benefits.

L-Theanine was recognized for its unique ability to impart an umami taste to tea, enhancing its flavor profile and making it a cherished component of the tea-drinking experience.

Beyond its taste contributions, L-Theanine was valued for its calming effects on the mind and body, a property that aligned well with the meditative and health-focused practices of Chinese society.

The process of tea production—fermentation and baking—transforms the colour, aroma, taste, and chemical composition of the tea leaves, with L-Theanine playing a crucial role in this transformation.

Depending on the degree of fermentation, tea can be categorized into green, yellow, white, oolong, black, and dark teas, each offering a unique flavour and health benefits thanks to their rich chemical compositions.

L-Theanine, in particular, is recognized for its calming effects, which have been appreciated in traditional uses and continue to be valued in modern dietary supplements and functional foods.

Today, L-Theanine's traditional uses have been validated and expanded upon through scientific research, which has explored its potential for reducing anxiety, enhancing cognitive function, and improving sleep quality.

Modern dietary supplements and functional foods now tout L-Theanine as a key ingredient, aiming to deliver its health benefits in concentrated forms beyond just tea consumption.

 

 

L-Theanine as a Nootropic

Understanding Nootropics

Nootropics, often dubbed "smart drugs," are compounds that augment cognitive function.

L-Theanine, a unique amino acid found in green tea (Camellia sinensis), stands out in this realm due to its psychoactive effects, influencing mental state and cognitive abilities without the downsides commonly associated with stimulants.

Cognitive Enhancement

L-Theanine has garnered attention for its potential to enhance cognitive functions.

A study involving patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who received L-Theanine supplementation at a dose of 250 mg/day for 8 weeks provides compelling evidence of its cognitive benefits​​.

Key Findings on Cognitive Enhancement

  • Improved Executive Functioning: The study observed significant improvements in executive function scores after L-Theanine administration. Executive functions, critical for planning, decision-making, error correction, and troubleshooting, were enhanced, indicating L-Theanine's potential to support complex cognitive processes​​.
  • Enhanced Verbal Memory: Participants showed notable improvement in verbal memory scores. This improvement points to L-Theanine's ability to support memory retention and recall, essential components of daily cognitive function​​.
  • Decreased Response Latency and Error Rate in the Stroop Test: The study also highlighted a significant decrease in response latency and error rate in the Stroop test, suggesting improved attention and processing speed. These findings underscore L-Theanine's role in enhancing attentional control and cognitive flexibility​​.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction

L-Theanine's anxiolytic effects are both significant and well-supported by a wealth of clinical data, underscoring its role in stress and anxiety reduction.

A study highlighted by Kimura et al. demonstrated that L-Theanine intake resulted in a reduction in heart rate (HR) and salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) responses to an acute stress task relative to placebo.

This suggests that L-Theanine's anti-stress effects might be due to its ability to attenuate sympathetic nervous activation, highlighting its potential for managing psychological and physiological stress responses without the sedative effects typically associated with anxiolytic agents​​.

Further reinforcing these findings, a randomized placebo-controlled trial explored the effects of L-Theanine on stress-related symptoms and cognitive functions in healthy adults.

Participants who received L-Theanine exhibited significant improvements in State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-trait scores, demonstrating its potential to promote mental health in the general population by mitigating stress-related ailments and cognitive impairments​​.

The systematic review on L-Theanine's impact on stress and anxiety levels provides additional validation.

Supplementation with 200-400 mg/day of L-Theanine may assist in the reduction of stress and anxiety in individuals exposed to stressful conditions.

This conclusion draws from an analysis of peer-reviewed journal articles, which collectively suggest that L-Theanine, when administered in the form of nutritional supplements, can effectively modulate stress responses and anxiety levels in human randomized controlled trials​​.

These studies collectively offer a comprehensive overview of L-Theanine's capacity to reduce stress and anxiety, highlighting its mechanism of action through the modulation of neurotransmitter levels in the brain.

This not only contributes to a reduction in anxiety but also promotes relaxation, making L-Theanine a promising natural supplement for those seeking to manage stress and anxiety without resorting to conventional medications.

Sleep Quality Improvement

Improving sleep quality is a significant benefit associated with L-Theanine, especially valuable for those experiencing sleep-related challenges.

It offers a natural alternative to traditional sleep aids, reducing sleep latency and disturbances, thus contributing to enhanced overall sleep quality. L-Theanine's effectiveness in this domain is not through sedation but rather through anxiolysis, highlighting its potential as a safe and natural sleep aid​​.

A randomized placebo-controlled crossover and double-blind trial examining the effects of four weeks of L-Theanine administration on stress-related symptoms and cognitive functions in healthy adults shed light on its impact on sleep quality.

The study found that L-Theanine at a dosage of 200 mg/day led to a decrease in sleep latency, sleep disturbance, and the use of sleep medication according to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores.

This finding suggests that L-Theanine can contribute to the mental health of the general population by promoting better sleep quality without the sedative effects associated with conventional sleep inducers​​.

This comprehensive approach to improving sleep, by reducing the time it takes to fall asleep (sleep latency) and minimizing sleep disturbances without relying on sedative effects, makes L-Theanine a particularly appealing option for those seeking to enhance their sleep quality naturally.

Moreover, its safety and the absence of habit-forming tendencies underscore its suitability as a nutraceutical ingredient for broader use in improving mental conditions and sleep quality in healthy populations

 

Scientific Evidence on L-Theanine's Benefits

The growing interest in L-Theanine, a unique amino acid found in green tea, stems from its multitude of health benefits.

Scientific research has highlighted its significant impact on oxidative stress, neuroprotection, and immune system modulation.

Here, we explore three key benefits of L-Theanine backed by scientific evidence.

Antioxidant Activity

L-Theanine, a unique amino acid predominantly found in green tea, exhibits remarkable antioxidant activities both in vitro and in vivo.

These antioxidant properties are crucial in reducing oxidative stress by modulating the synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhancing the activities of key antioxidant enzymes.

A study using a neuronal-like rat pheochromocytoma cell model stimulated by cadmium oxide demonstrated L-Theanine's capacity to mitigate oxidative damage by decreasing ROS synthesis and boosting the activities of antioxidant enzymes.

This evidence underscores L-Theanine's potential in safeguarding cells from oxidative stress through the regulation of antioxidant-related enzyme activities and expression​​.

Further research highlighted L-Theanine's efficacy in adjusting non-enzymatic activities, amplifying the activities, and mRNA expression of catalase (CAT), and elevating superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1) levels in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-infected mice.

This comprehensive action on the antioxidant enzyme system showcases L-Theanine's broad-spectrum antioxidant capability, presenting a foundational mechanism through which L-Theanine exerts its protective effects against oxidative stress in biological systems​​.

In addition to these cellular and molecular mechanisms, L-Theanine has shown formidable antioxidant properties in various animal models, including a haloperidol (HAL)-induced rat model of orofacial dyskinesia, where it was found to have protective effects due to its antioxidant capacity.

This included reducing levels of lipid peroxide and nitric oxide (NO) in the brain, thereby enhancing the striatum's antioxidant capacity. Such findings not only reinforce L-Theanine's role in combating oxidative stress but also suggest its potential therapeutic application in treating conditions associated with oxidative damage​​.

Collectively, the evidence from various studies confirms L-Theanine's strong antioxidant activity, which is critical in the regulation of the expression and activities of antioxidant-related enzymes.

Neuroprotection

L-Theanine's neuroprotective effects extend significantly beyond merely enhancing cognitive functions; it plays a pivotal role in safeguarding neurons against various types of damage and in the context of neurodegenerative diseases.

The amino acid exhibits these effects through multiple mechanisms, including inhibiting the production of harmful nitric oxide (NO) and preventing neurotransmitter alterations in brain regions critical for cognitive and motor functions.

In models of neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's Disease (HD) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD), L-Theanine has shown promise in preventing neuropathological changes.

For example, in HD models, neuropathological alterations induced by 3-nitropropionic acid in the rat striatum were significantly mitigated by L-Theanine. This effect was attributed not only to the inhibition of harmful NO production but also to the prevention of neurotransmitter changes in the striatum.

Such findings highlight L-Theanine's potential in improving cognitive and memory impairments and its broader impact on neurodegenerative diseases​​.

L-Theanine's neuroprotective capabilities are also evident in its response to neuronal injuries.

In models of orofacial dyskinesia induced by reserpine, a condition that models aspects of tardive dyskinesia, L-Theanine showed potential neuroprotective activities by reducing oxidative damage, neurotransmitter deficiency, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis.

These activities illustrate L-Theanine's capacity to counteract the oxidative stress and inflammatory processes that underlie many forms of neuronal damage​​.

Moreover, L-Theanine's ability to collaborate with other substances for enhanced neuroprotection has been noted.

In various models, including those simulating central nervous system injuries and peripheral neuropathy, L-Theanine combined with substances like cystine and graphene oxide demonstrated efficacy in promoting nerve regeneration, reducing inflammation, and supporting neuronal survival and differentiation.

Such synergistic effects underscore L-Theanine's versatility and potential in therapeutic contexts, particularly in treating and managing the effects of nerve injuries and neurodegenerative diseases​​.

L-Theanine's neuroprotective effects are broad and multifaceted, offering significant promise for improving cognitive functions, combating neurodegenerative diseases, and healing neuronal injuries.

Immune Regulation

L-Theanine's immunomodulatory effects are comprehensive, extending far beyond simple cognitive enhancement.

It regulates immune responses at various levels, from cytokine modulation to direct action on immune cells, offering a broad spectrum of benefits for health and disease prevention.

Epidemiological studies have revealed L-Theanine's role in alleviating immune suppression induced by strenuous physical activities.

High-intensity endurance exercises can lead to overtraining syndrome, characterized by chronic fatigue, decreased performance, weakened immune response, and increased susceptibility to infections such as colds and pharyngitis.

L-Theanine, particularly when combined with cystine, can mitigate these effects by stabilizing blood immunocompetent cell fluctuations, inhibiting excessive inflammatory responses, preventing infectious diseases, reducing related muscle damage, and alleviating immunosuppression​​.

Resistance exercise can boost muscle strength but may negatively impact the immune system, such as decreasing lymphocyte proliferation and natural killer (NK) cell activity.

NK cells play a crucial role in the body's innate immunity. Supplementation with L-Theanine and cystine has been shown to increase glutathione levels, restore NK cell activity diminished by intense resistance exercise, and thus enhance immune responses​​.

L-Theanine has demonstrated efficacy in protecting against common colds and influenza.

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials found that individuals supplementing with cystine and L-Theanine experienced significantly fewer incidences of colds compared to those in the placebo group.

L-Theanine's ability to enhance γδT cell function, promote interferon (IFN)-γ secretion, and reduce the incidence of cold and fever symptoms showcases its potent immune-enhancing properties​​.

L-Theanine's immunomodulatory actions are attributed to its ability to modulate cytokines, neurotransmitters, and hormones secretion.

It has been found to adjust the balance of Th2/Th1 cytokines, shifting towards Th1, thus enhancing resistance to pathogens.

Moreover, L-Theanine's penetration through the blood-brain barrier allows it to regulate neurotransmitter secretion within central nervous system cells, impacting immune function through the neuroendocrine system​​.

 

 

Health Benefits Beyond Cognition

While L-Theanine is well-known for its cognitive-enhancing effects, its benefits extend far beyond the brain, offering substantial contributions to cardiovascular health and cancer prevention.

Cardiovascular Protection

L-Theanine demonstrates a significant positive impact on cardiovascular health. Research has shown that it can inhibit the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), a process induced by angiotensin II, which is a key factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

The inhibition of this process involves blocking the JAK2/STAT3 and ERK pathways, crucial molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of CVD.

Moreover, L-Theanine has been found to regulate the expression of clock genes and rhythm genes, which play roles in vasoconstriction and actin cytoskeleton regulation pathways, further highlighting its potential for cardiovascular protection.

These effects combined suggest L-Theanine as a promising substance for the prevention and management of cardiovascular issues.

Anti-Cancer Activity

L-Theanine's potential in cancer prevention and therapy is remarkable, particularly in its ability to prevent the growth and migration of cancer cells in reproductive system cancers, such as cervical cancer.

Through both in vitro and in vivo studies, L-Theanine and its derivatives have been shown to effectively inhibit the growth of highly metastatic human cervical cancer cells.

This is achieved by decreasing the expression and phosphorylation of key signalling molecules such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Met, Akt, and NF-κB, thereby inhibiting crucial pathways like the EGFR/Met-Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway activated by growth factors.

These effects highlight L-Theanine's therapeutic potential for metastatic prostate cancer as well, as it can suppress the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, a critical step in cancer metastasis.

Moreover, L-Theanine's ability to induce cancer cell apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway, affecting various cancer types, demonstrates its broad-spectrum anti-cancer activities.

By inhibiting key cancer-promoting pathways and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, L-Theanine offers a promising approach to cancer treatment and prevention.

L-Theanine's benefits extend well beyond cognitive enhancement, offering potential advantages in cardiovascular protection and cancer prevention.

These findings encourage further exploration of L-Theanine as a versatile and beneficial component of a holistic approach to health and wellness.

 

A brain-shaped tea garden with fog at dawn

 

How to Use L-Theanine

L-Theanine is not only a fascinating component of green tea but also a versatile compound when it comes to consumption methods and potential health benefits.

Understanding how to effectively use L-Theanine can help you harness its full potential for enhancing mental and physical well-being.

Different Forms of L-Theanine Consumption

L-Theanine can be found in both the tea you drink and in various dietary supplements.

As a key component of green tea, L-Theanine contributes to the beverage's unique flavor and calming effects.

For those who might not be tea enthusiasts, L-Theanine is also available in pill or tablet form as a dietary supplement, allowing for more controlled dosages outside of tea consumption.

Recommended Dosages for Health Benefits

When it comes to optimizing the health benefits of L-Theanine, dosage is key. Research suggests that an effective dose typically ranges around 100-250 mg per day.

This dosage has been used in studies to investigate various health benefits, including cognitive enhancement and stress reduction.

It's important to note that while L-Theanine is found in green tea, the concentration in tea is much lower than the doses used in these studies, which is why supplements can be a more effective way to achieve desired health outcomes.

Timing and Combining with Other Supplements

L-Theanine exhibits versatile utility, being effective both as a standalone supplement and in combination with other compounds.

One popular combination is L-Theanine with caffeine, often found naturally together in tea.

This pairing is celebrated for enhancing cognitive performance while reducing the jitteriness and other negative effects sometimes associated with caffeine intake.

The synergy between these two compounds can lead to improved focus, energy, and mood.

Additionally, taking L-Theanine before sleep has been suggested to improve sleep quality, making it a flexible supplement that can be tailored to individual needs and times of day.

 

Safety and Side Effects

Despite its widespread use and potential benefits, it's essential to consider the safety, potential side effects, interactions, and the importance of moderation when incorporating L-Theanine into your wellness routine.

General Safety of L-Theanine

The safety profile of L-Theanine has been extensively evaluated through various studies.

Research involving both animal models and human participants suggests that L-Theanine is highly tolerable and safe. Acute toxicity studies in mice have demonstrated that even high doses of L-Theanine are non-toxic, with an acute oral maximum tolerance dose being greater than 20.0 g/kg in both male and female subjects, classifying it as non-toxic.

Further investigations, including subchronic and chronic toxicity studies, have found no adverse effects on organ weight, histopathology, or any signs of chronic toxicity or tumorigenicity, even at significant dosage levels for extended periods.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While L-Theanine is generally considered safe, with high tolerability and no significant adverse effects reported in both acute and chronic dosing studies, individual responses to the supplement can vary. It's advisable for new users to start with lower doses to assess tolerance.

The majority of research and anecdotal reports suggest minimal side effects, which typically enhances its appeal as a dietary supplement.

Interactions with Medications and Specific Health Conditions

To date, L-Theanine has shown no significant interactions with medications or specific health conditions, indicating its safety for broad use.

However, as with any supplement, particularly for those with preexisting conditions or on medication, consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended.

This precaution ensures that L-Theanine complements an individual's health regimen without interfering with medical conditions or treatment plans.

Importance of Moderation and Consulting with a Healthcare Professional

Despite the safety and benefits associated with L-Theanine, moderation is key. Excessive consumption of any supplement can lead to unintended effects, making it crucial to adhere to recommended dosages and to consult with a healthcare provider, especially for individuals with existing health issues or those taking other medications.

A healthcare professional can provide personalized advice, taking into account an individual's health history and current medications, to safely incorporate L-Theanine into one's wellness and cognitive enhancement regimens.

L-Theanine offers a promising natural supplement for enhancing mental clarity, reducing stress, and improving sleep quality, with a strong safety profile supported by scientific research.

However, adhering to recommended dosages, being mindful of individual responses, and seeking professional medical advice when necessary are essential steps to maximize its benefits while ensuring safety.

 

A traditional Chinese tea set on a wooden table

 

Conclusion

Tea, with its rich history and cultural importance, continues to be valued for its many benefits, including those provided by its unique component, L-Theanine. This amino acid, identified in the mid-20th century, connects traditional wisdom with modern science, offering several health benefits for both mental and physical well-being.

L-Theanine's journey from ancient China to modern recognition highlights its enduring value. Its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and provide calming effects without sedation makes it a notable nootropic. Research supports L-Theanine's role in enhancing cognitive function, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving sleep quality, making it a helpful natural supplement in today's busy world.

Beyond its cognitive benefits, L-Theanine's antioxidant, neuroprotective, and immune-regulating properties further demonstrate its versatility as a health supplement. Its potential benefits for cardiovascular health and cancer prevention add to its overall positive impact on health.

Are you considering joining the ranks of those who have experienced the cognitive benefits of nootropics? To learn more about how our Mood & Wellbeing Nootropic Supplement might fit into your lifestyle, visit us at nooroots.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is L-Theanine?

L-Theanine is an amino acid found primarily in green tea leaves, known for its calming effects and cognitive enhancement properties.

How does L-Theanine work as a nootropic?

L-Theanine promotes relaxation without drowsiness by increasing the levels of calming brain chemicals like GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, and reducing the levels of excitatory brain chemicals.

Can L-Theanine improve focus?

Yes, L-Theanine can improve focus and attention by promoting alpha brain wave activity, which is associated with a relaxed yet alert state.

Is L-Theanine safe for daily use?

L-Theanine is generally safe for daily use, with few reported side effects. However, it's always best to follow recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare provider.

What are the benefits of L-Theanine for the brain?

L-Theanine supports brain health by enhancing focus, reducing anxiety, promoting relaxation, and improving sleep quality without causing sedation.

How much L-Theanine should I take for cognitive benefits?

Typical dosages range from 100 to 400 mg per day, depending on individual needs and desired effects.

Are there any side effects of taking L-Theanine?

L-Theanine is well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience mild side effects like headaches or dizziness, especially at higher doses.

Can L-Theanine help with anxiety and stress?

Yes, L-Theanine is known for its anxiolytic effects, helping to reduce anxiety and stress by promoting a state of calm and relaxation.

What is the best way to take L-Theanine for nootropic effects?

L-Theanine can be taken in capsule or tablet form, or consumed through green tea. It is often taken in combination with caffeine for enhanced cognitive benefits.

How long does it take to see the effects of L-Theanine on cognitive function?

The effects of L-Theanine can typically be felt within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion, promoting relaxation and improved focus.

 

Learn more about the vitamins, minerals and plant extracts we use to give your brain a daily boost

 

References

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