- Enzymatically produced SunTheanine®
- Promotes the generation of brain alpha waves
- Promotes feelings of relaxation
- No feelings of drowsiness or fatigue
- Supports learning ability
- Assists during exam sessions
- Has nootropic potential
- Aids in reducing feelings of stress
- May cause glutamate inhibition
- Beneficial effects along with caffeine
Jarrow Formulas Theanine 100 is a dietary supplement containing 100 mg of L-theanine per capsule. This organic chemical compound is mainly found in Chinese tea (Camellia sinensis) and is known to promote feelings of relaxation without the incidence of drowsiness that very often manifests itself when taking preparations with similar effects.
It has been estimated that nearly 65% of the adult population experiences stress in its various forms, and these statistics continue to rise. Since ancient times, green tea has been consumed, attributed to its relaxing effects. It has been discovered that responsible for such an effect is a substance isolated and found almost exclusively in green tea called theanine.
L-theanine belongs to the group of non-protein α-amino acids and is not a substance commonly found in the human diet. It is a compound that crosses the blood-brain barrier very easily and exhibits psychoactive properties. As a derivative of glutamine, it shows some structural similarity to it and to the neurotransmitters of which it is a precursor (GABA, glutamate).
It is considered a compound with nootropic effects, which can have a calming effect, offset stress and anxiety, and improve mood. L-theanine appears to increase the intensity of brain alpha waves, used in rapid learning techniques. Such effects may contribute to a favorable increase in productivity and learning efficiency.
SunTheanine® is the trade name for a patented, pure form of L-theanine. It is not a green tea extract, but is produced by a special fermentation process that mimics the natural process that occurs in tea leaves. The result is a 100% pure isomer of L-theanine.
L-theanine and glutamate
It may be interesting to know that L-theanine has an affinity for all three subgroups of glutamate receptors and can extinguish them. It is also believed that it can reduce glutamate concentrations and inhibit synaptic glutamate release, by competitively blocking transporters.
As is well known, glutamate is a harmful substance to the human body. It interferes with the brain stem and artificially induces appetite stimulation. By affecting the limbic system, it causes excessive sweating, stress reactions such as stomach pains, elevated blood pressure, heart palpitations and migraines. In addition, it reduces perception, learning ability and concentration.
In combination with caffeine
In a study on healthy adult humans, a dose of 100 mg of L-theanine combined with 50 mg of caffeine had a beneficial effect on the parameters of accuracy and focus in tests of cognitive ability compared to a group that consumed only 50 mg of caffeine.
Another experiment showed that the use of 150 mg of caffeine alone was able to improve fatigue perception, rapid visual information processing (RVIP) and reaction time. When 250 mg of L-theanine was additionally added, it resulted in the preservation of these benefits while increasing alertness, improving reaction time and reducing caffeine-induced headaches. Reaction time, and the ability to switch between tasks, was improved even with therapy containing lower doses (50 mg caffeine, 100 mg L-theanine). Improved focus was also noted in this study, through the weaker influence of distracting stimuli.
Possible properties
There are also clinical studies indicating that theanine may have applications in improving sleep quality, reducing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), enhancing learning performance, increasing mental sharpness, promoting concentration, reducing the negative side effects of caffeine use, and supporting the immune system. However, due to the small number of these studies, it is suggested that they continue to be conducted to definitively confirm these properties.
In conclusion, Jarrow Formulas Theanine 100, due to its nootropic properties, is a recommended product for anyone who is burdened by significant mental and physical exertion. It is recommended for athletes whose disciplines require concentration and memory, as well as those whose recovery is disrupted by the effects of chronic stress.
The supplement can also be used by people who are in the midst of periods of intensive study (exams) and intensive and long mental work (during large projects and works).
