L-theanine for Different Mental Health Problems

L-theanine has beneficial effects on general health and improves many areas of mental functioning L-theanine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in tea leaves and is used in Asian medicine to treat many medical and mental health problems. In a previous blog post I briefly reviewed the evidence for l-theanine for stress and anxiety reduction. In this post I add to the discussion on l-theanine by reviewing important recent findings on l-theanine for a variety of mental health problems. Findings of animal and human research support that taking l-theanine on a regular basis improves cognitive performance, attention, sleep quality, and may enhance mood, and reduce symptoms of OCD, panic disorder and bipolar disorder . L-theanine also has important general health benefits including reduction of the risk of cardiovascular disease and fighting obesity ( Türközü 2017 ). Beneficial effects achieved through multiple mechanisms of action L-theanine increases brain levels of serotonin, GABA and dopamine , binds to excitatory neurotransmitter receptors (i.e., glutamate and NMDA), and may increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Taking l-theanine on a regular daily basis for 3 to 4 weeks may confer general neuroprotective benefits by increasing synthesis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The stress reducing and cognitive enhancing benefits of l-theanine are probably related to its role in oxidative damage caused by ‘ free radicals .’ Collectively, these effects are believed to result in anxiety reduction and the other beneficial effects of l-theanine on mental health. Promising findings for beneficial effects on memory , learning and cognitive function as well as for treatment of OCD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder and schizophrenia Findings of animal and human studies have established that l-theanine improves learning, memory and cognitive function, and enhances selective attention during challenging mental tasks. In addition to its well-known benefits for reducing stress, […]

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