L-Theanine

L-Theanine (L-Glutamic Acid γ-ethyl amide) is a non-protein amino acid contained in green tea leaves, which blocks the binding of L-glutamic acid to glutamate receptors in the brain, and with neuroprotective, anticancer and anti-oxidative activities. L-Theanine can pass through the blood–brain barrier and is orally active[1][2][3].

[1]Vuong QV, et al. L-Theanine: properties, synthesis and isolation from tea. J Sci Food Agric. 2011 Aug 30;91(11):1931-9.|[2]Kimura K, et al. L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Biol Psychol. 2007 Jan;74(1):39-45.|[3]Takeshima M, et al. l-Theanine protects against excess dopamine-induced neurotoxicity in the presence of astrocytes. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2016 Sep;59(2):93-99.|[4]Zhang R, et al. L-Theanine inhibits melanoma cell growth and migration via regulating expression of the clock gene BMAL1. Eur J Nutr. 2022 Mar;61(2):763-777.|[5]Ben P, et al. Protective Effect of L-Theanine on Cadmium-Induced Apoptosis in PC12 Cells by Inhibiting the Mitochondria-Mediated Pathway. Neurochem Res. 2015 Aug;40(8):1661-70.