Functions of L-theanine
by
BiotechAusway
27 May 2025
I. Neuromodulation and Mood Regulation
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Stress Relief and Relaxation: Stimulates alpha brain wave production, increases dopamine and serotonin levels, reduces cortisol (stress hormone) concentrations, and alleviates anxiety.
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Improved Sleep Quality: Enhances gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release, shortens sleep latency, and deepens sleep.
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Reduced Physical Fatigue: Modulates excitability in the central nervous system, alleviating fatigue caused by overexertion.
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Neuroprotective Effects: Inhibits neuronal cell death induced by cerebral ischemia and delays neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.
II. Cognitive Enhancement
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Memory and Attention Improvement: Balances glutamate and GABA activity, enhancing brain cell vitality and information processing.
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Synergy with Caffeine: Works synergistically with caffeine to boost alertness, reaction speed, and executive function while reducing caffeine-induced jitteriness.
III. Cardiovascular Health Support
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Blood Pressure and Circulation Regulation: Inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, promotes nitric oxide synthesis, dilates blood vessels, and improves cerebral/systemic blood flow.
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Reduced Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Mitigates arteriosclerosis and thrombosis, supporting cardiovascular health.
IV. Immune System Enhancement
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Immune Cell Activation: Boosts activity of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, strengthening antiviral and anti-infective capabilities.
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Disease Prevention: Long-term intake may lower risks of respiratory infections like influenza.
V. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects
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Free Radical Scavenging: Reduces oxidative stress damage to cells and DNA, delaying skin and organ aging.
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Inflammation Suppression: Regulates immune responses by reducing inflammatory mediators and inflammatory cell infiltration.
VI. Additional Physiological Functions
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Anti-fatigue and Anti-aging: Reduces oxidative damage and regulates metabolism to maintain vitality.
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Anti-tumor Potential: Emerging studies suggest it may aid chemotherapy responses in cancer treatment.