L Theanine an antitumor promoter :
L-theanine has been demonstrated to act as an anticarcinogen through proapoptotic and antiproliferative effects. Several studies have indicated that L-theanine can significantly inhibit the growth of different kinds of tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma, cervical cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia cells. It has been thought that L-theanine could induce apoptosis of tumor cells via the mitochondrial pathway .
L Theanine and immunity :
L-theanine also seems to positively affect one of the body’s stress systems, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
Stress can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses. L-theanine known for its calming and stress-reducing properties, can indirectly benefit immunity by reducing the negative impact of stress. Research indicates that L-theanine may improve T-cell function, which is important for immune cell activation and defense. Previous studies have shown that L-theanine can enhance innate immune function by regulating the secretion of immune cytokines. Bukowski et al. demonstrated that ingestion of L-theanine by drinking tea induces innate immune response and immunologic memory in humans.Further clinical studies have found that oral administration of L-theanine enhances the activity of γδ T cells, promotes the secretion of IFN-γ, and further inhibits tumor activity. Its helpful in prevention of Colds and Flu.
L theanine and gut health:
Some research suggests that L-theanine may help alleviate ulcerative colitis by regulating colon immunity and gut microbiota. L-theanine can enhance gut-specific immunity by regulating the expression of immune cells like CD4+ T cells, which are important for fighting infection and maintaining gut health.
L-theanine may offer some benefits for gastritis, particularly in cases of NSAID-induced ulcers.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24981317/
The potential anti-inflammatory and gut-modulating effects of L-theanine could be beneficial for managing IBS symptoms.
A study suggests that L-theanine supplementation may shift gut microbial populations in favor of microbes linked with sleep quality. It has shown to improve intestinal barrier integrity, enhanced nutrient absorption, and regulation of the gut microbiota.L-theanine can reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, contributing to a healthier gut environment.
l-theanine can increase the diversity of gut bacteria and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting harmful ones. It can increase the production of SCFAs by promoting the growth of bacteria known to produce these metabolites. SCFAs are crucial for gut health, providing energy for gut cells, supporting immune function, and reducing inflammation.
It is suggested that l-theanine regulates the structure and absorption capacity of the intestinal tract by increasing the concentration of glutamine absorbed from the blood to the intestinal tract in a healthy body. Treatment with a combination of l-theanine and l-glutamine was superior to treatment with l-glutamine alone in enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, reducing the expression of inflammatory factors, and increasing the intestinal villi height and crypt depth.
L-theanine can reduce damage to intestinal tight junctions caused by LPS, which can prevent the leakage of LPS into the bloodstream. L-theanine can reduce the flux of LPS from the rumen into the peripheral blood, potentially preventing endotoxemia (a condition where LPS enters the bloodstream) in animals. L-theanine can lower the levels of inflammatory markers like IL-1β in the blood.
To summarise L theanine benefits:
DOSAGES :
At low doses (200-300 mg), it promotes calm focus by helping your brain cells communicate more effectively.
At higher doses (600+ mg), it shifts your nervous system into parasympathetic mode. Reduces cortisol and quietens mental noise .
L-theanine is a mast cell stabilizer that can reduce anaphylactic shock. Doses for anxiety tend to be around 250 mg, but higher doses 1-1.5g needed for antihistamine effects.
Combining L-theanine with certain supplements may help improve the quality of your sleep. Supplements with gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a natural chemical messenger in your brain that's known for its calming effects, may improve the amount of hours of sleep you get and help with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
L Theanine if combined with magnesium can reduce night time waking and lessens time to fall asleep thus improving sleep quality.
Combination of Magnesium, B Vitamins, Rhodiola, and Green Tea (L-theanine) Alleviates Chronic Stress in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2475299123206435
Adverse effects and Safety of L theanine :
It is possibly safe when used short-term.Doses upto 900 mg have been used in severe mental health conditions specially. It might cause mild side effects, such as nausea ,headache or sleepiness. Long term side effects need to be studied and still not clear.
Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) while taking this supplement.
Note : This article is not meant for medical advice ❎. Strictly designed for information purposes .Please contact your health care professional if you want to take supplements .
I have 2-3 cups green tea most days and I’ve noticed my essential tremors are better with this.