L-theanine is an amino acid that helps promote a restful, relaxed state without diminishing daytime alertness.^†1 Free of the side effects commonly associated with other relaxing agents, L-theanine may also support healthy blood pressure levels that are already within normal limits.^† L-Theanine contains Suntheanine^®††, a patented and clinically proven form of L-theanine.^2,3 Over 30 published papers and presentations have documented the benefits of Suntheanine brand of L-theanine.

Features of L-Theanine:

• Patented, clinically studied product
• Neutralizes the stimulating effects of caffeine^†
• Promotes relaxation without grogginess^†

^††Suntheanine^® is a trademark of Taiyo International, Inc.

INTRODUCTION
Green tea consumption has been associated with health benefits, particularly for the immune system, for many years.^†4-6 Scientific advances have allowed researchers to more closely analyze the key compounds in green tea that provide health support.^† For example, research studies have examined the role epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a constituent of green tea, plays in healthy cell development.^†7,8 Green tea also contains the amino acid L-theanine. Multiple in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the benefits of L-theanine for promoting relaxation and reducing stress, as well as supporting healthy blood pressure already within the normal range. ^†1 Studies in animal models suggest that L-theanine may also help support learning and memory.^†9

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Although not fully understood, research suggests that L-theanine exerts its effects through increasing brain serotonin, dopamine, and GABA levels.^†9 In a laboratory study, researchers found that L-theanine is able to cross the blood brain barrier to support the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.^†1,2 L-theanine use has also been associated with a change in brain wave pattern, helping support a wave pattern that is associated with restful, relaxed brain activity.^†1

The human brain is constantly generating a weak electrical pulse called a brain wave. There are four different types of brain waves, which are classified according to frequency: alpha, beta, delta, and theta brain waves. Each brain wave is related to an individual mental condition. For example, delta brain waves indicate a mental condition of deep sleep, while theta waves indicate dozing sleep. Beta brain waves indicate a state of being awake and excited or anxious, while alpha waves indicate a state of relaxed wakefulness. Since the generation of alpha waves indicate a state of relaxed wakefulness, it is used as a measurement of relaxation.¹

In a clinical study, 50 female volunteers were divided into low stress and high stress groups. The brain activity of the volunteers was measured after the oral administration of 50-200 mg of L-Theanine. Researchers specifically noted the activity of alpha-brain waves in each of the volunteers. The researchers found that within 30 minutes of the L-theanine administration, a significantly greater amount of alpha brain waves were generated in the L-theanine groups.^†1 This study's results showed that L-Theanine supported relaxation by promoting the generation of alpha brain waves.^†1

In a study examining the benefits of L-Theanine in reducing the body's response to stress, volunteers received L-theanine or a placebo, and then were asked to complete a trial of mental arithmetic. The volunteers who had taken L-theanine had reduced levels of stress, as measure by heart rate and levels of salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) (a stress marker).^†10

L-theanine has also been shown to support sleep quality and morning energy.^†11 In a blind crossover study of 22 young men (26-28 years old, daytime workers and students), 200 mg of L-theanine or placebo was given one hour before bedtime for six days. Sleep quality was assessed by interviews on waking up, self-reported questionnaires, and a wrist actigraph (a device which records bodily movements during sleep). The researchers reported that all subjects reported a significant increase in energy.^† In the student group, 70% reported better sleep quality and better relaxation before sleep.^†

In addition to promoting relaxation and stress reduction, L-Theanine may support healthy blood pressure levels that are already within normal limits.^†12,13 Thus, L-theanine's relaxing effect on mental states may be augmented by supporting healthy blood pressure already within normal limits as well.^†1 Additionally, in animal models, L-theanine has been found to inhibit the stimulating effects of caffeine.^†14

Safety
L-theanine has been extensively consumed in tea without significant side effects. In fact, the Japanese culture has used green tea for its relaxing effects since ancient times.^†1 L-theanine has been used as a food additive in Japan since the 1960s and has been marketed as a dietary supplement since the mid 1990s.¹⁵ While caffeine is naturally occurring in green tea, there is no caffeine in pure Suntheanine^® L-theanine. In fact, theanine has been shown to neutralize some of the stimulating effects of caffeine.^†16 Toxicity studies have found no adverse effects associated with L-Theanine (Suntheanine).¹⁷ No significant adverse drug interactions with L-theanine have been noted.

Conclusion
L-theanine is a safe and effective way to promote relaxation without decreasing energy or causing drowsiness.^† L-Theanine contains Suntheanine^®, the patented and clinically proven form of L-theanine.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Take 1 UltraCap™ two or three times daily. If additional support is desired, increase to two UltraCaps three times daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

PRECAUTIONS
If pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use.