Relaxed Wakefulness
L-Theanine is a unique amino acid primarily found in green tea, recognized for its potential to promote relaxation without causing drowsiness. It is believed to ease stress, improve focus, and enhance sleep quality, contributing to overall wellbeing.
Alpha brainwaves: The power of relaxed wakefulness
Alpha brainwaves (as measured by EEG) are associated with a state of relaxed wakefulness, typically observed when a person is awake but in a relaxed state, such as during meditation [6]. Research has also shown that alpha brainwaves play a role in a variety of cognitive processes, including attention, memory and creativity [7]. Higher levels of frontal region and whole scalp alpha power have also been linked to reduced anxiety and stress.
Because stress-levels are currently high, and drug treatments for managing stress can result in undesirable side effects, there is a strong demand today for a safe supplement that reduces stress levels, without these effects. AlphaWave® has been a leader in this field for over ten years.
The new study: a brief summary:
Study conducted by: KGK Science Inc.
Published by Neurology and Health, September 2021
‘A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study to investigate the efficacy of a single 200mg dose of AlphaWave® L-Theanine on stress in a healthy adult population.’
The objective of this study, thought to be the first to investigate the effects of L-theanine in a population of healthy adults reporting moderate levels of stress, was to investigate the efficacy and safety of AlphaWave® L-Theanine both on frontal alpha power and salivary cortisol levels in healthy, moderately stressed adults. Increases in brainwave alpha power indicate greater relaxation without drowsiness, and salivary cortisol is also an objective measure of stress levels.
Results
The 16 subjects (cross-over design), ranging from age 16 to 60, were administered a 200mg single dose of AlphaWave® L-Theanine and the response to an acute stress model was investigated. This study was conducted during the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which has had a rapid and significant effect on both physical and mental health around the world. In the study, the single dose of AlphaWave® L-Theanine significantly increased frontal region alpha power, and significantly reduced salivary cortisol levels, compared to placebo. These changes are indicative of relaxation in the brain and demonstrate a calming response in healthy adults between 19 and 60 years of age.
The study concludes that: ‘In conclusion, a 200mg dose of AlphaWave® L-Theanine improved physiological indicators of stress in response to the MAT test compared to the placebo, including frontal region alpha power and salivary cortisol. A 200mg dose of AlphaWave® L-Theanine was found to be safe and well tolerated and should be considered as a nutraceutical supplement to manage acute stress.’
To view complete study:
The first AlphaWave® Clinical study
Conducted at: The Wellington Sleep Investigation Centre, University of Otego, Wellington, New Zealand.
‘The Effects of AlphaWave® L-Theanine on Relaxation, Clarity and Cognitive Function: a Human Study w/20 Subjects: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study ’
Study design and method:
A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study assessed relaxation after a 200mg dose of AlphaWave® through measurement of alpha brainwave changes and responses to stress tests. It also assessed changes in heart rate as an indication of stress level. Twenty subjects (10 male and 10 female), aged between 21 and 47 years, were tested for the effects of AlphaWave® L-Theanine or placebo.
Results:
Consumption of 200mg of AlphaWave® L-Theanine produced significant changes over time as compared to placebo on all the variable outcomes assessed in this investigation. For example, AlphaWave® L-Theanine showed a positive effect over time on the tonic alpha power, that measures relaxed wakefulness, whereas the placebo had negative effects. Although the values for anxiety/tension were low, they decreased over time for both groups, and the decrease in AlphaWave® group was greater. The group consuming AlphaWave® also displayed reduced fatigue.
In addition, AlphaWave® L-Theanine significantly reduced the heart rate compared with placebo over the time period of the study. This was a further indication of the actual stress reduction effect of AlphaWave® L-Theanine.
AlphaWave® is GRAS Affirmed, and ideal for supplement use
- Highly purified and standardized to 98% L-Theanines
- Excellent tableting and encapsulation qualities
- GRAS Affirmed
- Dissolves into tasteless and odorless solution for beverage use
- Proprietary manufacturing process infringes no patents
- Inventoried and supplied through ENI’s NSF certified cGMP facility
AlphaWave® and L-Theanine patent issues
There are seven current US patents that cover different aspects of manufacturing methods, forms and uses of L-Theanine. A full review of each of these patents by a US patent attorney confirms that the AlphaWave® manufacturing and recommended use methods do not infringe any of these patents. Summaries and detailed reviews can be made available to potential AlphaWave® users.
Additional Data Supporting L-Theanine
Studies found that L-Theanine is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, and thus has psychoactive properties [1]. Clinical trials confirmed L-Theanine has relaxing properties [1]. The calming effect from tea may seem contradictory to the stimulatory property of its caffeine content, but this effect is explained by the action of L-Theanine, which acts antagonistically against the stimulatory effects of caffeine on the nervous system [2]. Research on human volunteers has demonstrated L-Theanine creates a sense of relaxation via at least two different mechanisms. First, it directly stimulates the production of alpha brain waves, creating a state of deep relaxation and mental alertness similar to what is achieved through meditation.
Second, L-Theanine is involved in the formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). GABA influences the levels of two other neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin, also producing key relaxing effects [3]. Furthermore, L-Theanine has been shown to reduce mental and physical stress [4], and improves cognition and mood in a synergistic manner with caffeine [5].
Recommended AlphaWave® L-Theanine Product
Centered Mind™ is a powerful supplement to enhance relaxation, focus, and creativity. It combines the benefits of L-theanine and Organic Reishi mushroom extract, two natural ingredients that work together the balance the body’s stress responses. Purchase Here.
References:
[1] Kakuda, T., et al. (2000). Inhibiting effects of theanine on caffeine stimulation evaluated by EEG in the rat. Biosci Biotechno Biochem 64, 287-293.
[2] Juneja, L.R., et al (1999). L-Theanine, a unique amino acid of green tea and its relaxation effect in humans. Trends Food Sci Technol 10, 199–204.
[3] Mason, R. (2001). 200 mg of Zen; L-theanine boosts alpha waves, promotes alert relaxation. Alternative & Complementary Therapies 7, 91-95.
[4] Kimura K., et al (2007). L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Biol Psychol 74 (1), 39–45.
[5] Haskell, C.F. et al. (2008). The effects of l-theanine, caffeine and their combination on cognition and mood. Biol Psychol 77 (2), 113–[6] Lee DJ, Kulubya E, Goldin P, Goodarzi A, Girgis F. Review of the neural oscillations underlying meditation. Front Neurosci. 2018;12:178. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00178.
[7] C Lustenberger, MR Boyle, AA Foulser, JM Mellin. Functional role of frontal alpha oscillations in creativity – Cortex, 2015, Volume 67, pages 74-82
