The Science of Suntheanine®

Suntheanine® is a high-purity, L-isomer form of the amino acid theanine. L-theanine occurs naturally in tea; it is the key component of tea that imparts a sense of relaxation. Suntheanine® is produced via a patented fermentation process that mimics the natural process in green tea leaves resulting in the L-isomer form of L-Theanine. Suntheanine® is the most completely studied form of L-theanine, backed by dozens of clinical trials and hundreds of research studies, with multiple studies on stress, anxious feelings, and mood support. It has been awarded several US and international patents, and when introduced to the market, this ingredient won several prestigious awards. Suntheanine® has been recognized as one of the most effective ingredients for stress, relaxation and improved quality of sleep; its effects can be felt in as little as 30 – 60 minutes.

Suntheanine® and Its Effects on the Brain

The science of Suntheanine® L-theanine has been well-studied and well-established. L-theanine is a derivative of glutamic acid, a significant and important neurotransmitter found in the brain.

L-theanine is fat-soluble and is readily absorbed in the intestinal brush-border membrane and crosses the blood-brain barrier via the leucine-preferential transport system. L-theanine absorption results in increased dopamine and GABA levels in the brain, and an increase in alpha (α) brain waves. Dopamine increases are especially evident in the striatum, hypothalamus and hippocampus portions of the brain. GABA itself does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Instead, it is formed in the brain from L-theanine. Suntheanine® is also a GABA receptor agonist and acts on the AMPA receptors with GABA like effects.

The Effects on Brain Waves with Suntheanine®

Studies have demonstrated the effects of Suntheanine® on brain waves. The different brain waves associated with different mental states are shown below. Suntheanine® increases alpha (α) waves and at the same time decreases beta (β) waves and theta (θ) waves, unlike other anti-stress agents which increase theta (θ) waves.

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