Evidence supporting the use of: Theanine
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
L-theanine is an amino acid commonly found in tea leaves, particularly green tea. Its use for supporting anxiety disorders is primarily justified by emerging scientific evidence, rather than traditional medicinal practices or folklore. Several small-scale clinical trials and preclinical studies have explored the anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects of L-theanine. The proposed mechanism involves modulation of neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, as well as promoting alpha brain wave activity associated with relaxation without sedation.
A 2016 systematic review (PMC4772032) and other randomized controlled trials have found that L-theanine supplementation (typically in doses of 200–400 mg) may reduce subjective stress and anxiety in both healthy individuals and those with mild anxiety symptoms. However, the number of high-quality, large-scale studies specifically targeting anxiety disorders (such as generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder) is limited. Most available research focuses on acute stress or non-clinical populations.
Thus, while L-theanine shows some promise as a supportive intervention for anxiety—reflected in its increasing use in supplements and functional foods—the overall quality and quantity of scientific evidence is modest, and further research is needed to confirm efficacy for diagnosed anxiety disorders. It is not generally recognized as a primary or sole treatment for anxiety disorders by medical guidelines.
Other ingredients used for Anxiety Disorders
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium longum
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
citrus oil
curcumin
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
green tea
hemp oil
inositol
kava root
l-glycine
l-taurine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus paracasei
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
magnesium
magnolia
matcha
melatonin
motherwort
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
rhodiola
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sceletium
skullcap
valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
shen-chu
St. John's Wort
herbal blend (proprietary)
cocoa
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Apigenin
Albizia
Aconite
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bacopin
Brahmi
Bacopa
bacoside
Clary sage
Cymbopogon Martini
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Essential Oil Blend
Gelsemium
Griffonia simplicifolia
Ginkgoside
Gastrodin
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Vervain
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Theanine
Addictions (coffee, caffeine)Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Depression
Hypertension
Memory and Brain Function
Mood Swings
Stress
Worry