Psychotropic Effects of L-theanine and its Clinical Properties: From the Management of Anxiety and Stress to a Potential use in Schizophrenia

Sakamoto, F.L., Ribeiro, R.M.P., Bueno, Allain ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9456-8558 and Santos, H.O. (2019) Psychotropic Effects of L-theanine and its Clinical Properties: From the Management of Anxiety and Stress to a Potential use in Schizophrenia. Pharmacological Research, 147. p. 104395. ISSN 1043-6618

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Abstract

Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in modern societies, and are ranked the sixth most important contributor of non-fatal negative health outcomes. L-theanine is an amino acid naturally found in green tea (Camellia sinensis) and some other plant extracts, and recent clinical studies have proposed promising adjuvant effects of L-theanine for the negative impact of anxiety and psychological stress on health. In this integrative narrative review, we aimed to appraise and further discuss the effects of L-theanine administration on anxiety disorders and psychological stress. Published data suggests that L-theanine administered at daily doses ranging from 200 to 400 mg for up to 8 weeks are safe and induce anxiolytic and anti-stress effects in acute and chronic conditions. L-theanine at doses lower and higher than these may also show promising therapeutic potential; however, a more thorough investigation through randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover clinical trials are necessary to elucidate its effects for longer periods, providing further insights for meta-analyses and the development of recommendation guidelines. Additionally, animal studies investigating a higher dosage, its combination with other pharmacological compounds and associated metabolic comorbidities are recommended, as cases of hepatotoxicity associated with the consumption of green tea extract have been reported.

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