BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF L-THEANINE (SUNTHEANINETM), AN AMINO ACID OF GREEN TEA, IN HUMANS

L-theanine is a unique amino acid, found almost solely in tea plants. It is the main component responsible for the exotic taste of green tea. In our studies of L-theanine, we have found a variety of biological activities including relaxation and the alleviation of PMS. In general, animals generate very weak electric pulses on the surface of the brain, called brain waves. Brain waves are classified into four types, namely $\alpha$, $\beta$, $\delta$ and $\theta$-waves, based on their frequency. Brain waves correlate with individual mental conditions. For example, generation of $\alpha$-waves is considered an index of relaxation. In human volunteers, $\alpha$-waves were generated on the occipital and parietal regions of the brain surface within 40 minutes after the oral administration of 50 or 200 mg Suntheanine$^{TM}$ without causing drowsiness. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a symptom unique to women which appears in the luteal phase from the ovulation period through the first day of menstruation. It possesses characteristics of having a peak just prior to menstruation and disappearing 1 - 2 days following the start of menstruation. Symptoms of PMS are generally categorized as mental, physical and social symptoms. When comparing the reported Symptoms of PMS by the methods of MDQ score, the Suntheanine$^{TM}$ group was found to have a lower incidence of PMS symptoms, including physical, mental and social symptoms. Overall, a significant alleviation of PMS symptoms by the administration of 200 mg Suntheanine$^{TM}$ was observed. With the successful industrial production of L-theanine, we are now able to supply Suntheanine$^{TM}$, offering a tremendous opportunity for designing functional foods targeting relaxation and the alleviation of PMS.