Theanine Serotonin Research

Theanine serotonin studies may help us learn more about depression and anti-depressants.

The most widely used prescription anti-depressants fall into the category called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. These include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), and others.

These medications inhibit the reuptake of serotonin in order to make more available in the brain.

The anti-depressant effect comes from the increased available serotonin.

Theanine is a unique amino acid protein from green tea (Camellia sinensis). Smaller amounts are also found in black and oolong tea from Camellia sinensis, and some mushrooms.

This amino acid has tested safe for human consumption to date. No side effects have been attributed to it even at higher doses.

Several theanine serotonin studies have found that theanine ingestion (the same as drinking several cups of green tea) increases available serotonin in the brain, particularly in the striatum, hypothalamus, and hippocampus.

These studies are preliminary. We still don’t know if theanine will provide anti-depressant effects. However, there are already positive studies showing improved memory, improved concentration, and improved mood effects.

People who are taking any anti-depressant medication must consult with their physicians before making lifestyle changes as abrupt changes could cause very dangerous side-effects.

Yamada T, et al: Theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, increases neurotransmission concentrations and neurotrophin mRNA levels in the brain during lactation. Life Sciences, September 2007

Nathan PJ, et al: The neuropharmacology of L-theanine(N-ethyl-L-glutamine): a possible neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent. Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy 2006

Yokogoshi H, et al: Effect of theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, on brain monoamines and striatal dopamine release in conscious rats. Neurochemical Research May 1998

Yokogoshi H, et al: Reduction effect of theanine on blood pressure and brain 5-hydroxyindoles in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry April 1995

Kimura R and Murata T: Effect of theanine on norepinephrine and serotonin levels in rat brain. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, July 1986

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