Posted by Serio on July 30, 2002, at 0:16:15
In reply to Prescrip Stimulants Caffeine, posted by Hattree on July 25, 2002, at 9:14:11
Apparently Theanine (availible as supplement) is actually an adenosine precusor. Caffine is an adenosine antagonist. In response to heavy caffine consuption the brain may produce extra adenosine causing the well know let down when it wears off. The article implies green tea is more relaxing because of it's theanine content. Unlike kava/valerian it may make you more alert as it relaxes you. Since caffine can induce a panic attack, theanine might predictably have anti-panic properties.
Article:
In 1964, Japan approved theanine’s use in all food, except baby food. In Japan, you can buy over 50 different food items that contain theanine. Japanese soft drinks are spiked with the relaxant, and it has been put into chewing gum.The tranquilizing effects of theanine are not imaginary. Theanine readily crosses the blood-brain barrier of humans and exerts subtle changes in biochemistry. An increase in alpha waves has been documented, and the effect has been compared to getting a massage or taking a hot bath. Theanine is different than kava-kava in that it doesn’t cause drowsiness. And, unlike tranquilizing drugs, it doesn’t interfere with the ability to think. Studies on rodents show just the opposite: theanine enhances the ability to learn and remember. By shutting down the “worry” mode, theanine increases concentration and focuses thought. This is the concept behind the Japanese tea ceremony which causes a person to focus on the moment. Consider this: the risk of mortality for Japanese women who practice tea ceremony is half of other Japanese women. The Japanese are already the longest-lived people on earth.
Theanine is a caffeine antagonist -- it does the opposite. The effects can readily be seen in EEGs of rodents given caffeine, then theanine. One of the things that theanine changes is GABA -- a brain chemical known for its calming effect. Theanine increases GABA, while caffeine decreases it. GABA doesn’t just relax, it also creates a sense of well-being. Theanine’s ability to increase this brain chemical can put you in a better mood by changing biochemistry. Theanine also increases levels of dopamine -- another brain chemical associated with mood-enhancing effects and increased feelings associated with sex drive.
Other benefits are claimed,.. Step right up!
poster:Serio
thread:113667
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020725/msgs/114299.html