Ethical Naturals’ (ENI) proprietary AlphaWave L-Theanine was shown in a triple-blind crossover clinical study published in Neurology and Therapy to improve physiological indicators of stress among a group of healthy adults reporting moderate stress levels.
 
Seventy-five percent of Americans report having experienced a stress-related outcome in the past month, such as irritability, changes in appetite or sleep, restlessness or general negative thoughts. Prolonged exposure to stress can impact health, job performance, immune function and more.
 
L-Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea leaves. AlphaWave L-Theanine is produced through a proprietary fermentation and purification process that results in a highly purified form of the amino acid. 
 
The objective of this study, thought to be the first to investigate the effects of L-theanine in a population of healthy adults reporting moderate levels of stress, was to investigate the efficacy and safety of AlphaWave L-Theanine both on whole scalp and frontal alpha power and salivary cortisol in healthy, moderately stressed adults. Increases in brainwave alpha power indicate greater relaxation without drowsiness; salivary cortisol is an objective measure of stress levels. The study was conducted by KGK Sciences.
 
The 16 subjects (cross-over design), ranging from age 16 to 60, were administered a 200 mg single dose of AlphaWave L-Theanine and the response to an acute stress model was investigated. This study was conducted during the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which has had a rapid and significant effect on physical and mental health around the world.
 
A single dose of AlphaWave L-Theanine significantly increased frontal region alpha power, and significantly reduced salivary cortisol levels, compared to placebo. These changes are indicative of relaxation in the brain and demonstrate a calming response in healthy adults between 19 and 60 years of age.
 
The study concluded: “A 200 mg dose of AlphaWave L-Theanine was found to be safe and well tolerated and should be considered as a nutraceutical supplement to manage acute stress.”
 
This study builds on previous research that also demonstrated AlphaWave showed (by EEG) a positive effect on the tonic alpha power that measures relaxed wakefulness. In addition, other values for anxiety and tension, such as heart rate, decreased greater than placebo.
 
AlphaWave is GRAS affirmed, and supplied through ENI’s NSF cGMP certified QC testing program and distribution facility. It is available either in powder, or in a granulated form that is ideal for encapsulation and tableting.