Formulator Resources

First introduced centuries ago, tea has become the most widely consumed beverage in the world, second only to water. Extensive research has been conducted on tea, specifically green tea, for its many functional properties.

It has been estimated that nearly 65 percent of the adult population experiences some form of stress and these numbers are on a continual rise. Since ancient times, it has been said that drinking green tea induces relaxation. A pioneer in the science of green tea, Taiyo found this relaxation effect to be due to the presence of the amino acid L-theanine. Suntheanine® is the trade name for Taiyo’s pure form L-theanine produced in the U.S.A. via a patented enzymatic process.

Human clinical trials have shown Suntheanine to promote an alert state of relaxation without drowsiness, as indicated by an increase in Alpha brain waves, and a decrease in Beta brain waves.
The brain emits weak electrical impulses that can be measured on the surface of the head, which are classified based on their frequency:

Brain Wave	Frequency (Hz)	Mental Effect
Delta	0.5–3.0	Sound Sleep
Theta	4.0–7.0	Dozing/Sleeping
Alpha	8.0–13.0	Relaxed, Alert State
Beta	> 14.0	Awake, Excited State

Suntheanine has been found to be most effective in the range of 50 – 200 mg and its effects are exhibited within 30 – 40 minutes of consumption.
Additional human clinical research suggests that Suntheanine may have application in improving the quality of sleep, diminishing normal symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), improving learning performance, heightening mental acuity, promoting concentration, reducing negative side effects of caffeine and supporting the immune system.

Suntheanine has been shown to be safe based on favorable numerous toxicology studies. Unlike other stress reducing supplements, Suntheanine does not cause drowsiness. Suntheanine has been consumed in foods and supplements since 1994 with no indication of adverse reactions or contraindications. Suntheanine received confirmation on its GRAS Affirmation from the FDA in 2007 for use in foods and beverages.

Backed by peer reviewed studies, several claims have been deemed acceptable for Suntheanine:

• Reduces stress and promotes relaxation without drowsiness
• Improves focus, attention, learning performance and mental clarity
• Improves quality of sleep
• Diminishes normal symptoms of PMS
• Reduces negative side effects of caffeine

Suntheanine was awarded the “Food Ingredient Research Award” at the 1998 Food Ingredients Europe and “Best New Product of 2000” at Nutracon. Suntheanine is protected by over 40 U.S. and international patents for its various physiological efficacies and L-isomer specific enzymatic production process.