L-Theanine Helps Memory, Prevents Beta Amyloid Induced Nerve Cell Death

[Guest guest]

L-Theanine Helps Memory, Prevents Beta Amyloid Induced Nerve Cell Death

- Byron Richards, CCN

_http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/l-theanine_helps_memory_pr

events_beta_amyloid_induced_nerve_cell_death/_

(http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/l-theanine_helps_memory_preven\

ts_beta_amyloid_induced_n

erve_cell_death/)

 

 

L-theanine's original claim to fame is as a relaxing nutrient. Taken

before bed it can help you sleep. Taken during the day it can help you relax

and

focus. A new study significantly expands on the nerve benefits of

L-theanine, showing that it can prevent the accumulation and biological adverse

effects of peptide amyloid beta, the compound associated with progressive

mental decline and Alzheimer's disease.

 

 

In this animal study the researchers showed that L-theanine blunted the

adverse effects of amyloid beta (which are memory impairment and nerve cell

death). It actually had the ability to reduce levels of amyloid beta, which

is how our brains work when they are healthy. L-theanine directly boosted

cellular glutathione in brain cells preventing damage to fats that make up

brain cells. And last but not least, L-theanine regulated the key

inflammatory gene signal, NF-kappaB, which is vital to healthy brain function.

 

 

The researchers concluded that " L-theanine may be useful in the prevention

and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. "

 

(http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/candida_helps_cause_periodonta\

l_problems/)

 

 

Related Entries:

 

_L-Theanine Offsets Age-Impaired Immunity and Boosts Flu Fighting Ability_

(http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/l-theanine_offsets_age-imp

aired_immunity_and_boosts_flu_fighting_ability/)

Older mice supplemented with L-theanine and L-cystine for 10 days and then

exposed to flu had significantly lower lung flu infections than controls.

The combination directly boosted the level of cellular glutathione (GSH) in

immune cells, enabling them to function as if the animals were much younger

 

_Theanine and Sleep_

(http://www.wellnessresources.com/studies/entry/theanine_and_sleep/)

 

_Theanine - A Brain-Nourishing Nutrient_

(http://www.wellnessresources.com/studies/entry/theanine_a_brain_nourishing_nutr\

ient/)

The neuropharmacology of L-theanine(N-ethyl-L-glutamine): a possible

neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent.

Study Abstract:

L-theanine (N-ethyl-L-glutamine) or theanine is a major amino acid

uniquely found in green tea. L-theanine has been historically reported as a

relaxing agent, prompting scientific research on its pharmacology. Animal

neurochemistry studies suggest that L-theanine increases brain serotonin,

dopamine, GABA levels and has micromolar affinities for AMPA, Kainate and NMDA

receptors. In addition has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects in

animal models possibly through its antagonistic effects on group 1

metabotrophic

glutamate receptors. Behavioural studies in animals suggest improvement in

learning and memory. Overall, L-theanine displays a neuropharmacology

suggestive of a possible neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent and

warrants further investigation in animals and humans.

Study Information:

Nathan PJ, Lu K, Gray M, Oliver C. The neuropharmacology of

L-theanine(N-ethyl-L-glutamine): a possible neuroprotective and cognitive

enhancing

agent. J Herb Pharmacother. 2006 June 6(2):21-30. Behavioural Neuroscience

Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Monash Center for Brain and Behaviour,

Monash University, Australia.

 

_Theanine Protects Nerve Cells from Toxicity_

(http://www.wellnessresources.com/studies/entry/theanine_protects_nerve_cells_fr\

om_toxicity/)

Study Abstract:

Several environmental neurotoxins and oxidative stress inducers are known

to damage the nervous system and are considered major factors associated

with the selective vulnerability of nigral dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’

s disease (PD). Gamma-glutamylethylamide (L-theanine), a natural glutamate

analog in green tea, has been shown to exert strong anti-ischemic effect.

In this study, we investigated the protective effects of L-theanine on

neurotoxicity induced by PD-related neurotoxicants, rotenone and dieldrin in

cultured human dopaminergic cell line, SH-SY5Y. Our initial experiments

revealed that L-theanine (500 microM) attenuated both rotenone- and

dieldrin-induced DNA fragmentation and apoptotic death in SH-SY5Y cells. In

addition,

L-theanine partially prevented both rotenone- and dieldrin-induced heme

oxygenase-1 (HO-1) up-regulation. Both rotenone- and dieldrin-induced

down-regulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2)

phosphorylation

was significantly blocked by pretreatment with L-theanine. Furthermore,

pretreatment with L-theanine significantly attenuated the down-regulation of

brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived

neurotrophic factor (GDNF) production in SH-SY5Y cells. These results suggest

that

L-theanine directly provide neuroprotection against PD-related

neurotoxicants and may be clinically useful for preventing PD symptoms.

 

_Theanine, Learning, and Memory_

(http://www.wellnessresources.com/studies/entry/theanine_learning_and_memory/)

 

_Theanine and a Relaxed Brain State_

(http://www.wellnessresources.com/studies/entry/theanine_and_a_relaxed_brain_sta\

te/)