Effects of theanine on cognition

Background: Theanine is an amino acid present in green tea capable of acting on certain neurological parameters. In this perspective, the literature points to possible effects of this amino acid on cognitive function. Objectives: To investigate the effects of theanine on cognition. Methods: A literature review was conducted on PubMed using the descriptors “Theanine” and “Cognition”, as well as their variations obtained in MeSH. In addition, we selected studies carried out on humans in the last five years. In this process, 25 articles were found, of which three were chosen to compose the scope of this abstract. Results: Evidences suggested that the administration of theanine sharply reduced the reaction time to visual stimuli - one of the main components tested in the attentional assessment. In addition, another study pointed out that, since the chemical structure of theanine is similar to glutamate, it is able to act decisively as a neurotransmitter linked to memory, potentiating it in healthy adults and in elderly people with cognitive decline. Finally, the third article correlated the use of theanine with greater accuracy in tasks of rapid information processing and the reduction of mental fatigue - factors that can reinforce the ability to concentrate. Conclusions: Studies have shown that theanine acts positively on the parameters of attention, memory and concentration, contributing significantly to the improvement of cognitive function.