The Effects of Oral L-Theanine on Short-Term Memory in Middle-Aged Population

L-Theanine (gamma-glutamylethylamide) is a non-protein, water-soluble amino acid found primarily in green tea, particularly Camellia sinensis and edible mushrooms. It has been reported that L-Theanine contributes impact role on brain function with the preventive effect of stress and memory impairment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of L-Theanine on attention and reaction time in 13 participants aged 40 to 60 years. The participants received L-Theanine (200 mg). The participants were accessed through the paradigm called Go/NoGo Task and listened two different sounds with different frequency (1000 Hertz and 2000 Hertz) and click button “Enter” immediately when the participants heard the targeted sound. The study showed that after consumption L-Theanine for 30 minutes, the attention was statistically significantly increased. However. reaction time response and numbers of accuracy and omission showed no statistically significant difference. Although it was not significant, there is potential for future studies to continue to study the effects L-Theanine in larger doses, longer duration, and more sample sizes.