Matcha and L-theanine: Combining ancient remedies with modern science for stress and mental acuity

Matcha tea’s benefits have been valued for over a thousand years in Asia.

In Japan, Samurai warriors used matcha to stay focused yet relaxed, and Zen Buddhist monks drank it before meditating. These uses were for the same reasons: it enhanced focused relaxation and mental acuity.

The constituents in matcha tea that cause these unique, combined qualities weren’t understood until 1949 when Japanese scientists discovered the non-protein amino acid L-theanine as a constituent of green and matcha tea. This, combined with the presence of balanced levels of caffeine in the tea, produces the dual effects of relaxation and energy not found in coffee which has no calming compounds to balance the caffeine.

So, the desirable benefits of matcha are well-founded in history and confirmed by modern science. It supports cognitive function, including aspects of short- and long-term memory, while also helping to reduce stress and anxiety.¹ The key to this activity is in the relationship between L-theanine’s ability to increase alpha brainwave activity.²

Alpha brainwaves: Their discovery and unique activity

The discovery of alpha brainwaves is a fascinating story that spans physiology, engineering and psychology. In the late 1800’s, scientists had already discovered that animal brains produced electrical activity, but the challenge remained as to how these signals could be measured non-invasively in humans.

The breakthrough came around 1924 when Hans Berger successfully recorded electrical activity from a human scalp using electrodes placed on the head, amplification to boost the signals, and a device that traced the signals onto moving paper.

He called the recording an ‘electroencephalogram’ (EEG). In 1929, Berger published his findings describing a prominent rhythm of around 8 to 13 cycles per second. This became known as the alpha rhythm or Berger rhythm.³

Initially Berger found association between levels of alpha brainwaves and deep relaxation. However ongoing research up to the present day has expanded knowledge of alpha waves to show that they play a vital role in networking between neurons, and increasing cognitive performance, including the speed at which accurate information is retrieved from memory.⁴

Building the balance between energy and relaxation

Today, over a hundred years after Bergen’s initial discovery, EEG is still the primary tool for measuring brainwave activity. EEG is one of the key measurements used in three clinical studies to establish the ability of Ethical Natural’s (ENI) AlphaWave L-Theanine to increase this key brainwave activity.

Other investigations in these studies to demonstrate relaxation and increased mental acuity utilized salivary cortisol levels and a number of standard, science-based subjective tests. These studies support the structure/function claims that can be made for both AlphaWave and the new MatchaWave blend. These include: helps relax without drowsiness, promotes mental clarity and focus, and reduces nervous tension.^5-6

The newest trend in functional beverages

Today, matcha beverages are mainstreaming, with many new options from grocery store shelves to coffee houses. MachaWave offers the next level to this trend. As consumer demand grows for functional beverages that support both energy and mental wellbeing, formulators are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional caffeine systems. MachaWave fulfills this role. Each 500mg serving of MachaWave contains 400mg of organic matcha tea and 100mg of AlphaWave L-Theanine.

The formula is designed for tea and beverage applications, but also well suited for sports performance drinks and mixes. It can easily be incorporated into both hot and cold formats, offering flexibility in product development while maintaining stability and ingredient integrity.

“MachaWave reflects growing consumer interest in products that deliver both cognitive support and balanced energy without overstimulation,” says Cal Bewicke CEO of ENI.

“The combination of organic matcha and clinically studied AlphaWave L-Theanine provides formulators with a versatile ingredient system backed by both traditional use and modern clinical research.”

Find out more here about how this organic matcha and L-theanine formulation can help to balance energy and relaxation.

References

1. Sokary, S.; et al. The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies. Curr Res Food Sci. 2022;6:100396.
2. Williams, JL.; et al. The Effects of Green Tea Amino Acid L-Theanine Consumption on the Ability to Manage Stress and Anxiety Levels: A Systematic Review. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2020;75:12–23.
3. Herrmann, C.; et al. EEG oscillations: From correlation to causality. International Journal of Psychophysiology. 2016; 103;12-21.
4. Padmavathi Kora, K.; et al. EEG based interpretation of human brain activity during yoga and meditation using machine learning: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2021; 43:101329.
5. Evans, M.; et al. A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study to Investigate the Efficacy of a Single Dose of AlphaWave^® L-Theanine on Stress in a Healthy Adult Population. Neurol Ther. 2021; 10, 1061–1078.
6. Moulin, M.; et al. Safety and Efficacy of AlphaWave^® L-Theanine Supplementation for 28 Days in Healthy Adults with Moderate Stress: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Neurol Ther. 2024; 13, 1135–1153.