Posted by Ron Hill on December 15, 2003, at 13:55:25
In reply to Re: theanine and serotonin, dopamine » Ron Hill, posted by Larry Hoover on December 15, 2003, at 6:14:10
Larry,
Thanks much for posting these studies and thank you for your input.
> Ron, it isn't clear from this post if you're considering adding in some tryptophan, …
I might, but I’m reluctant to change anything right now because I currently have a combination that is working quite well. As I indicated earlier in this thread, I reintroduced 205 mg of Rhodiola rosea (taken every other day). It provides some motivation, some energy, and some zest for life (it feels dopaminergic in my brain). When I tried Rhodiola rosea several months ago it caused irritability within an hour of taking it. This time around, however, there is no irritability (so far) and I believe that the difference is due to the calming effects of the 400 mg/day of l-theanine that I am also taking.
> but theanine inhibits serotonin synthesis, so it may counterproductive for you.
I’m not convinced that l-theanine inhibits serotonin synthesis in all cases. The research seems to be split on this issue, and anecdotally speaking, the calming effects of l-theanine feels, at least in part, serotonergic in nature. I personally do not believe that all of the calming effects are due solely to increased GABA release.
Here is my “layman’s theory” of how l-theamine might be elevating my serotonin levels (beware however, my “layman theories” may be wrong and they are subject to change without notice): Cortisol is known to activate the liver enzyme tryptophan pyrrolase which breaks down tryptophan. Therefore, my current “theory” is that l-theanine indirectly elevates serotonin, at least in part, by reducing cortisol, leading to increased tryptophan levels and, subsequently, resulting in higher levels of serotonin.
> In contrast, theanine directly stimulates dopamine release.
Yes, I feel the dopaminergic effects in my brain, although it is only a moderate effect.
-- Ron
poster:Ron Hill
thread:288550
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20031204/msgs/290081.html