The effects of kanna extract (Sceletium tortuosum) and theanine on mood, anxiety, and stress have been the subject of research (Manganyi et al., 2021; Camfield et al., 2014; Lardner, 2013; Robinson et al., 2013; Baba et al., 2021; Evans et al., 2021). Kanna has shown potential in promoting healthy well-being and reducing stress (Manganyi et al., 2021). However, further research is needed to evaluate its bioactivities and identify the specific bioactive compounds responsible for its effects (Manganyi et al., 2021).
Theanine, an amino acid found in tea, has been investigated for its effects on mood and anxiety. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that theanine may ameliorate the effects of acute stress but may not significantly reduce baseline levels of anxiety (Camfield et al., 2014). While there is still a lack of studies directly examining theanine's effects on anxiety disorders in humans, some studies have indirectly inferred its potential benefits based on changes in alpha brain waves (Lardner, 2013).
Anxiety itself can have an impact on cognition, as prolonged stress or dispositional anxiety can lead to long-term changes in cognitive function (Robinson et al., 2013). However, theanine has shown promise in improving cognitive function in middle-aged and older individuals, particularly when combined with caffeine (Baba et al., 2021). Additionally, supplementation with theanine has been found to improve trait anxiety scores, suggesting its potential for longer-term stress management (Evans et al., 2021).
In summary, kanna extract and theanine have both been studied for their effects on mood, anxiety, and stress. Kanna shows potential in promoting well-being and reducing stress, although further research is needed to understand its mechanisms of action. Theanine may have acute stress-reducing effects and potential benefits for cognitive function and longer-term stress management. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of theanine on anxiety disorders. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of natural compounds like kanna and theanine in supporting mental well-being and managing stress.
References:
Baba, Y., Inagaki, S., Nakagawa, S., Kobayashi, T., Kobayashi, M., & Takihara, T. (2021). Effects of l-theanine on cognitive function in middle-aged and older subjects: a randomized placebo-controlled study. Journal of Medicinal Food, 24(4), 333-341. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2020.4803
Camfield, D., Stough, C., Farrimond, J., & Scholey, A. (2014). Acute effects of tea constituents l-theanine, caffeine, and epigallocatechin gallate on cognitive function and mood: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition Reviews, 72(8), 507-522. https://doi.org/10.1111/nure.12120
Evans, M., McDonald, A., Xiong, L., Crowley, D., & Guthrie, N. (2021). 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. Neurology and Therapy, 10(2), 1061-1078. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40120-021-00284-x
Lardner, A. (2013). Neurobiological effects of the green tea constituent theanine and its potential role in the treatment of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Nutritional Neuroscience, 17(4), 145-155. https://doi.org/10.1179/1476830513y.0000000079
Manganyi, M., Bezuidenhout, C., Regnier, T., & Ateba, C. (2021). A chewable cure “kanna”: biological and pharmaceutical properties of sceletium tortuosum. Molecules, 26(9), 2557. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092557
Robinson, O., Vytal, K., Cornwell, B., & Grillon, C. (2013). The impact of anxiety upon cognition: perspectives from human threat of shock studies. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2013.00203
