AlphaWave™: A New Source of GRAS affirmed L-Theanine from Ethical Naturals
San Anselmo, CA, May 26, 2010 – Could L-Theanine be the perfect antidote to our over-stimulated, over-caffeinated world? Many it seems would agree including Ethical Naturals Inc. (ENI) which has developed AlphaWave™, purified L-Theanine for use in supplements and beverages to promote relaxation.
Today, purified L-Theanine is widely used in supplements by major innovative brands such as Dr's Best, NOW Foods and Jarrow Formulas. The use of L-Theanine as a key ingredient in a new wave of calming beverages and calming “shots” is expanding almost daily. Several high profile companies in this area are: RelaxZen, Mellow Day, Tranquila and V.I.B. (Vacation in a Bottle)
For the beverage area of the industry, GRAS affirmation becomes ever more critical, and for both supplement and beverage use, the new AlphaWave™ material provides a highly purified alternative to the widely used Suntheanine brand.
Purified L-Theanine: Can you drink enough tea?
Because L-Theanine is found in tea leaves at a concentration of less than 2%, and effective dosage levels are 100mg – 200mg/day, one can't consume truly effective levels just by drinking tea. For this reason, it's also not practical to refine a purified form from this source.
ENI’s AlphaWaveTM purified L-Theanine is manufactured in a proprietary process by which it is derived from another naturally occurring amino acid, and is standardized to 98% L-Theanine. This purified material is chemically identical to that found in green tea (Camelia sinensis), and is ideal for use in supplements and beverages.
Taiyo Inc., the manufacturer of Suntheanine (the other prominent brand of purified, GRAS affirmed L-Theanine) describes their manufacturing process as synthetic enzymatic fermentation. Both companies emphasize the importance of purified source of material which is chemically identical to the constituent in green tea.
AlphaWave™ is also offered in a Calming Blend, containing purified L-Theanine with extracts of: Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Passion Flower, Hops and Valerian.
Cal Bewicke, President of ENI states, “We are very pleased to be able to offer our AlphaWave™ source of purified L-Theanine which meets the same level of quality as our other ingredients. We feel that an alternative source, which is GRAS affirmed and passed through our ProfileProven™ quality assurance program, will make a genuine contribution to the industry, and enable more people to experience the benefits of using purified L-Theanine. We encourage people to Ride the Wave,” Bewicke ends.
Background of L-Theanine
L-Theanine (gamma-glutamylethylamide, or 5-N-ethyl-glutamine) is an amino acid derivative that was first isolated and identified in green tea leaves in 1949 and in mushrooms (Xerocomus badius) in the early 1950s. Since then, clinical trials have confirmed the ability of L-Theanine to promote a desirable state of alert relaxation – a focused calm without drowsiness.
L-Theanine creates this sense of relaxation via at least two different mechanisms. First, it directly stimulates the production of alpha brain waves, creating a state of deep relaxation and mental alertness similar to that achieved through meditation. Secondly, L-Theanine is involved in the formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). GABA influences the levels of two other neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin, also producing key relaxing effects. Furthermore, L-Theanine has been shown to reduce mental and physical stress, and improves cognition and mood in a synergistic manner with caffeine.
About Ethical Naturals Inc.
ENI is dedicated to bringing a new level of knowledge and integrity to the supply of key natural raw materials for the health supplement industry. For more information, please visit: http://www.ethicalnaturals.com <http://www.ethicalnaturals.com/>
To schedule an interview with Cal Bewicke please contact Paula Page at (650) 279-3881 or at paula@paulapagepr.com