2025Journal article
Derick E. Vergne
Tea compounds may benefit mood and sleep by acting on shared neurotransmitter pathways. Low-caffeine green tea has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue in older and middle-aged adults. Matcha components may modulate fear circuitry through dopamine and serotonin regulation. L-theanine may reduce anxiety and enhance sleep without sedation, potentially through serotonin and GABAergic modulation. Along with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), it may also impact on BDNF activity. Tea extracts may influence the gut-brain axis by enhancing microbiota diversity, reducing inflammation, and supporting neurotransmitter regulation.
Abstract text comes from PubMed, OpenAlex or Europe PMC and belongs to the authors and publisher.
Study type
Other / not stated
Assigned automatically from the title, abstract and subject terms.
Topics
Matcha is a main subject here (named in the keywords).
Derick E. Vergne. (2025). The Neuroscience Behind Tea’s Effects on Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.64239/pi-qt7505
DOI: 10.64239/pi-qt7505
Japanese matcha is a type of powdered green tea, grown in a traditional way. Shading of the plants during the growth period enhances the processes of synthesis and accumulation of biologically active compounds, including theanine,…
ReviewCognition, mood and stressAntioxidants and polyphenolsL-theanine and caffeineCited 321×Theanine, a major amino acid in green tea, exhibits a stress-reducing effect in mice and humans. Matcha, which is essentially theanine-rich powdered green tea, is abundant in caffeine. Caffeine has a strong antagonistic effect against…
Randomized controlled trialCognition, mood and stressAntioxidants and polyphenolsL-theanine and caffeineCited 84×Background: Green tea is traditionally known to induce mental clarity, cognitive function, physical activation and relaxation. Recently, a special green tea, matcha tea, is rapidly gaining popularity throughout the world and is frequently…
ReviewCognition, mood and stressAntioxidants and polyphenolsL-theanine and caffeineCited 70×Matcha tea is gaining popularity throughout the world in recent years and is frequently referred to as a mood-and-brain food. Previous research has demonstrated that three constituents present in matcha tea, l-theanine, epigallocatechin…
Randomized controlled trialCognition, mood and stressAntioxidants and polyphenolsL-theanine and caffeineCited 66×