GABA and L-theanine provide effective preoperative anxiolysis with minimal sedation and improved cognitive skills compared to alprazolam in surgical patients
In a randomized controlled trial of 168 preoperative surgical patients, both L-theanine and GABA produced effective anxiolysis with minimal sedation, while alprazolam caused significantly more sedation. Psychomotor and cognitive functions improved with L-theanine and GABA (P=0.0001) but decreased with alprazolam (P=0.0001).
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GABA and L-theanine provide effective preoperative anxiolysis with minimal sedation and improved cognitive skills compared to alprazolam in surgical patients The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).
The Claim
GABA and L-theanine provide effective preoperative anxiolysis with minimal sedation and improved cognitive skills compared to alprazolam in surgical patients
This conclusion is most relevant to: 168 patients aged 18-55 years, ASA physical status I and II, scheduled for major elective surgeries.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Comparison of the effects of two amino acids, Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and L-theanine, on sedation, anxiety, and cognition in preoperative surgical patients - A randomized controlled study. (Journal of anaesthesiology, clinical pharmacology, 2025) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸L-theanine prevents stress and produces anxiolysis by modulating alpha brain wave activity
- ▸GABA acts as the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain, regulating anxiety and stress
- ▸Both amino acids reduce anxiety without excessive sedation
- ▸Result: Effective preoperative anxiolysis with minimal sedation and improved cognitive performance
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸168 patients aged 18-55 years, ASA physical status I and II, scheduled for major elective surgeries
Recommended Dose
Not specified (exact doses of L-theanine and GABA not reported in abstract)
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Exact doses of L-theanine and GABA not reported in the abstract
- ▸Only short-term effects (60 minutes) were measured, not long-term outcomes
- ▸Study population limited to ASA I and II patients, may not generalize to higher-risk patients
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of L-theanine and GABA over alprazolam for preoperative anxiety?▼
L-theanine and GABA provide effective anxiety reduction with minimal sedation and improved cognitive function, whereas alprazolam causes more sedation and impairs psychomotor and cognitive performance.
How do L-theanine and GABA affect cognitive function in surgical patients?▼
Both L-theanine and GABA improved psychomotor and cognitive performance scores significantly (P=0.0001), while alprazolam decreased these scores.
Are L-theanine and GABA safe alternatives to benzodiazepines for premedication?▼
The study suggests they are safer alternatives due to minimal sedation and cognitive improvement, but exact doses and adverse reactions were not fully detailed in the abstract.
What was the sample size and design of this study?▼
This was a randomized controlled trial with 168 patients divided into three groups receiving either L-theanine, GABA, or alprazolam 0.25 mg.
References
- 1.Deshpande SS, Kurdi M, Baiju A, Athira AS, Sarasamma AG, Gangadharan AK. “Comparison of the effects of two amino acids, Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and L-theanine, on sedation, anxiety, and cognition in preoperative surgical patients - A randomized controlled study..” Journal of anaesthesiology, clinical pharmacology, 2025. PMID: 40026748 DOI: 10.4103/joacp.joacp_417_23