Theanine and cancer: A systematic review of the literature

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#glutamates #humans #neoplasms #signal-transduction #tea

Theanine and cancer: A systematic review of the literature

Shojaei-Zarghani et al., 2021 | Phytother Res | Systematic Review

Citation

Shojaei-Zarghani Sara, Rafraf Maryam, Yari-Khosroushahi Ahmad. Theanine and cancer: A systematic review of the literature. Phytother Res. 2021-Sep;35(9):4782-4794. doi:10.1002/ptr.7110

Abstract

A growing literature indicates several health benefits of theanine, a major nonprotein derivative amino acid special to tea, and a nonedible mushroom. This study aimed to systematically review the scientific evidence regarding the anticarcinogen and anticancer effects of natural theanine. A systematic search for the relevant articles published until January 2021 on MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge was conducted. Out of 377 initial records, 14 in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies met our inclusion criteria. Most of the included in vitro and ex vivo studies reported beneficial effects of theanine on the proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, migration, and invasion in various cancer cell lines. The in vivo studies also supported the potential impacts of theanine on cancer incidence or progression. Theanine exerted its anticancer function by inhibiting EGFR, VEGFR, Met, and Akt/mTOR, JAK2/STAT3, and ERK/NFκB pathways, as well as activating the intrinsic apoptosis pathway and caspase-independent programmed cell death. In conclusion, the results indicated moderate apoptotic, antimetastatic, antimigration, and anti-invasion effects, along with the mild antiproliferative influence of theanine on cancer. Further studies are necessary to ascertain the effectiveness of theanine on the prevention and suppression of cancer and shed light upon the attributable mechanisms in the in vivo condition.

Key Findings

Further studies are necessary to ascertain the effectiveness of theanine on the prevention and suppression of cancer and shed light upon the attributable mechanisms in the in vivo condition.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Glutamates
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms
  • Signal Transduction
  • Tea

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: l-theanine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09