Investigation of Effects of L-Theanine on PTSD-induced Changes in Rat Neurobehavior

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a devastating neuropsychological disorder that may develop in response to traumatic experiences. Symptoms include anxiety, hypervigilance, memory deficits, and depression. We investigated L-Theanine on neurobehavioral effects in a PTSD rodent model. Evaluation of the effects of L-Theanine as a sole agent and in combination with midazolam on neurobehavior was analyzed using the Elevated Plus-Maze, Morris Water Maze, and Forced Swim Test. Statistical analysis consisted of comparison of PTSD symptoms in PTSD vs. non-stressed groups. Data regarding weight gain between the 40 control (non-stressed) and 40 PTSD (stressed) rats were significantly different (p < 0.001), where the control rats gained an average of 55.4 grams compared to 37.4 grams for the PTSD rats over the 10 post stress days. This research did not show statistical significance with single dose administration of L-Theanine or in combination with midazolam. However, the theoretic framework and Post-Traumatic Stress Disease Induction Model were validated based on this research. This study establishes a solid framework for future investigation of PTSD treatments. Future studies of L-Theanine and other herbal therapies may use an extended dosing period to obtain a steady state for the period of time needed to alter neurobiology.