MachaWave™

Truly Relaxing, Truly Energized graphic

Matcha tea has been valued for over a thousand years in both China and Japan where it was used by both samurai warriors to stay focused and relaxed, and by Zen Buddhist monks before meditation. These uses were for the same reasons: it enhanced focused relaxation and mental acuity.

The constituents in matcha tea that caused these unique, combined qualities weren’t understood until 1949 when Japanese scientists discovered the non-protein amino acid L-Theanine as a constituent of green and matcha tea. This, combined with the presence of balanced levels of caffeine in the tea produced the dual effects of relaxation and energy not found in coffee that has no calming compounds to balance the caffeine.

Current published studies show that matcha tea increases short and long-term memory function, and reduces stress and anxiety. This is due to its unique balance of caffeine and L-Theanine [1].

The MachaWave™ formula is a unique blend of organic matcha tea and AlphaWave® L-Theanine.  AlphaWave® L-Theanine enhances the naturally occuring levels of L-Theanine found in matcha tea, and is supported by three clinical studies that show its ability to increase alpha brainwave activity leading to relaxation without drowsiness and increased mental acuity.

In MachaWave high-grade organic matcha tea is blended with clinically studied AlphaWave® L-Theanine. This combination enhances matcha’s ability to reduce stress while increasing energy and mental acuity. MachaWave is formulated for tea and beverage use, as well as for sports performance drinks and mixes. Each gram of MachaWaveTM contains 800mg of matcha tea and 200mg of AlphaWave® L-Theanine.

 Alpha brainwaves: the power of relaxed wakefulness 

Clinical studies with AlphaWave® L-Theanine have shown its ability to increase alpha brainwave activity (as measured by EEG)[2 & 3].  Alpha brainwaves are associated with a state of relaxed wakefulness, typically observed when a person is awake but in a relaxed state, such as during meditation. Research has also shown that alpha brainwaves play a role in a variety of cognitive processes, including attention, memory and creativity. Higher levels of frontal region and whole scalp alpha power have also been linked to reduced anxiety and stress.

As consumer demand grows for functional beverages that support both energy and mental well-being, formulators are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional caffeine systems. MachaWave™ fulfills this role

The formula is designed for tea and beverage applications, as well as sports performance drinks and mixes. It can easily be incorporated into both hot and cold formats, offering flexibility in product development while maintaining stability and ingredient integrity.

References:
[1] Sokary S, Al-Asmakh M, Zakaria Z, Bawadi H. The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies. Curr Res Food Sci. 2022 Nov 23;6:100396. doi: 10.1016/j.crfs.2022.11.015. PMID: 36582446; PMCID: PMC9792400.
[2] Moulin, M., Crowley, D.C., Xiong, L. et al. Safety and Efficacy of AlphaWave® L-Theanine Supplementation for 28 Days in Healthy Adults with Moderate Stress: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Neurol Ther 13, 1135–1153 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40120-024-00624-7
[3] Evans, M., McDonald, A.C., Xiong, L. et al. A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study to Investigate the Efficacy of a Single Dose of AlphaWave® L-Theanine on Stress in a Healthy Adult Population. Neurol Ther 10, 1061–1078 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40120-021-00284-x