--- title: Can l-theanine delivered through a gel patch help PMS symptoms? description: This is a laboratory study preparing a gel that can deliver l-theanine through the skin. The gel successfully delivered l-theanine in mice, so it might work f url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/preparation-of-transdermal-gel-containing-l-theanine-for-the-potential-treatment-2024/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Can l-theanine delivered through a gel patch help PMS symptoms? Lab study, 2024 # Can l-theanine delivered through a gel patch help PMS symptoms? This is a laboratory study preparing a gel that can deliver l-theanine through the skin. The gel successfully delivered l-theanine in mice, so it might work for PMS symptoms, but it has not yet been tested in humans with PMS. Early or limited evidence Laboratory study using artificial skin membranes and mice ## What they did Researchers developed a gel containing l-theanine and tested whether it could penetrate artificial human-like skin in the lab and real mouse skin. They tested different gel formulations to find the best one for delivering l-theanine through the skin. ## What they found l-Theanine in liquid form did not penetrate the artificial skin at all. However, when mixed into a gel called lyogel, it could penetrate the skin. The best composition was 4.4:11.1:296 (mmol) of stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, and propylene glycol. When this gel was applied to mouse skin for 10 days, l-theanine was detected in the blood, proving it penetrated through the skin. ## What it means for you A gel containing l-theanine can successfully deliver the substance through skin, which is promising because l-theanine taken by mouth doesn't stay in the body long enough. However, this is early laboratory work using mice and artificial skin, not yet tested in women. We don't yet know if this gel will actually help PMS symptoms. 4.4:11.1:296 optimal mmol ratio of gel components 10 days gel was applied to mouse skin ## About the study Original title Preparation of Transdermal Gel Containing l-Theanine for the Potential Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome: A Preclinical Study Authors Ando K, Sugiyama I, Sadzuka Y Journal Women's health reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.) Year 2024 Study design Lab study What was tested Transdermal gel containing l-theanine with different formulations tested Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1089/whr.2023.0108](https://doi.org/10.1089/whr.2023.0108) Original abstract Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is experienced by many women who suffer from either its psychological or physical symptoms. Current treatment is limited to symptomatic therapy or oral contraceptives. On the other hand, l-theanine, which has a relaxant effect, has been reported to be useful for PMS, but its short half-life when administered orally makes it less effective. Permeability and properties of transdermal gel containing l-theanine were evaluated as a preclinical study of PMS symptoms relief formulation. Materials and methods: Lyogel composed of stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, and propylene glycol was selected. The ratio of these components and the preparation method were investigated. Permeation of Strat-M membranes was evaluated by using Franz cells ( in vitro ). Moreover, lyogel was applied to institute of cancer research mice's backs for 10 days to examine the permeability of l-theanine. Results: l-Theanine solution did not permeate the Strat-M membrane at all in the permeation study, but lyogel allowed l-theanine to permeate. When the composition of lyogel was 4.4:11.1:296 (mmol) for stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, and propylene glycol, l-theanine absorption through Strat-M membrane was better. In skin permeation study using mice, l-theanine was detected in the serum, that is, it was proven that l-theanine penetrated the skin. Conclusion: The preparation of transdermal gels contained l-theanine was investigated as a preclinical study. The skin permeability of semisolid formulations of hydrophobic ointments, hydrophilic ointments, oily creams, creams, and lyogel containing theanine was compared and found that lyogel was the best. The composition of lyogel was also studied to obtain a formulation with good application comfort. Although it is suggested that this lyogel could be tested in clinical studies to determine whether it is effective for relief of PMS symptoms, lyogel may be suitable as an easy-to-use l-theanine-containing formulation for women that can relieve PMS symptoms. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Alcohol, smoking and substance use](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-substance-use/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Survey study, 2011 Is premenstrual syndrome related to major depression? Survey study, 2024 What factors are linked to PMS in school-age girls? Cohort study, 2010 Which lifestyle factors and contraceptive methods are linked to premenstrual symptoms? Case-control study, 2008 Does smoking increase the risk of PMS? Case-control study, 2007 What environmental and hormonal factors affect asthma severity in women? Cohort study, 2007 Does stress affect menstrual regularity? 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