5/30/2025
Last update
5/30/2025
Reviewed By
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 23 Researches
7.8
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 94 Reviews
7.8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
L-Theanine
100 mg
**
Decaffeinated Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) (Leaf)
250 mg
**
Top Medical Research Studies
9
This study evaluated the impact of four weeks of L-theanine on stress and cognitive function in 30 healthy adults. Participants received either 200 mg of L-theanine or a placebo in a double-blind setup. We observed significant reductions in anxiety and stress symptoms, as indicated by improved scores on various measures, including sleep quality. Additionally, cognitive functions, such as verbal fluency, showed notable enhancement after L-theanine use. These findings suggest that L-theanine may be beneficial for managing stress-related issues and boosting mental performance.
Read More
9
We set out to explore how green tea affects anxiety, particularly in the context of exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical known for its neurotoxic effects. To conduct this investigation, mice were exposed to different concentrations of BPA and given complimentary green tea starting at a specific developmental stage.
After the treatment period, we observed the mice’s behavior through various tests designed to measure anxiety levels and memory capabilities. Strikingly, the results revealed that the green tea diet significantly reduced anxiety-like behaviors that had been triggered by BPA.
On a deeper level, we uncovered that green tea helped to reverse harmful changes in the brain, including the activation of microglia, which are immune cells in the brain often linked to neuroinflammation. The green tea diet also appeared to suppress several markers of neuroinflammation associated with BPA exposure.
Ultimately, our findings suggest that incorporating green tea into one’s diet may be a simple yet effective approach to mitigating anxiety disorders linked to environmental toxins like BPA. This study highlights the potential of natural remedies in combating modern-day chemical exposures.
After the treatment period, we observed the mice’s behavior through various tests designed to measure anxiety levels and memory capabilities. Strikingly, the results revealed that the green tea diet significantly reduced anxiety-like behaviors that had been triggered by BPA.
On a deeper level, we uncovered that green tea helped to reverse harmful changes in the brain, including the activation of microglia, which are immune cells in the brain often linked to neuroinflammation. The green tea diet also appeared to suppress several markers of neuroinflammation associated with BPA exposure.
Ultimately, our findings suggest that incorporating green tea into one’s diet may be a simple yet effective approach to mitigating anxiety disorders linked to environmental toxins like BPA. This study highlights the potential of natural remedies in combating modern-day chemical exposures.
Read More
9
In our study, we aimed to understand how green tea, specifically its antioxidant-rich nanoparticles, might influence anxiety related to withdrawal from tobacco smoking. We conducted our experiment on rats that were exposed to tobacco smoke daily for several weeks. This exposure was known to induce anxiety-like behavior as part of the withdrawal process.
After 20 days of exposure, we administered green tea nanoparticles to half of the rats to see if this treatment could alleviate their anxiety levels. Our findings were promising; the rats that received the green tea nanoparticles showed reduced signs of anxiety compared to those that didn’t receive any treatment. We measured various factors in the rats’ brains, including markers of neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity, and found that the nanoparticles helped to regulate these responses.
Overall, this study suggests that green tea nanoparticles could play a protective role in managing tobacco withdrawal symptoms, particularly anxiety. We may have found a natural option to help ease the turmoil of quitting smoking.
After 20 days of exposure, we administered green tea nanoparticles to half of the rats to see if this treatment could alleviate their anxiety levels. Our findings were promising; the rats that received the green tea nanoparticles showed reduced signs of anxiety compared to those that didn’t receive any treatment. We measured various factors in the rats’ brains, including markers of neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity, and found that the nanoparticles helped to regulate these responses.
Overall, this study suggests that green tea nanoparticles could play a protective role in managing tobacco withdrawal symptoms, particularly anxiety. We may have found a natural option to help ease the turmoil of quitting smoking.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Life saver
99 people found this helpful
This has been transformative for my generalized anxiety and panic attacks. I was hesitant to take prescription meds, but I started with two 100 mg of L-theanine in the morning and one in the evening. It has remarkably improved my calmness, focus, and clarity. It’s worth trying if you struggle with anxiety.
Read More
9
Significant improvement
79 people found this helpful
Definitely helps my ongoing anxiety! I conducted an experiment by taking this for a few weeks, then stopping for a week. The difference was remarkable! I ordinarily take anti-anxiety medication intermittently (as needed), and I haven’t required it since starting L-Theanine. I prefer this product as it has no side effects.
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9
Tremendous relief
70 people found this helpful
I'm so glad I found this product! I've been using NOW Foods L-Theanine for a few weeks now and I'm really impressed with the results. As a very anxious person, this product has helped me tremendously. I feel less stressed and my mind is clearer. I would highly recommend this product to anyone struggling with anxiety or stress.
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Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 23 Researches
7.8
- All Researches
9
We investigated the effects of l-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, on the negative side effects of adolescent THC exposure. Our research used a preclinical model with male rats to see if l-theanine could prevent long-term behavioral and cognitive issues linked to THC exposure.
Findings showed that l-theanine effectively blocked these adverse effects, protecting brain function and regulating important neurotransmitter pathways. As cannabis use grows among adolescents, our study highlights l-theanine's potential as a protective treatment to minimize THC-induced risks.
Findings showed that l-theanine effectively blocked these adverse effects, protecting brain function and regulating important neurotransmitter pathways. As cannabis use grows among adolescents, our study highlights l-theanine's potential as a protective treatment to minimize THC-induced risks.
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9
We examined the role of targeted amino acid therapy, including l-theanine, in addressing mood disorders like anxiety and depression. Our case study focused on a 26-year-old woman with complex mental health challenges who, after struggling with conventional treatments, engaged in a personalized nutrition intervention. Over 12 weeks, she followed a tailored program that emphasized amino acids and specific nutrients.
The results were promising, showing significant improvement in her anxiety, depression, and other related symptoms. This suggests that integrating nutritional therapies may offer new hope for those affected by mood disorders.
The results were promising, showing significant improvement in her anxiety, depression, and other related symptoms. This suggests that integrating nutritional therapies may offer new hope for those affected by mood disorders.
Read More
9
This study evaluated the impact of four weeks of L-theanine on stress and cognitive function in 30 healthy adults. Participants received either 200 mg of L-theanine or a placebo in a double-blind setup. We observed significant reductions in anxiety and stress symptoms, as indicated by improved scores on various measures, including sleep quality. Additionally, cognitive functions, such as verbal fluency, showed notable enhancement after L-theanine use. These findings suggest that L-theanine may be beneficial for managing stress-related issues and boosting mental performance.
Read More
9
We set out to explore how green tea affects anxiety, particularly in the context of exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical known for its neurotoxic effects. To conduct this investigation, mice were exposed to different concentrations of BPA and given complimentary green tea starting at a specific developmental stage.
After the treatment period, we observed the mice’s behavior through various tests designed to measure anxiety levels and memory capabilities. Strikingly, the results revealed that the green tea diet significantly reduced anxiety-like behaviors that had been triggered by BPA.
On a deeper level, we uncovered that green tea helped to reverse harmful changes in the brain, including the activation of microglia, which are immune cells in the brain often linked to neuroinflammation. The green tea diet also appeared to suppress several markers of neuroinflammation associated with BPA exposure.
Ultimately, our findings suggest that incorporating green tea into one’s diet may be a simple yet effective approach to mitigating anxiety disorders linked to environmental toxins like BPA. This study highlights the potential of natural remedies in combating modern-day chemical exposures.
After the treatment period, we observed the mice’s behavior through various tests designed to measure anxiety levels and memory capabilities. Strikingly, the results revealed that the green tea diet significantly reduced anxiety-like behaviors that had been triggered by BPA.
On a deeper level, we uncovered that green tea helped to reverse harmful changes in the brain, including the activation of microglia, which are immune cells in the brain often linked to neuroinflammation. The green tea diet also appeared to suppress several markers of neuroinflammation associated with BPA exposure.
Ultimately, our findings suggest that incorporating green tea into one’s diet may be a simple yet effective approach to mitigating anxiety disorders linked to environmental toxins like BPA. This study highlights the potential of natural remedies in combating modern-day chemical exposures.
Read More
9
In our study, we aimed to understand how green tea, specifically its antioxidant-rich nanoparticles, might influence anxiety related to withdrawal from tobacco smoking. We conducted our experiment on rats that were exposed to tobacco smoke daily for several weeks. This exposure was known to induce anxiety-like behavior as part of the withdrawal process.
After 20 days of exposure, we administered green tea nanoparticles to half of the rats to see if this treatment could alleviate their anxiety levels. Our findings were promising; the rats that received the green tea nanoparticles showed reduced signs of anxiety compared to those that didn’t receive any treatment. We measured various factors in the rats’ brains, including markers of neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity, and found that the nanoparticles helped to regulate these responses.
Overall, this study suggests that green tea nanoparticles could play a protective role in managing tobacco withdrawal symptoms, particularly anxiety. We may have found a natural option to help ease the turmoil of quitting smoking.
After 20 days of exposure, we administered green tea nanoparticles to half of the rats to see if this treatment could alleviate their anxiety levels. Our findings were promising; the rats that received the green tea nanoparticles showed reduced signs of anxiety compared to those that didn’t receive any treatment. We measured various factors in the rats’ brains, including markers of neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity, and found that the nanoparticles helped to regulate these responses.
Overall, this study suggests that green tea nanoparticles could play a protective role in managing tobacco withdrawal symptoms, particularly anxiety. We may have found a natural option to help ease the turmoil of quitting smoking.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 94 Reviews
7.8
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Life saver
99 people found this helpful
This has been transformative for my generalized anxiety and panic attacks. I was hesitant to take prescription meds, but I started with two 100 mg of L-theanine in the morning and one in the evening. It has remarkably improved my calmness, focus, and clarity. It’s worth trying if you struggle with anxiety.
Read More
9
Significant improvement
79 people found this helpful
Definitely helps my ongoing anxiety! I conducted an experiment by taking this for a few weeks, then stopping for a week. The difference was remarkable! I ordinarily take anti-anxiety medication intermittently (as needed), and I haven’t required it since starting L-Theanine. I prefer this product as it has no side effects.
Read More
9
Tremendous relief
70 people found this helpful
I'm so glad I found this product! I've been using NOW Foods L-Theanine for a few weeks now and I'm really impressed with the results. As a very anxious person, this product has helped me tremendously. I feel less stressed and my mind is clearer. I would highly recommend this product to anyone struggling with anxiety or stress.
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0
Negative side effects
63 people found this helpful
Be careful - some negative side effects. I liked this product initially for its relaxing effect, but I experienced increased thoughts of violence and suicide. After stopping the product, I returned to normal. While it may help anxieties like anti-anxieties, I recommend stopping if you encounter these distressing symptoms.
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9
Calming effect
54 people found this helpful
Perfect natural alternative to Rx meds. My doctor recommended L-theanine (100mg, twice daily) to help alleviate my anxiety after I expressed dissatisfaction with prescription medications. I've been taking it for a couple of weeks, and I no longer have a racing heart; instead, I feel calm and have not experienced any panic attacks. The capsules are easy to swallow, and I’ve had no negative side effects. I've already shared this product with family and friends.
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Frequently Asked Questions
7.5
Effective calmness
4 people found this helpful
I recommend this product! I've purchased L-theanine from this manufacturer once again. I believe this brand is the best in this category, as I felt its effects around the fourth or fifth day of taking it (I felt calm with no anxiety, yet without sleepiness). I initially took it alongside medications to manage elevated Prolactin levels, and it helped. Now I use it occasionally!
9
Enhanced focus.
2 people found this helpful
I adore L-Theanine. Taking one with breakfast helps me stay focused throughout the day and alleviates my anxiety. On particularly nervous days, I sometimes take a second dose at lunch, which helps within 30 minutes. I will continue purchasing it.
7.5
Eases stress
3 people found this helpful
Advantages: It is an effective supplement that alleviates constant anxiety. I cope with stress better and experience no side effects. It works well with 5-HTP, making life a bit easier and more cheerful. Initially, the changes weren't dramatic, but after more than a month, I noticed a sense of lightness, and anxiety dissipates without reason.
9
Improved productivity
1 people found this helpful
My anxiety has disappeared since using L-theanine! It promotes relaxation while maintaining focus and enhancing cognitive function. I became more focused, more attentive, and increased my productivity. I am less prone to distractions and get things done! I also appreciate that it contains green tea, which helps control weight. The large 45-day package is excellent, and the capsule size is normal.
10
Effective anxiety relief
12 people found this helpful
This product works excellently to relieve my anxiety.
9
Highly recommend
1 people found this helpful
This provides excellent relief for anxiety. Highly recommend it!
0
Negative side effects
63 people found this helpful
Be careful - some negative side effects. I liked this product initially for its relaxing effect, but I experienced increased thoughts of violence and suicide. After stopping the product, I returned to normal. While it may help anxieties like anti-anxieties, I recommend stopping if you encounter these distressing symptoms.
9
Life-changing experience
4 people found this helpful
This has been a lifesaver for me; I struggle with generalised anxiety and panic attacks which at times, made me reluctant to leave the house. I avoided prescription medication and tried several alternatives before my doctor suggested this along with GABA. I take two 100mg L-theanine in the morning and one in the evening, paired with GABA, which helps with my anxiety. It's worth trying this if you face anxiety, and do your research—I've recommended it to everyone for the clarity and calm it provides, even for those without anxiety!
9
Reduces stress.
1 people found this helpful
L-Theanine is great for stress and anxiety. It calms my mind without causing drowsiness. When paired with caffeine, it sharpens my focus. This supplement is wonderful for the price, and I will repurchase.
9
Lessen anxiety.
1 people found this helpful
Excellent! It effectively reduces the anxiety caused by caffeine while enhancing focus.
8
L-theanine reduces anxiety effectively
We explored the impact of L-theanine and GABA on anxiety levels in preoperative surgical patients. In a randomized controlled study involving 168 participants, we compared the effects of these amino acids with that of a common sedative, alprazolam.
Our findings showed that both L-theanine and GABA effectively reduced preoperative anxiety while causing minimal sedation and even enhancing cognitive performance. This suggests that L-theanine might be a safe alternative to traditional anxiolytics for managing anxiety before surgery.
Our findings showed that both L-theanine and GABA effectively reduced preoperative anxiety while causing minimal sedation and even enhancing cognitive performance. This suggests that L-theanine might be a safe alternative to traditional anxiolytics for managing anxiety before surgery.
8
We explored the effects of L-theanine on cognitive anxiety among 18 female archery athletes during a national competition. The research measured anxiety levels using a simple scale, alongside saliva samples to assess markers like salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol.
Results showed that L-theanine significantly reduced cognitive anxiety just before the competition, as well as lowering other stress indicators in comparison to a placebo. Thus, we conclude that L-theanine can be a beneficial aid for athletes looking to manage competition-related anxiety effectively.
Results showed that L-theanine significantly reduced cognitive anxiety just before the competition, as well as lowering other stress indicators in comparison to a placebo. Thus, we conclude that L-theanine can be a beneficial aid for athletes looking to manage competition-related anxiety effectively.
7
L-Theanine's potential for anxiety relief
We evaluated how the amino acid L-theanine, commonly found in green tea, affects stress and anxiety through a systematic review of nine clinical trials. These studies compared L-theanine supplements to control groups and suggested that taking 200-400 mg daily may help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
However, the evidence is not yet definitive, as we need more extensive, long-term studies to firmly establish L-theanine’s effectiveness as a treatment for anxiety-related issues.
However, the evidence is not yet definitive, as we need more extensive, long-term studies to firmly establish L-theanine’s effectiveness as a treatment for anxiety-related issues.
7
L-Theanine shows promise for stress
In a recent study, we examined how AlphaWave L-Theanine affects moderate stress over 28 days in healthy adults. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either L-Theanine or a placebo. We found that L-Theanine significantly reduced perceived stress and improved sleep quality while also enhancing cognitive attention.
While this study shows promising results, larger and longer trials are needed to confirm these findings and account for individual differences. Overall, L-Theanine appears to be a safe option for those looking to manage stress.
While this study shows promising results, larger and longer trials are needed to confirm these findings and account for individual differences. Overall, L-Theanine appears to be a safe option for those looking to manage stress.
8
AlphaWave L-Theanine shows calming effects
We conducted a thorough study to see if AlphaWave L-Theanine could reduce stress in healthy adults. This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial used a mental arithmetic test to create stress before and after participants received either a 200 mg dose of L-Theanine or a placebo.
Remarkably, our results showed that one dose of L-Theanine significantly boosted brain activity linked to relaxation during stress, indicating it could be an effective calming agent. Importantly, it was also safe for all participants involved.
Remarkably, our results showed that one dose of L-Theanine significantly boosted brain activity linked to relaxation during stress, indicating it could be an effective calming agent. Importantly, it was also safe for all participants involved.
References
- Deshpande SS, Kurdi M, Baiju A, Athira AS, Sarasamma AG, et al. 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. J Anaesthesiol Clin Pharmacol. 2025;41:112. 10.4103/joacp.joacp_417_23
- Lim IS. Effects of supplement L-theanine on cognitive anxiety, salivary alpha-amylase, and cortisol in archery competition. Phys Act Nutr. 2024;28:70. 10.20463/pan.2024.0034
- Moshfeghinia R, Sanaei E, Mostafavi S, Assadian K, Sanaei A, et al. The effects of L-theanine supplementation on the outcomes of patients with mental disorders: a systematic review. BMC Psychiatry. 2024;24:886. 10.1186/s12888-024-06285-y
- Moulin M, Crowley DC, Xiong L, Guthrie N, Lewis ED. 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. 2024;13:1135. 10.1007/s40120-024-00624-7
- Pilipenko VI, Isakov VA, Morozov SV, Sasunova AN, Goncharov AA. [Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of innovative spread of a given fatty acid composition enriched by adaptogens]. Vopr Pitan. 2023;92:104. 10.33029/0042-8833-2023-92-4-104-113
- Ma X, Shin YJ, Park HS, Jeong JW, Kim JY, et al. and Its Supplement Alleviate Stress-Induced Depression and Anxiety in Mice by the Regulation of BDNF Expression and NF-κB Activation. Nutrients. 2023;15. 10.3390/nu15112488
- Rizzo R, Prato A, Scerbo M, Saia F, Barone R, et al. Use of Nutritional Supplements Based on L-Theanine and Vitamin B6 in Children with Tourette Syndrome, with Anxiety Disorders: A Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2022;14. 10.3390/nu14040852
- Evans M, McDonald AC, Xiong L, Crowley DC, Guthrie N. 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. 2021;10:1061. 10.1007/s40120-021-00284-x
- De Felice M, Renard J, Hudson R, Szkudlarek HJ, Pereira BJ, et al. l-Theanine Prevents Long-Term Affective and Cognitive Side Effects of Adolescent Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure and Blocks Associated Molecular and Neuronal Abnormalities in the Mesocorticolimbic Circuitry. J Neurosci. 2021;41:739. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1050-20.2020
- Ross K, VanNortwick M, Dragone D. Innovative therapies for mood disorders: A case report. Explore (NY). 2021;17:208. 10.1016/j.explore.2020.03.011
- Williams JL, Everett JM, D'Cunha NM, Sergi D, Georgousopoulou EN, et al. The Effects of Green Tea Amino Acid L-Theanine Consumption on the Ability to Manage Stress and Anxiety Levels: a Systematic Review. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2020;75:12. 10.1007/s11130-019-00771-5
- Hidese S, Ogawa S, Ota M, Ishida I, Yasukawa Z, et al. Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2019;11. 10.3390/nu11102362
- Lopes Sakamoto F, Metzker Pereira Ribeiro R, Amador Bueno A, Oliveira Santos H. Psychotropic effects of -theanine and its clinical properties: From the management of anxiety and stress to a potential use in schizophrenia. Pharmacol Res. 2019;147:104395. 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104395
- Hannant P, Cassidy S, Renshaw D, Joyce A. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised-designed GABA tea study in children diagnosed with autism spectrum conditions: a feasibility study clinical trial registration: ISRCTN 72571312. Nutr Neurosci. 2021;24:45. 10.1080/1028415X.2019.1588486
- Ogawa S, Ota M, Ogura J, Kato K, Kunugi H. Effects of L-theanine on anxiety-like behavior, cerebrospinal fluid amino acid profile, and hippocampal activity in Wistar Kyoto rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2018;235:37. 10.1007/s00213-017-4743-1
- Hidese S, Ota M, Wakabayashi C, Noda T, Ozawa H, et al. Effects of chronic l-theanine administration in patients with major depressive disorder: an open-label study. Acta Neuropsychiatr. 2017;29:72. 10.1017/neu.2016.33
- Ouyang Z, Zhu W, Xie Y, Yang W, Liu J, et al. Green Tea Diet Can Effectively Antagonize the Toxicity Induced by Environmental-Related Concentrations of BPA: An Implication from and Studies. J Agric Food Chem. 2024;72:20633. 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c05627
- Hammad AM, Alzaghari LF, Alfaraj M, Lux V, Sunoqrot S. Green Tea Polyphenol Nanoparticles Reduce Anxiety Caused by Tobacco Smoking Withdrawal in Rats by Suppressing Neuroinflammation. Toxics. 2024;12. 10.3390/toxics12080598
- Shen J, Xie J, Ye L, Mao J, Sun S, et al. Neuroprotective effect of green tea extract (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate in a preformed fibril-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Neuroreport. 2024;35:421. 10.1097/WNR.0000000000002027
- Yu J, Li S, Li M, Zhang Y, Tong D, et al. Amelioration of nonylphenol-induced anxiety/depression-like behaviors in male rats using green tea and Zn-Se tea interventions. Toxicol Res (Camb). 2024;13:tfae003. 10.1093/toxres/tfae003
- Pickering G, Noah L, Pereira B, Goubayon J, Leray V, et al. Assessing brain function in stressed healthy individuals following the use of a combination of green tea, Rhodiola, magnesium, and B vitamins: an fMRI study. Front Nutr. 2023;10:1211321. 10.3389/fnut.2023.1211321
- Rahmadi M, Nurhan AD, Rahmawati RIA, Damayanti TF, Purwanto DA, et al. Epigallocatechin Gallate Ameliorates Nicotine Withdrawal Conditions-Induced Somatic and Affective Behavior Changes in Mice and Its Molecular Mechanism. Behav Neurol. 2023;2023:5581893. 10.1155/2023/5581893
- Yang JZ, Zhang KK, Liu Y, Li XW, Chen LJ, et al. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate ameliorates polystyrene microplastics-induced anxiety-like behavior in mice by modulating gut microbe homeostasis. Sci Total Environ. 2023;892:164619. 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164619
