Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid

Overview

Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid is a controversial endogenous hydroxylated form of Butyric Acid.  It is naturally present in almost every Cell of the human body.  GHB was once believed to be merely a by-product of metabolic processes but recent research has proven that it has distinct neurophysical and pharmacologic actions.  There is strong evidence that GHB functions as a Neurotransmitter.  ^[1]  

Cardiovascular System

 GHB concentrates in the Heart.  ^[2]

Excretory System

 GHB concentrates in the Kidneys.  ^[3] 

Metabolism

   GHB concentrates in Brown Adipose Tissue.  ^[4] 

Musculoskeletal System

 GHB may alleviate Fibromyalgia.  ^[5]

 GHB relaxes the Muscles. 

Nervous System

 GHB may facilitate the process of Abreaction (the release of suppressed emotions). 

 GHB may facilitate the prevention and treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome.  ^[6]

 GHB may alleviate Anxiety. 

 GHB concentrates in the Brain in the Basal Ganglia and Hypothalamus.

 GHB may be a useful treatment for Drug Dependence and the withdrawal syndromes associated with Drug Dependence (to Alcohol and Opiates). 

 GHB binds to and activates GABAb Receptors.  ^[7]

 GHB may eliminate Insomnia: 

 Small doses of GHB produce relaxation, tranquillity and Drowsiness making it easier to fall asleep.

 Higher doses of GHB increase the Drowsiness effect and decrease the time it takes to fall asleep - a large dose will cause sudden Sleep within 5 - 10 minutes.

 GHB-induced Sleep closely resembles normal Sleep - the CNS continues to be responsive to noxious stimuli such as Pain and irritation.

 The only disadvantage of GHB in the treatment of Sleep disorders is that its effects last for three hours maximum - after which some people wake up again - this can be counteracted by taking another dosage of GHB - this effect probably occurs due to the Dopamine rebound effect.

 GHB may alleviate Narcolepsy (daytime sleeping disorder) - GHB may improve the quality of Sleep of Narcolepsy patients, resulting in greater daytime Alertness.  It is speculated that the daytime health improvement of Narcolepsy patients occurs as a result of daytime release of night-time Dopamine manufacture and suppression.  ^[8]

 GHB may facilitate both Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep and Slow-Wave (deep or non-REM) Sleep.  ^[9]

 GHB may be helpful for the treatment of Schizophrenia (it may reduce the occurrence of Anxiety and inhibitions Schizophrenia patients). 

Sexual System

 GHB may alleviate Impotence - Male by increasing the ability to attain Erections. 

 GHB may increase the intensity and length of female orgasm. 

 GHB functions as an aid to childbirth at the end of Pregnancy: 

 Clinical studies have demonstrated that GHB may dilate the Cervix, increase the intensity and frequency of uterine contractions, increase sensitivity to oxytocic drugs, preserve reflexes and protect the fetus from fetal cardiac anoxia in women during childbirth.

 GHB may reduce sexual inhibition in females. 

 GHB may improve male Sexual Performance.

Hormones

 GHB may stimulate the release of Human Growth Hormone (hGH).  ^[10]