Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

Description

Gamma Aminobutyric Acid, GABA, a non-protein amino acid that functions as a tranquilizing neurotransmitter. GABA can produce a calming efect after bonding to the receptor sites in the brain. GABA is found in a number of plants first discovered in potatoes.

Cardiovascular System

 GABA may lower Blood Pressure in High Blood Pressure patients.  ^[1]

Digestive System

 GABA stimulates the secretion of Digestive Enzymes.

Metabolism

 Supplemental GABA may lower elevated Blood Sugar levels in Diabetes Mellitus patients and may therefore minimize the complications associated with Diabetes Mellitus.  ^[2]

Nervous System

 GABA may increase the generation of Alpha Waves.  ^[3]

 GABA prevents Nerve Impulses associated with Anxiety from reaching the motor centers of the Brain (by filling the Benzodiazepine Receptors of the Brain).  ^[4]

 Supplemental GABA may improve the condition of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) patients.  ^[5]

 GABA binds to the body's Benzodiazepine Receptors - it opens Chloride channels within (and thereby inhibits) Benzodiazepine Receptors.

 GABA may decrease the generation of Beta Waves.  ^[6]

 GABA sedates the Central Nervous System (by filling the Benzodiazepine Receptors in the Brain).

 GABA concentrates in the Cerebral Cortex.  ^[7]

 GABA may help to prevent Convulsions (via its role as an inhibitory Neurotransmitter).  ^[8]

 GABA may be useful for the treatment of Depression and Depression patients may have low Brain GABA levels:  ^[9]

 Depression - Postpartum may occur as a result of lowered Brain GABA levels.  ^[10]

 Adequate Brain GABA levels are required to prevent the Seizures associated with Epilepsy.  ^[11]

 GABA concentrates in the Hypothalamus.  ^[12]

 GABA decreases the activity of Neurons in the Brain, preventing them from over-firing (by filling the Benzodiazepine Receptors of the Brain).

 Panic Disorder patients have been demonstrated to have low Brain levels of GABA, indicating that supplemental GABA (or its precursors) may be useful for the treatment of Panic Disorder.  ^[13]

 Supplemental GABA (350 - 3,000 mg per night administered sublingually) may facilitate Sleep:  ^[14]

 Supplemental GABA (350 - 3,000 mg per night) may alleviate Insomnia.  ^[15]