GABA

Related Terms

4-Amino butyric acid, Aminalon, FMG, GABA, GABA transporter (GAT), GABA(A) receptors, GABA(B) receptors, GabadoneT, GABA-enriched defatted rice germ, GABA-enriched fermented milk product (FMG), GABA-enriched soybean, GABA-enriched tempeh-like fermented soybean (GABA-tempeh), GABA-transaminase (GABA-T), gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), gammalon, glutamate, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), Lactobacillus brevis GABA100, Pharma-GABAT, picamilon (nicotinyl-g-aminobutyric acid), pikamilon, pikamilone, pycamilon, succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH).
Note: Not to be confused with gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), a form of GABA that acts as a signaling chemical in the brain. While it may be used to treat alcohol addiction, GHB may carry the risk of abuse. GHB is used as a recreational drug and is commonly known as the "date rape" drug. GABA is also not to be confused with picamilon (nicotinoyl-GABA), a combination of niacin and GABA that may enter the brain. Picamilon was developed in Russia, where it has been studied for numerous conditions.

Background

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main signaling chemical in the central nervous system of mammals. Many agents, including alcohol and drugs that alter brain function, may have anxiety-reducing, pain-relieving, anti-seizure, and sedative effects by acting on the activity of GABA.
Many dietary supplements that are used widely for insomnia and memory may work by affecting GABA inside the body. These supplements include 5-HTP, hops, kava, lemon balm, passion flower, skullcap, and valerian.
Much research has been conducted on the effects of GABA inside the body, as well as drugs, herbs, and supplements that may increase these effects. In the 1970s and 1980s, manmade GABA (called Aminalon in Russia and Gammalon in Japan) was studied for nervous system and heart disorders. Since then, few studies have used GABA as a treatment or supplement. This is partly because GABA taken as a supplement does not enter the brain efficiently.
GABA is commonly taken to aid in sleep and relaxation. Although GABA inside the body is known to help relaxation, GABA that is taken as a supplement may not be as effective as GABA produced by the body since it does not enter the brain.
GABA taken by mouth may increase growth hormone levels in humans, which is why it is a popular bodybuilding supplement. However, there is a lack of evidence to support this use of GABA.
GABA may interact with numerous foods, herbs, or supplements.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


There is limited evidence that GABA is effective for treating attention deficit disorder (ADD). More research is needed in this area.

 C


There is limited evidence that GABA is effective for treating attention deficit disorder (ADD). More research is needed in this area.

 C


There is limited evidence that GABA may treat brain injuries. Further research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


There is limited evidence that GABA may treat brain injuries. Further research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


There is limited evidence that GABA is effective for treating bronchitis. Early study lacks clear results. Further research is needed in this field.

 C


There is limited evidence that GABA is effective for treating bronchitis. Early study lacks clear results. Further research is needed in this field.

 C


There is limited evidence that GABA may treat dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which controls processes such as heart rate and blood pressure. More research is needed in this area.

 C


There is limited evidence that GABA may treat dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which controls processes such as heart rate and blood pressure. More research is needed in this area.

 C


There is limited evidence that GABA may treat children with cerebral palsy, a disorder of brain function. Further study is needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


There is limited evidence that GABA may treat children with cerebral palsy, a disorder of brain function. Further study is needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


GABA given through an electric current in the nose may benefit people who have cerebral atherosclerosis (hardened arteries in the brain) or vascular dementia (a type of dementia caused by blocked or reduced blood flow to the brain). More research is needed in this area.

 C


GABA given through an electric current in the nose may benefit people who have cerebral atherosclerosis (hardened arteries in the brain) or vascular dementia (a type of dementia caused by blocked or reduced blood flow to the brain). More research is needed in this area.

 C


There is limited evidence that GABA may treat Cushing's disease, which is caused by high levels of the hormone cortisol. Further study is needed.

 C


There is limited evidence that GABA may treat Cushing's disease, which is caused by high levels of the hormone cortisol. Further study is needed.

 C


Although not well studied in humans, a combination of GABA and phosphatidylserine (PS) has been researched for seizures associated with epilepsy. Further study is needed.

 C


Although not well studied in humans, a combination of GABA and phosphatidylserine (PS) has been researched for seizures associated with epilepsy. Further study is needed.

 C


GABA taken by mouth has been shown to promote growth hormone (GH) levels in humans. More information is needed in this area.

 C


GABA taken by mouth has been shown to promote growth hormone (GH) levels in humans. More information is needed in this area.

 C


Early studies show that GABA-enriched food products may reduce blood pressure in people with mildly high blood pressure. The manmade GABA product Aminalon has been suggested as a blood pressure-lowering agent since the 1970s. Early research reports that a GABA-mebutamate combination treatment may reduce blood pressure. Further research is needed on the potential effects of GABA alone.

 C


Early studies show that GABA-enriched food products may reduce blood pressure in people with mildly high blood pressure. The manmade GABA product Aminalon has been suggested as a blood pressure-lowering agent since the 1970s. Early research reports that a GABA-mebutamate combination treatment may reduce blood pressure. Further research is needed on the potential effects of GABA alone.

 C


GABA has been studied for the treatment of Huntington's disease. Further research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


GABA has been studied for the treatment of Huntington's disease. Further research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


There is limited research on the use of GABA for treating meningitis. More studies are needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


There is limited research on the use of GABA for treating meningitis. More studies are needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


There is limited evidence that GABA may prevent or treat motion sickness. Further research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


There is limited evidence that GABA may prevent or treat motion sickness. Further research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


There is some evidence that large doses of GABA injected into the vein may treat uncontrolled movements caused by problems with GABA in the body. Further study is needed in this area.

 C


There is some evidence that large doses of GABA injected into the vein may treat uncontrolled movements caused by problems with GABA in the body. Further study is needed in this area.

 C


GABA taken by mouth may decrease alertness, and GABA-enriched chocolate may reduce stress. However, GABA injected into the vein has been found to promote anxiety, emotional distress, and mood disturbance. Further study is needed before firm conclusions can be made on the use of GABA for relaxation and anxiety.

 C


GABA taken by mouth may decrease alertness, and GABA-enriched chocolate may reduce stress. However, GABA injected into the vein has been found to promote anxiety, emotional distress, and mood disturbance. Further study is needed before firm conclusions can be made on the use of GABA for relaxation and anxiety.

 C


Many sedative agents used to treat insomnia, such as zolpidem (Ambien?), act on GABA in the body. These agents may promote sleep and affect the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that is associated with sleep. Evidence is limited on the use of GABA itself for enhancing or promoting sleep. More research is needed in this area.

 C


Many sedative agents used to treat insomnia, such as zolpidem (Ambien?), act on GABA in the body. These agents may promote sleep and affect the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that is associated with sleep. Evidence is limited on the use of GABA itself for enhancing or promoting sleep. More research is needed in this area.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
General: Doses of GABA should not exceed 750 milligrams, as higher amounts may cause anxiety and insomnia.
For autonomic dysfunction, 0.5 grams of Aminalon have been taken by mouth three times daily with other therapies for two months.
For brain injury, 1.5-2 grams Aminalon or Gammalon have been taken by mouth daily for three weeks to one and a half months.
For bronchitis, 1.5-3 grams of GABA have been taken by mouth daily for 20 days in addition to conventional treatment.
For chronic pain, 250-500 milligrams of GABA have been taken by mouth three times daily.
For endocrine disorders (Cushing's disease), a single 1 gram dose of Aminalon, or 2-3 grams of Aminalon have been taken by mouth daily for one month.
For epilepsy, 250-500 milligrams of GABA have been taken by mouth three times daily in combination with phosphatidylserine (PS). Doses of 1,500-3,000 milligrams of GABA have been taken by mouth daily with 300-500 milligrams of PS for 3-8 months.
For fibromyalgia, 250-500 milligrams of GABA have been taken by mouth three times daily.
For growth hormone stimulation, 1-5 grams of GABA have been taken by mouth, sometimes dissolved in 150 milliliters of tap water. A single dose of 3 grams of GABA has been taken by mouth followed by rest or resistance exercise sessions.
For Huntington's disease, unspecified high doses of GABA have been taken by mouth with the anti-seizure agent dipropylacetic acid (DPA).
For high blood pressure, 2.5 grams of GABA have been taken by mouth daily for 15 days then decreased to 1.5 grams daily if effective, for a total treatment duration of 15-80 days.
For meningitis, Aminalon has been taken by mouth at an unknown dose.
For motion sickness, 0.5 grams of GABA in the form of Aminolon have been taken by mouth once 40-50 minutes before activity. A dose of 0.5 grams of GABA has been taken by mouth three times daily for four days before activity.
For relaxation/stress/anxiety, 750 milligrams of GABA have been taken by mouth daily in up to three divided doses. A single dose of 100 milligrams of Pharma-GABAT has been taken in 200 milliliters of distilled water. A dose of 10 grams of chocolate enriched with 28 milligrams of GABA has been taken by mouth.
For sleep enhancement, 100-1,000 milligrams of GABA have been taken by mouth before sleep.
For tobacco dependence, 250 milligrams of GABA have been taken by mouth three times daily or 750 milligrams at bedtime.
For dementia caused by blocked or reduced blood flow, a 2 percent GABA solution has been given through an electrical current of 0.3-0.7 milliamperes in the nose for 10-30 minutes daily for a total of 10-15 procedures.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
GABA may affect the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that affect the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
GABA may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
GABA may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
GABA may also interact with agents related to or affected by dopamine; agents that block GABA transporter; agents that may affect, contain, or interact with GABA; alcohol; anticancer agents; anti-seizure agents; beta-carbolines; chloride channel blockers; GABA receptor antagonists; liver agents; neuroactive steroids; picrotoxin; and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

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