4-Aminobutyric acid

Description

4-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. It plays a role in regulating neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system. In humans, GABA is also directly responsible for the regulation of muscle tone. Although chemically it is an amino acid, GABA is rarely referred to as such in the scientific or medical communities, because the term "amino acid," used without a qualifier, conventionally refers to the alpha amino acids, which GABA is not, nor is it ever incorporated into a protein. In spastic diplegia in humans, GABA absorption becomes impaired by nerves damaged from the condition's upper motor neuron lesion, which leads to hypertonia of the muscles signaled by those nerves that can no longer absorb GABA.

The Uses of 4-Aminobutyric acid

4-Aminobutyric acid, an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, possesses favorable characteristics such as good water solubility and thermal stability. As a small molecular weight non-protein amino acid, GABA has been deemed safe for consumption and is utilized in the production of beverages and various foods. Research indicates that GABA intake can enhance sleep quality and reduce blood pressure levels. Foods containing GABA demonstrate an immediate effect in suppressing autonomic nerve activity associated with blood pressure elevation. Additionally, GABA reacts with isothiocyanates to generate thioureas, exhibiting antifungal properties.

Background

The most common inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.