Learn about γ-aminobutyric acid
Learn about γ-aminobutyric acid
γ-aminobutyric acid, also known as 4-aminobutyric acid (γ-aminobutyric acid, referred to as Gaba), is a non-protein amino acid.
γ-aminobutyric acid (commonly known as GABA) is a naturally occurring amino acid that is widely distributed in animals and plants. Plants such as leguminous plants, ginseng plants, and Chinese herbal medicines contain GABA in their seeds, rhizomes, and tissue fluids.
In the human body, GABA is mainly produced by glutamate through the catalytic action of glutamate decarboxylase. As a neurotransmitter, GABA plays a key role in the information transmission process between neurons. When GABA is released into the synaptic cleft, it binds to the GABA receptor, thereby generating an inhibitory postsynaptic potential and reducing the excitability of neurons.
γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system with good water solubility and thermal stability. It can block or inhibit certain brain signals and reduce the activity of the nervous system. When GABA attaches to a protein in the brain called a GABA receptor, it produces a calming effect.
As a small molecular weight non-protein amino acid, GABA is safe for consumption and can be used in the production of foods such as beverages. Studies have shown that consuming a certain amount of GABA has physiological effects such as improving sleep quality and lowering blood pressure.
How to get GABA?
1.Food sources
Animal food
GABA is widely found in the brain, bone marrow and other tissues of mammals, such as pig brain and cow bone marrow. These tissues are important natural sources of GABA.
Plant food
GABA is also found in plants, such as beans, cereals, seeds, rhizomes, and tissue fluid of vegetables. Eating soybeans, soybeans, germ, brown rice, sweet potatoes, potatoes, spinach and other foods in moderation can help the human body supplement some of the GABA components it needs.
2.Synthesis method
Chemical synthesis method
There are five main different chemical synthesis pathways, such as using potassium phthalimide and raw materials such as γ-chlorobutyric acid or butyrolactone to produce GABA through a series of reactions.
Plant enrichment method
This is a newly developed synthetic extraction and purification technology. It uses plants with high GABA content for separation and extraction to obtain GABA products with higher purity.
Microbial fermentation method
By selecting specific microbial strains and using enzymes such as decarboxylase produced during their growth and reproduction, the substrate is converted into GABA. The GABA produced by this method can be used as a natural food additive.
What Is GABA Used For?
Food field
Gamma-aminobutyric acid can be added as a functional ingredient to milk, walnuts and other products to improve the health benefits of the product.
GABA can promote ethanol metabolism and help drunk people relieve hangover. This property makes GABA potentially useful in hangover products.
Cosmetics field
γ-Aminobutyric acid has anti-aging effects, can promote the metabolism and repair of skin cells, and reduce the occurrence of wrinkles and spots. Therefore, it is widely used in anti-aging skin care products, such as botulinum toxin.
Medical field
As an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, GABA has potential value in the treatment of neurological diseases such as epilepsy. By regulating the excitability of neurons, GABA can help reduce excessive activity in the nervous system.
The sedative and anxiolytic properties of GABA have significant effects on improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. It can help people fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality.
The analgesic effect of GABA shows potential in the treatment of various pains, such as chronic pain, neuropathic pain, etc. By inhibiting the transmission of pain sensations, GABA can reduce pain in patients.
How does GABA improve sleep quality?
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that exerts neuroinhibitory effects by acting on corresponding receptors on cells. This inhibitory effect can reduce the excitability of neurons, reduce the overactive state of the brain, and help the body enter a sleep state.
The gut-brain axis channel, directly acting on the brain tissue through the blood-brain barrier, and acting on the brain tissue through the regulation of neuro-humoral aspects. These pathways can effectively promote sleep and help improve sleep quality.
GABA can promote the human body to enter a sleep state and improve sleep quality. It can help shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and reduce the number of times you wake up during sleep, thereby improving your overall sleep structure. This helps the body rest and recover better during sleep.
Deep sleep is an important stage in the sleep cycle and is essential for recovery and health. GABA can promote the body to enter a deep sleep state and extend the duration of deep sleep. This helps the body get more complete rest and recovery during sleep and improves sleep effectiveness.
