An Updated Review on Pharmaceutical Properties of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

Molecules. 2019 Jul 24;24(15):2678. doi: 10.3390/molecules24152678.

Abstract

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (Gaba) is a non-proteinogenic amino acid that is widely present in microorganisms, plants, and vertebrates. So far, Gaba is well known as a main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Its physiological roles are related to the modulation of synaptic transmission, the promotion of neuronal development and relaxation, and the prevention of sleeplessness and depression. Besides, various pharmaceutical properties of Gaba on non-neuronal peripheral tissues and organs were also reported due to anti-hypertension, anti-diabetes, anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-microbial, anti-allergy, hepato-protection, reno-protection, and intestinal protection. Therefore, Gaba may be considered as potential alternative therapeutics for prevention and treatment of various diseases. Accordingly, this updated review was mainly focused to describe the pharmaceutical properties of Gaba as well as emphasize its important role regarding human health.

Keywords: Gaba; Gaba-rich product; anti-hypertension; bioactivity; health benefit.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antihypertensive Agents / pharmacology
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacology
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology
  • Nervous System Diseases / metabolism
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / metabolism*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / pharmacology*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid