An amino acid derivative that is a calming substance. Tranquilizers such as valium and Librium owe their soothing effects to the fact that they stimulate GABA receptors in the brain. Also: GABA

	Addictions / Addictive Tendencies The Condition "...L-Glutamine helps increase the levels of GABA in the brain which has a calming effect..." Anxiety The Condition "...Nutrients such as calcium and magnesium, B-vitamins, niacinamide, B12 injections (especially if stomach acid production is insufficient), tryptophan with inositol and chromium, valerian root, and GABA can have a calming effect..." Recommendation GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) "GABA has a powerful calming effect on the brain..." Depression Recommendation DHEA "...DHEA can affect serotonin, GABA receptors, and other brain factors..." GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) As A Treatment "...GABA, or Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid, is a non-protein amino acid, that functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter..." Glutamic Acid Related Topic "...Interconverted by the body into glutamic acid and gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA)..." Glutamine As A Treatment "...Once in the brain, it's converted to glutamic acid and increases the concentration of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)..." Glycine As A Treatment "...Glycine is also an inhibitory neurotransmitter thought to work much like GABA..." Kava As A Treatment "...Function; Reasons For Use Although we don't know exactly how kava functions in the body, its method of action seems to involve brain receptors for a substance known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)..." Low Pregnenolone Level The Condition "...This hormone appears to have a great calming effect because it activates receptor sites in brain cells for GABA (itself a calming agent), enabling more GABA to be absorbed by the cells..." Pyroluria The Condition "...If additional antianxiety support is needed, GABA, tryptophan, chromium and inositol should be considered..." Stiff Man Syndrome The Condition "...Possibly the closest related disease is tetanus because both conditions affect peripheral inhibition via central mechanisms and both conditions inhibit central gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) systems..." Valerian Root As A Treatment "...Many extracts are now standardized for valerenic acid, which may interact with receptors for GABA, the calming brain chemical..."

Last updated: Feb 28, 2008