Interestingly, GABA is inhibitory and also excitatory, depends on the direction (into or out of the cell) and magnitude of the ionic currents controlled by the GABAA receptor. When net positive ionic current is directed into the cell, GABA is excitatory, when the net positive current is directed out of the cell, GABA is inhibitory. (
info here)
GABA in researchesGABA is widely used in helping sleeping and calming. Scientists found that many people suffering from bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and several other mental illness have been shown to have low levels of certain amino acids. Some research has shown GABA to be depleted in those suffering from both mania and depression. It appears to calm the brain which makes it a good sleep aid. Taking a supplement of GABA has shown to be helpful in treating mania, anxiety, and some cases of depression. (
info here)
However, researchers also claim that GABA is helpful for anti-aging. Higher brain functions such as visual recognition or understanding language, require the processing of information in the brain but decline as people get older. This decline appears to be due to a reduction in GABA. Neuroscientist Audie Leventhal, at the University of Utah School of Medicine, led a study of applying GABA on Macaque monkeys, with an age equivalent to 90-years in humans, and concluded the monkeys improved vastly. The reason is delivering GABA calms the neurons down and they become more selecive. (
info here)
Another research also indicates that bring more GABA to the brain is helpful for Down Syndrome patients. (
info here)
GABA benefits
* Reduces high blood pressure
* Mental alertness
* Weight loss aid
* Anti-oxidant
* Anti-bacterial
* Stress and anxiety relief
* Alleviates alcoholic withdrawal symptoms
* Prevents and cures hangovers
(
info here)
GABA Products
Japanese researcher
Dr. Tsushida is the person led the development of GABA Tea in Japan 30 years ago. He generously shared his researches with the world instead of filing patent. He shared the technology of making GABA Tea with tea growers. Currently Japan and Taiwan are two major countries producing GABA Tea. GABA Tea is considered as a natural source of GABA. It is made in nitrogen-rich atmosphere to enhance the natural GABA in tea leaves. Its caffeine content is close to green tea, less than oolong tea; different between tea tree varietals and harvesting seasons.
Constantly, many other GABA products were developed in Japan, including GABA coke, GABA chocolate, GABA bread, GABA instant noodle and many other things you can't even imagine. GABA food products are treated as "healing food" in Japan, helping busy Japanese get GABA complement via delicious food.
References:
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (Wikipedia)
Drug Research Finding May Help Children with Down Syndrome(associatedcontent)
Old age's mental slowdown may be reversible(NewScientist)
GABA Tea (AllGABAtea)