Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-proteinogenic amino acid with the chemical formula C₄H₉NO₂, is widely recognized as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Its role in regulating neuronal excitability, modulating neurotransmission, and maintaining brain homeostasis has made it a focal point of research across neuroscience, medicine, and food science. This article explores GABA's structural properties, biosynthetic pathways, physiological functions, therapeutic potential, and regulatory considerations in food and pharmaceutical applications.
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Product Code: BM-3-2-023 English Name: 4-Aminobutyric acid/ GABA CAS No.: 56-12-2 Molecular formula: C4H9NO2 Molecular weight: 103.12 EINECS No.: 200-258-6 Hs code: 29224995 Analysis items: HPLC>99.0%, LC-MS Main market: USA, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Germany, Indonesia, UK, New Zealand, Canada etc. Manufacturer: BLOOM TECH Changzhou Factory Technology service: R&D Dept.-4 |
We provide Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), please refer to the following website for detailed specifications and product information.
Product: https://www.bloomtechz.com/basic-chemicals/raw-materials/gaba-pure-powder-cas-56-12-2.html
Structural and Physicochemical Properties
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GABA is a zwitterionic molecule at physiological pH, with a carboxyl group (COOH) and an amino group (NH₂) that enable it to act as both an acid and a base. Its molecular weight is 103.1 g/mol, and it exists as a white crystalline powder with high water solubility and thermal stability (melting point: 195–204°C). In solution, GABA adopts multiple conformations due to intramolecular electrostatic interactions between its charged groups, allowing it to interact with diverse receptor proteins and ion channels. Unlike excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate, GABA's inhibitory effects stem from its ability to hyperpolarize postsynaptic neurons by opening chloride ion channels, thereby reducing neuronal firing rates. This mechanism is critical for preventing overexcitation and maintaining neural circuit balance. |
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Biosynthetic Pathways and Natural Sources
GABA is synthesized via two primary pathways:
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● Decarboxylation of Glutamate: In neurons and astrocytes, the enzyme glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) converts L-glutamate into GABA using pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (vitamin B6) as a cofactor. This pathway is tightly regulated by calcium ions and is activated during conditions of cellular stress, such as hypoxia or ischemia. ● Microbial Fermentation: Certain bacteria, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, produce GABA through the decarboxylation of monosodium glutamate (MSG). This microbial route has gained attention for industrial-scale GABA production, as it offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to chemical synthesis. Plant tissues also contain GABA, albeit at low concentrations (0.3–32.5 μmol/g). Stressors such as mechanical damage, heat, or cold exposure can induce GABA accumulation, likely as a protective mechanism against oxidative stress. Fermented foods like kimchi, tempeh, and miso are rich sources of bioavailable GABA due to microbial activity during fermentation. |
Business Process
Here are some questions from our French clients:
Q1:Can you please confirm that GABA is naturally synthesised (and not chemically synthesised)?
A1:Organic synthesis.
Q2:Why is GABA shipped in the name of another ordinary chemical product ?
A2:We can ship GABA both in real name and fake name.
Explanation for chemicals shipping：
(1)Real name shipping
If you are a company, you need the completed purchasing & financial record.
It is for company-to-company/large qty/dangerous goods business.
(2)Fake name shipping
It is economic, convenient and for small-fast-trading.
It is widely used for small qty order, for individual buyer, or the buyer who want to save cost.
Our quotation will be based on this method defaultly, if you require us to use the (1) for shipping, we will requote for you.
Q3:Is the custom clearance included ? And delivery to the manufacturing place directly?
A3:For small qty powder:
(1)No, it is not include the tariff and tax in your side.
But we will declare at customs in a low value, such as $10, $50, so there is little tariff in your side, shipping with general express such as DHL, FEDEX etc.
(2)Door to door delivery, remote zone will create extra fee.
Q4:Do you accept to be paid in eur or only in USD ?
A4:Now we only can receive USD only. if our business developed, we are willing to open a EUR account for convenient.
Therapeutic Potential and Clinical Applications
● Neurological Disorders
Epilepsy: GABA-enhancing AEDs are first-line treatments for focal and generalized seizures. However, 30% of patients remain refractory, necessitating novel targets like GABAᵦ receptors or alternative ion channels.
Parkinson's Disease: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) modulates GABAergic output, alleviating motor symptoms. Preclinical studies suggest GABAₐ receptor agonists may synergize with L-DOPA therapy.
Alzheimer's Disease: GABAergic dysfunction contributes to cognitive decline. Agonists like gaboxadol are being explored to restore inhibitory tone and mitigate hyperexcitability in Alzheimer's models.
● Psychiatric Conditions
Anxiety and Depression: Beyond benzodiazepines, ketamine-an NMDA receptor antagonist-indirectly enhances GABAergic transmission by disinhibiting interneurons, offering rapid antidepressant effects.
Schizophrenia: GABAergic deficits in the prefrontal cortex underlie cognitive impairments. Augmentation strategies, such as oxytocin, which enhances GABA release, show promise in preclinical trials.
● Pain Management
GABAergic neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem modulate nociceptive signaling. Intrathecal baclofen, a GABAᵦ agonist, is used to treat severe spasticity, while systemic administration alleviates neuropathic pain in conditions like diabetic neuropathy.
Industrial and Nutraceutical Applications
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Food and Beverage Industry GABA is approved as a food additive in Japan, the EU, and the U.S., with recommended daily intakes ranging from 100–500 mg. Fermented foods like kimchi, tempeh, and cheese are natural sources, while biotechnological processes-including microbial fermentation with Lactobacillus brevis-enable scalable production. Functional foods enriched with GABA claim benefits such as stress reduction and improved sleep. However, regulatory bodies emphasize the need for rigorous clinical trials to substantiate these claims. |
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Nutraceuticals and Supplements GABA supplements are marketed for anxiety, sleep, and athletic performance. While short-term studies suggest efficacy in reducing stress biomarkers, long-term safety and bioavailability remain uncertain. Combination therapies, such as GABA with theanine or magnesium, are gaining traction for synergistic effects. |
Emerging Applications and Future Directions
● Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
GABA-enriched products, such as fermented rice, tea, and yogurt, are marketed for stress relief and sleep improvement. For instance, Japan's "GABARON" tea, produced via anaerobic fermentation, contains up to 200 mg/100 g GABA.
● Pharmaceutical Developments
GABA analogs, like pregabalin and gabapentin, are FDA-approved for epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and anxiety disorders. These drugs target voltage-gated calcium channels, modulating GABAergic neurotransmission indirectly.
● Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Dysregulation of GABAergic signaling is implicated in schizophrenia, autism, and depression. Novel therapies, such as GABAₐ positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) or gene therapies targeting GAD enzymes, are under investigation.
● Agricultural and Biotechnological Uses
GABA application in crops enhances stress tolerance. For example, exogenous GABA treatment in rice seedlings improves drought resistance by regulating antioxidant enzymes. In aquaculture, GABA-fortified feeds reduce stress-induced mortality in shrimp and fish.
Conclusion
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) exemplifies the intricate interplay between molecular biology and human health. From its role as a neural inhibitory hub to its applications in functional foods and medicine, GABA continues to inspire interdisciplinary research. As our understanding of GABAergic signaling deepens, so too will opportunities for innovative therapies and bioengineered solutions to global health challenges. Future studies should focus on elucidating GABA's mechanisms in complex diseases, optimizing delivery systems for therapeutic efficacy, and addressing regulatory gaps to ensure safe and equitable access to GABA-based interventions.
By harnessing GABA's multifaceted potential, we stand poised to unlock new frontiers in neuroscience, nutrition, and personalized medicine, ultimately enhancing quality of life for millions worldwide.