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

An Updated Review on Pharmaceutical Properties of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

Dai-Hung Ngo  1 , Thanh Sang Vo  2
Affiliations
Review

An Updated Review on Pharmaceutical Properties of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

Dai-Hung Ngo et al. Molecules. .

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.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Therapeutic targets for neuroprotective activity of Gaba.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Preventive action of Gaba on neurological disorders.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Therapeutic targets for anti-diabetic activity of Gaba.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Modulatory activity of Gaba for antioxidant promotion.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Therapeutic targets for anti-inflammatory activity of Gaba.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Therapeutic targets for anti-allergic activity of Gaba.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Mechanism of the action of Gaba for hepatoprotection.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Mechanism of the action of Gaba for renoprotection.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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