PharmaGABA Review, Benefits and Side Effects

PharmaGABA is a dietary supplement that is purported to naturally promote relaxation. It is a bacteria-synthezied form of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

GABA is an amino acid, but its primary role in the body is as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It works to regulate the excitatory signals in the brain, helping to modulate mood and focus. It is also involved in heartbeat rhythms, sleeping patterns and breathing rates.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid supplements are commercially available and are widely used to for anxiety, to improve mood, and to promote better sleep habits.

However, it has been determined that GABA is unable cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in most cases.

Because it cannot enter the brain when orally supplemented, there is debate about its effectiveness. PharmaGABA is a unique form of gamma-aminobutyric acid that the manufacturers state does not need to cross the blood-brain barrier to be effective.

By increasing inner-brain levels of GABA, it has an anxiolytic effect and can reduce feelings of stress or restlessness. This supplement is also associated with increased alpha brain waves, decreases beta brain waves, and a naturally calming effect on the individual.

GABA

GABAergic Supplement

Mood

Sleep

Body- building

How It Works:

• Anxiolytic effects to reduce stress
• May improve sleep & anxiety
• Supports fat loss & increases HGH

Dosage:

Between 250 - 1500 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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How GABA Works In the Body

Brain disorders like anxiety, depression, epilepsy, insomnia, and many others are correlated with low GABA levels.

Various pharmaceutical agents, like Valium for instance, act by increasing the activation of Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors inside the cerebral cortex.

However, the many possible side effects of such drugs are discouraging to many.

GABA has been suggested as a natural alternative for individuals who want to improve their mood. GABA is well tolerated by the body, and acts without causing negative side effects.

However, in order for GABA to induce positive effects, it must first be able to cross over into the brain and bind to GABA receptors on neurons within the Central Nervous System. In most cases, this is not possible because GABA does not cross the BBB.

GABA and the Blood-Brain Barrier

The blood-brain barrier is a highly selective barrier that separates your brain cells from circulating blood. To protect the health of your neurons, it only allows certain compounds to cross over from the bloodstream into the brain tissue.

Research shows that in the majority of cases, GABA cannot penetrate this barrier to any great extent. Taking an oral GABA pill does not result in an increase in brain concentrations of this neurotransmitter. There are exceptions (there are theories about personal differences in blood-brain barrier permeability), but under normal circumstances it will not be able to cross into the Central Nervous System when supplemented orally.

While this is good for preventing excess GABA levels from accumulating in the CNS and causing too much depression of the nervous system, it can be bad in cases of GABA deficiency.

It has been shown that GABA receptors exist elsewhere in the body, particularly in the gut. Some researchers have theorized that these receptors may also affect mood and this may explain why some people who take GABA supplements do feel a reduction in anxiety levels. This is the basis of PharmaGABA’s mechanism of action.

Why PharmaGABA May be Different

PharmaGABA is a different, natural form of GABA that is said to be more effective for improving mood. Recent research studies suggest that PharmaGABA acts in the body to produce relaxation without needing to cross over the blood-brain barrier.

The manufacturers of PharmaGABA maintain that PharmaGABA does not pass through the blood-brain barrier but rather works preferentially with GABA receptors in the enteric nervous system. The enteric nervous system is the network of neurons that exist in the gastrointestinal tract.

While the exact connection is still being studied, it is believed that this “second brain” in the gastrointestinal system has a connection with our brain and can actually play a role in our mental state and certain diseases throughout the body.

PharmaGABA is a natural form of GABA that is created with the help of a certain bacterium: Lactobacillus hilgardii. This is the same probiotic bacterium used to make the popular Korean food, kimchi.

Synthetic L-GABA supplements are unable to bind to certain GABA receptor sites. There are minute differences in the shapes of synthetic GABA molecules and the body’s natural GABA.

These differences mean that not all GABA receptors will be activated by synthetic forms of GABA supplements. However, PharmaGABA is purported to activate more of these receptor subtypes – particularly those in the gut – because it is a different shaped molecule. This could also explain the increased efficacy of this supplement.

Benefits of PharmaGABA

While it does not cross over the blood-brain barrier, the activation of GABA receptors in the gut by PharmaGABA has been shown to have effects within the brain.

PharmaGABA has been shown to increase the genesis of alpha waves inside the brain. Some of the benefits of having increased alpha waves include an improved capacity for focus, greater mental alertness, and calmness.

Supplementation with PharmaGABA has also been shown to decrease the genesis of beta brain waves. Beta brainwaves are associated with erratic thought patterns, nervousness and hyperactivity.

In one clinical study, PharmaGABA was found to improve sleep disorders. The quality of sleep was improved dramatically and subjects reported waking up feeling refreshed and energized.

In comparison, conventional sleeping pills artificially induce sleep and disrupt the accommodation of natural sleeping patterns. In many cases, those who take prescription medications for sleeping disorders report feeling very groggy, tired and unmotivated after waking.

Nootropic Effects of PharmaGABA

In one Japanese study, sixty students in the 6th grade were divided into two groups; one receiving 100 mg of PharmaGABA and the other receiving a placebo. A math test was administered to both groups.

Test performance and stress variables were monitored. Results showed that the treatment group answered 20% more questions on average than did the placebo group. Also, treatment group subjects answered their questions with 20% more accuracy than placebo group subjects.

Among various other possible therapeutic uses, it has been suggested that PharmaGABA could be used for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), chronic stress, insomnia, and the inability to focus.

The research on PharmGABA has been very promising so far, however more research is still needed to fully understand the connection between the brain and the enteric nervous system, and how GABA supplements tie into the equation. At this time, PharmaGABA is available as a dietary supplement only, and the FDA has not approved PharmaGABA as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

PharmaGABA Dosage Recommendations

PharmaGABA is considered likely safe for oral supplementation. It can be taken when feeling stressed or as a preventative measure before a stressful event. This supplement is often used for social anxiety and to promote relaxation.

It is available in 100 mg and 200 mg chewable tablets. The manufacturers say that 200 mg is a standard dosage. It is not recommended to take more than 600 mg in a 6 hour period – and no more than 1200 mg in a given day.

Conclusions

Pharma GABA is a form of gamma-aminobutyric acid that is produced naturally via the actions of Lactobacillus hilgardii. PharmaGABA acts to preferentially bind with GABA receptors in the gastrointestinal tract and then send signals to the brain to cause an effect there.

PharmaGABA is clinically shown to improve inner-brain variables which are associated with increased cognitive capacities, decreased stress and calmness. This supplement may have a positive effect on sleep patterns and anxiety as well.

Speak with your doctor before taking PharmaGABA to ensure it is suitable in your particular health situation.

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