EN
4-Aminobutyric acid (4-AB), also known as Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), is a non-protein amino acid with the chemical formula C4H9NO2 and a molecular weight of 103.12. GABA is widely found in animals, plants, and microorganisms and is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of mammals. It plays an important role in regulating growth, development, stress responses, and other vital activities.
CAS No: 56-12-2
Molecular Formula: C4H9NO2
Specification: 98%
Product name | 4-Aminobutyric acid |
molecular formula | C4H9NO2 |
molecular weight | 103.1 |
CAS | 56-12-2 |
Exterior | white crystal |
There are two main metabolic pathways for GABA: the GABA shunt and the polyamine degradation pathway. The GABA shunt is the primary route for GABA production in living organisms, while the polyamine degradation pathway involves polyamine metabolism in plants. In plants, GABA synthesis mainly occurs through the decarboxylation of L-glutamate (L-Glu) catalyzed by glutamate decarboxylase (GAD).
The roles of GABA in the human body include:
1. As a neurotransmitter, GABA binds to its receptors and exerts an inhibitory effect on neural activity, thereby maintaining the balance of the nervous system.
2. It is involved in regulating blood pressure, anti-aging, and improving liver and kidney function, among other physiological activities.
3. It plays a significant role in sleep and mood regulation, helping to alleviate anxiety and improve sleep quality.
GABA can be enriched through various methods, including chemical synthesis, plant enrichment, and microbial fermentation. Methods for chemical synthesis of GABA include the γ-cyanopropenoic acid ethyl ester method, pyrrolidone ring-opening method, butyric acid and ammonia method, and γ-butyrolactone and thionyl chloride method, among others. Plant enrichment methods involve increasing GABA content in plants through environmental stress.
In addition, GABA is also used as a food additive and dietary supplement, but its intake must be controlled within a safe limit. For example, in 2009, the Chinese Ministry of Health stipulated that the daily intake of GABA should not exceed 500mg.
