December 15, 2010
GABA Hey! Blood Pressure and Sleep
NYBC carries Pressure Optimizer and GABA Soothe to help manage a range of issues. Among them, the data below suggest a benefit for managing borderline hypertension (high blood pressure). A related item in the NYBC catalog, Theanine Serene, also has a fair amount of GABA along with green tea-extract theanine; this combination was designed especially as an anti-anxiety or anti-stress formula.
The second study below looked at a combo of GABA and 5-HTP and found some benefits for helping to get a restful sleep.
Abstract
The anti-hypertensive effect of GABA-rich Chlorella was studied after oral administration for 12 weeks in the subjects with high-normal blood pressure and borderline hypertension in the placebo-controlled, double-blind manner in order to investigate if GABA-rich Chlorella, a dietary supplement, is useful in control of blood pressure. Eighty subjects with Systolic blood pressure (SBP) 130-159 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 85-99 mmHg (40 subjects/group) took the blinded substance of GABA-rich Chlorella (20 mg as gamma-aminobutyric acid) or placebo twice daily for 12 weeks, and had follow-up observation for an additional 4 weeks. Systolic blood pressure in the subjects given GABA-rich Chlorella significantly decreased compared with placebo (p < 0.01). Diastolic blood pressure had the tendency to decrease after intake of GABA-rich Chlorella. Neither adverse events nor abnormal laboratory findings were reported throughout the study period. Reduction of SBP in the subjects with borderline hypertension was higher than those in the subjects with high-normal blood pressure. These results suggest that GABA-rich Chlorella significantly decreased high-normal blood pressure and borderline hypertension, and is a beneficial dietary supplement for prevention of the development of hypertension.
PMID: 19811362 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Abstract
This study was an outpatient, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a combination amino acid formula (Gabadone) in patients with sleep disorders. Eighteen patients with sleep disorders were randomized to either placebo or active treatment group. Sleep latency and duration of sleep were measured by daily questionnaires. Sleep quality was measured using a visual analog scale. Autonomic nervous system function was measured by heart rate variability analysis using 24-hour electrocardiographic recordings. In the active group, the baseline time to fall asleep was 32.3 minutes, which was reduced to 19.1 after Gabadone administration (P = 0.01, n = 9). In the placebo group, the baseline latency time was 34.8 minutes compared with 33.1 minutes after placebo (P = nonsignificant, n = 9). The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.02). In the active group, the baseline duration of sleep was 5.0 hours (mean), whereas after Gabadone, the duration of sleep increased to 6.83 (P = 0.01, n = 9). In the placebo group, the baseline sleep duration was 7.17 +/- 7.6 compared with 7.11 +/- 3.67 after placebo (P = nonsignificant, n = 9). The difference between the active and placebo groups was significant (P = 0.01). Ease of falling asleep, awakenings, and am grogginess improved. Objective measurement of parasympathetic function as measured by 24-hour heart rate variability improved in the active group compared with placebo. An amino acid preparation containing both GABA and 5-hydroxytryptophan reduced time to fall asleep, decreased sleep latency, increased the duration of sleep, and improved quality of sleep.
PMID: 19417589 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
January 10, 2009
A theanine-GABA combination supplement for anxiety
Theanine Serene (Source Naturals)
This is a supplement for those seeking to avoid the prescription benzodiazepines (tradenames Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, Halcion, etc.), which are intended to be taken only for a short period (2-3 weeks) and if taken longer can develop addiction and lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. (Other side effects of these prescription drugs are dulled awarenesss, diminished brain function, leading in some cases to accidents.)
Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea, and has an excellent safety profile. It acts as a relaxing agent by increasing levels of various brain chemicals including GABA (gamma amino butyric acid), a neurotransmitter with soothing, relaxant effects. This Source Naturals formula also includes GABA itself.
For more on using theanine and GABA as a substitue for benzodiazepines, see other entries in this blog, especially regarding the recommendations of Dr. Hyla Cass, a physician who specializes in nutritional supplement alternatives to prescription medications.
Note: Theanine Serene contains wheat/gluten. Do not use if pregnant or if using other MAO or serotonin-reuptake inhibitors.
