[FairOpinion]

Also there is another article on this at :

http://www.msnbc.com/news/907940.asp?0cv=HB10&cp1=1

"Aging brains may be sharpened and, in effect, made young again briefly by increasing the levels of a neurochemical called GABA, a study suggests.

TRANQUILIZERS INCREASE GABA Some tranquilizers, such as Valium, Xanax and Librium, increase the levels of GABA in the brain of human patients. This suggests that these drugs might sharpen aged minds, but that is an idea that first must be carefully tested, Leventhal said. “The idea is counterintuitive,” he said. “The idea that to get grandpa to move faster you have to tranquilize him isn’t something that makes a lot of sense without these results.”

----

Interesting. That is not to say that people should rush out and stuff themselves with tranquilizers.

I remember seeing GABA mentioned in some health/nutrition publications. I don't remember, whether it's something you can actually get as a supplement, or get things which turn into GABA in the body, or what normal food items may have it.

But this surely looks very promising, according to the article.

[arkfreepdom]

I remember seeing GABA mentioned in some health/nutrition publications. I don't remember, whether it's something you can actually get as a supplement, or get things which turn into GABA in the body, or what normal food items may have it.

The blood-brain barrier is pretty strict about what gets into the brain. Doubt a dietary supplement would help.

[Billthedrill]

I think I need some of this...uh...whatever it is...what'd the article say again?

[PoisedWoman]

Fascinating study! I must admit that I am aging. And just recently discovered that a minimal dose of Valium makes me think more clearly.

Quick search turned up this info from http://www.bodybuilding-supplements-for-you.com/AST/gaba.htm
where they have GABA for sale:


GABA, Gamma Aminobutyric Acid, is an amino acid classified as a neurotransmitter (A neurotransmitter is a substance that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse. A synapse is a region where nerve impulses are transmitted across axon terminals.)

GABA’s high concentration in the hypothalamus suggests this amino acid plays a significant role in hypothalamic-pituitary function. The hypothalamus is a region of the posterior section of the brain and is the regulating center for visceral (instinctive) functions such as sleep cycles, body temperature, and the activity of the pituitary gland.

The pituitary gland is the master endocrine gland effecting all hormonal functions of the body. One primary hormone of concern to the athlete is growth hormone (GH) and its various hormonal constituents.

The amino acid GABA has been shown in numerous studies to promote significant increases in plasma growth hormone levels.

There have been literally hundreds of clinical studies on GABA and numerous studies on GABA’s ability to elevate growth hormone levels. As with most nutritional studies, GABA research has come directly from the medical community. One noted study from the First Medical Clinic at the University of Milan in Milan, Italy titled, “Effect of acute and repeated administration of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) on growth hormone and prolactin secretion in man”, shows just how effective GABA is.

Quoted results from this study showed “In all of the 19 subjects studied, compared with 18 controls, plasma growth hormone levels were significantly increased (above 5 ng/ml) by acute oral administration of 5 g of GABA.”

This study showed over a 5 1/2 fold increase in plasma growth hormone levels 90 minutes after GABA administration. That is a significant increase unmatched by any other nutritional means.

Most cited studies on amino acids and growth hormone elevation utilize intravenous delivery means. This is unrealistic and doesn’t reflect real world results. Studies on GABA have been performed with both oral and intravenous administration with the oral route showing remarkable effectiveness.

GABA’s growth hormone elevating effects rival that of potent pharmaceutical compounds

[PatrickHenry]

There's hope for you guys.

[inquest]

But he cautions that the team has done no research in human and that people should start taking the drugs themselves.

Great place for a typo. I think I might caution the author to start taking the drugs himself.

[Coroner]

Its also found that increasing GABA in the hippocampus effectively eliminates learned helplessness in operant and classical conditioning models.

[lizbet]

Wonder how this GABA would affect a person who has dementia or Alzheimer's disease?

I am interested in this stuff because my grandmother had dementia and now my mother has it and I don't want it!!!

[Nick Danger]

You young'uns are screwed. When I was 21, I was smarter than anyone else alive, just like everyone else who is 21. The problem was, I didn't know anything.

Now I know all kinds of stuff, but I've gotten dumber every year. If this drug works, I can be 21 again, except I'll know now what I didn't know then. Look out!

[Mr. Mojo]

Well, where (or when) can we get some of this GABA stuff?

[yooper]

Well, I'm heartened by this. I may need GABA to collect my social security.

[paul51]

works as a "gating" mechanism

I wonder if this has any possible implications for MS patients?

[nutmeg]

read later bump

[whipitgood]

I wonder what the long term effect of using GABA will be on the body? I heard that using melatonin, for instance, causes the body to stop producing its own melatonin. I wouldn't want to end up dependent on some drug or supplement for the rest of my life.

[PoisedWoman]

Resurrecting this interesting article to report that I purchased some GABA at an online source recommended by templar and had immediate response the first night I took a very low (I think) dose. I slept like a baby, woke up totally refreshed after six hours -- usually I need 9 -- and got much more than usual accomplished the next day....I'll see whether this effect is maintained after a week, a month, 90 days of taking GABA at night.

I checked it out because I'd been having trouble sleeping, keyed up prior to eye surgery. I got prescription for low-dose valium from my doctor. 2 mg Valium always produces an excellent night's sleep for me and a productive day following. But the idea of taking a drug is a bit scary, and my doc agrees about that. GABA is far less expensive.

[southland]

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