Evidence supporting the use of: GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
For the health condition: Alcoholism

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and plays a crucial role in regulating neuronal excitability. Alcohol enhances the effect of GABA at the GABAA receptor, leading to sedative and anxiolytic effects. Chronic alcohol use, however, can disrupt normal GABAergic function, leading to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. During alcohol withdrawal, there is a sudden decrease in GABAergic activity and an increase in glutamatergic activity, contributing to symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, and seizures.

Because of this, some pharmacological treatments for alcoholism and alcohol withdrawal (such as benzodiazepines and certain anticonvulsants) work by enhancing GABAergic transmission. However, direct supplementation with GABA (as a dietary supplement) is controversial, as GABA taken orally is believed to have limited ability to cross the blood-brain barrier in significant amounts. There is some preliminary research and animal data suggesting that GABA analogues or drugs that modulate GABA receptors may help reduce alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms, but evidence for the effectiveness of oral GABA supplements in treating alcoholism in humans is limited and of low quality.

Overall, while the GABAergic system is a validated target in the pharmacological management of alcoholism, scientific support for using GABA supplements directly for this condition is weak, and more robust clinical trials are needed.

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