Gastrodin is a bioactive compound derived from Gastrodia elata, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Its primary mechanism of action involves modulation of the central nervous system, and it has been researched for its effects on neurotransmitters, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Preclinical studies, mostly in animal models and in vitro, have shown that Gastrodin can increase GABA levels in the brain by inhibiting GABA transaminase, the enzyme responsible for GABA degradation. This action may contribute to its reported neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and sedative effects.

Several studies suggest that Gastrodin can ameliorate symptoms of neurological disorders such as epilepsy, anxiety, and cognitive impairment, potentially by enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission. For example, a 2016 review in Frontiers in Pharmacology highlighted Gastrodin's neuroprotective properties, including its ability to upregulate GABA and protect against excitotoxicity. However, robust clinical trials in humans are limited, and most evidence comes from animal models or cell culture experiments.

In summary, Gastrodin is supported by scientific evidence for its modulatory effects on the GABAergic system, but the strength of evidence is moderate due to the lack of large-scale human trials. Its traditional use as a calming agent and anticonvulsant in Chinese medicine aligns with these findings, but the scientific rationale is primarily preclinical at this stage.