Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Phenibut (β-phenyl-γ-aminobutyric acid) is a synthetic derivative of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). It was developed in Russia in the 1960s and has been used there as an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and nootropic agent. Phenibut is believed to cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively than GABA itself due to its phenyl ring, allowing it to interact with GABA_B receptors in the brain. Scientific studies, primarily from Russia and Eastern Europe, have shown that Phenibut can have anxiolytic, sedative, and cognitive-enhancing effects, supporting its use in modulating GABAergic activity. However, high-quality, large-scale clinical trials in Western countries are lacking, and most evidence comes from animal studies, case reports, and small human trials.

Phenibut is not approved for medical use in the United States or most Western countries, and concerns exist about its potential for dependence, withdrawal, and toxicity at high doses or with chronic use. Despite these concerns, the available scientific literature does support the mechanism by which Phenibut acts on the GABA system, particularly through GABA_B receptor agonism. Thus, there is moderate scientific validation for its use in supporting the GABAergic system, but significant safety concerns and a lack of broad clinical validation limit its evidence rating.

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