Research Progress on Improving Sleep Mechanism of γ-aminobutyric Acid

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a significant inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, which performs well water solubility and thermal stability. It has been confirmed that GABA, a small molecular weight non-protein amino acid, possesses food safety and can be used formanufacturing various foods such as beverages. Results showed that the intake of a certain amount of GABA could improve the sleep quality and lower blood pressure in addition to other beneficial effects. Based on domestic and foreign relevant literatures, this article will discuss the mechanism of GABA on improving sleep quality by the effects of GABA on the gut-brainaxis, brain tissue permeability and its metabolites.