PharmaGABA

About PharmaGABA

A naturally-sourced GABA

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a calming brain chemical – a neurotransmitter.* Clinical studies show that the natural form of GABA (PharmaGABA) can decrease the brain's stress-related beta-waves and increase the production of its alpha-waves, creating a profound sense of physical relaxation while maintaining mental focus.*

PharmaGABA is produced via a fermentation process that utilizes Lactobacillus hilgardii, the same bacteria strain used to ferment cabbage in the preparation of the traditional Korean dish known as kimchi.

The Thorne Difference

Thorne uses patented PharmaGABA, a natural form of GABA, because it has been the subject of numerous clinical studies (see “The Science” below). Evidence indicates that PharmaGABA has superior benefits compared to synthetic GABA. In an unpublished, double-blind comparison trial, PharmaGABA, but not synthetic GABA, was shown to produce relaxation.* Relaxation measures included brain wave patterns, pupil diameter, heart rate, and reduction of the stress markers salivary cortisol and chromogranin A (a marker of adrenal stress).

The Science

Safety and General

Subchronic toxicity evaluation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in rats. . Food and Chemical Toxicology 2014;68:128-134. [used PharmaGABA]. Takeshima K, Yamatsu A, Yamashita Y, et al.

GABA Monograph. . Alternative Medicine Review 2007;12(3):274-279..

Focus and Cognition

Relieving occupational fatigue by consumption of a beverage containing γ-amino butyric acid. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology 2011;57:9-15.. Kanehira T, Nakamura Y, Nakamura K, et al.

Improvement of memory and spatial cognitive function by continuous ingestion of 100 mg/day of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) – a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial. . Japanese Pharmacology Therapeitics 2020;4(3):475-486. . Yamatsu A, Nakamura U, Saddam HM, et al.

Intake of 200 mg/day gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) improves a wide range of cognitive functions – a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial. . Japanese Pharmacology Therapeitics 2020;4(3):461-474.. Yamatsu A, Nakamura U, Saddam HM, et al.

Mood and Stress Support

Relaxation…enhancement effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans. . Biofactors 2006;26:201-208. [used PharmaGABA]. Abou A, Higashiguchi S, Horie K, et al.

Psychological stress-reducing effect of chocolate enriched with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in humans: assessment of stress using heart rate variability and salivary chromogranin A.. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition 2009;60 Suppl 5:106-113. [used PharmaGABA]. Nakamura H, Takishima T, Kometani T, Yokogoshi H.

Oral intake of γ-aminobutyric acid affects mood and activities of central nervous system during stressed condition induced by mental tasks.. Amino Acids 2012;43(3):1331-1337. [used PharmaGABA]. Yoto A, Murao S, Motoki M, et al.

Sleep Support

Effect of oral γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration on sleep and its absorption in humans. Food Science and Biotechnology 2016;25(2):547-551. [used PharmaGABA]. Yamatsu A, Yamashita Y, Pandharipande T, et al.

Lean Body Mass Support

Oral supplementation using gamma-aminobutyric acid and whey protein improves whole body fat-free mass in men after resistance training.. Journal of Clinical Medicine Research 2019; 11(6): 428–434. [used PharmaGABA]. Sakashita M, Nakamura U, Horie N, et al.

Our Ingredients

Thorne cares deeply about where our ingredients come from. Our research and development team is tasked with sourcing exceptional ingredients, maintaining oversight of an ingredient's origin, and providing complete supply chain transparency.

We partner only with suppliers whose practices emphasize quality, science, and environmental responsibility. We believe that better ingredients mean better potency, absorption, and digestibility - and ultimately better health.

Related Health Concerns

Sleep Stress