Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major calming brain chemical or neurotransmitter.* Clinical studies show that the natural form of GABA that is in Thorne's 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.* Other studies have shown reduced pupil diameter, heart rate, and two natural biomarkers of stress – salivary cortisol and chromogranin A – all signs of relaxation.* In addition, studies also indicate GABA can enhance sleep.* In a head-to-head, double-blind trial of natural PharmaGABA versus synthetic GABA, the synthetic GABA did not demonstrate these positive effects.* PharmaGABA-250 offers 250 mg of natural GABA per capsule, while PharmaGABA-100 offers 100 mg per capsule. Both are non-habit forming.
The natural GABA in Thorne's PharmaGABA suite is produced via a fermentation process that utilizes Lactobacillus hilgardii, the same bacteria that is used to ferment cabbage in the preparation of the traditional Korean dish known as kimchi.