One of the more interesting components in green tea is GABA. Gamma-Amino Butyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid which acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It inhibits nerve transmission in the brain, calming nervous activity.   GABA is one of  the most abundant neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, especially in the cerebral cortex, which is where cognition is thought to take place and sensations are interpreted.  GABA  functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. This means that it blocks nerve impulses.   Without GABA, nerve cells will fire too often and too easily.

Many disorders such as Parkinson’s syndrome, addiction, headaches, ADD/ADHD, panic attacks, generalized anxiety, certain types of seizures, and other cognitive impairments have all been related to low GABA activity.  The calming effect of GABA when utilized  synergistically with the other constituents in green tea like caffeine and L-theanine have a unique effect on nerve transmissions.   Caffeine inhibits GABA release. The less GABA, the more nerve transmissions occur.  The fact that Matcha is abundant in both is one of those perfect mysteries of mother nature.  Tea has the amazing ability to cause an alert calmness, a meditative state that is both aware and calm at the same time.  This is precisely what drew monks to drink tea.  There are many theoretical stories as to who first started drinking tea.  Many sources will mention the legendary Shen Nong of ancient China some 4,500 years ago.  What is certain is that the effects of tea on ones ability to meditate, pray, stay awake, and focus were as highly prized then as they are today.

Tranquilizing drugs such as Benzodiazepines and barbiturates work by increasing or imitating GABA’s effect of inhibiting nerve transmission. The GABA in green tea can have a direct effect on a number of key health issues shown to be more prevalent in people with lower levels of GABA

Anxiety:  If oral GABA reaches the brain in any significant amount it should act as a tranquilizer. GABA as a neurotransmitter, blocks nerve impulses and slows neuronal transmission.  Some studies have suggested that the inhalation of tea may be one of the key delivery systems for GABA.

Depression:  There is a well proven tendency for depressed and bipolar patients to have lower levels of GABA in their blood plasma.

Premenstrual Syndrome   Women who become depressed with hormonal changes during their menstrual cycle have lower plasma GABA levels than women whose moods are unaffected by menstrual changes.

Blood sugar and Diabetes:   GABA may stimulate insulin production and lower blood sugar levels.

HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE

There is evidence that getting extra GABA into the brain increases Human Growth Hormone. Injections of GABA directly into the brain increase Growth Hormone in rats. Baclofin, a drug analog of GABA that does reach the brain, increases HGH so it makes sense that GABA would do the same. (Baclofen, also known as Chlorophenibut is a derivative of GABA. It is primarily used to treat spasticity and is in the early research stages for use for the treatment of alcoholism.)

GHB    Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) has a similar name but is a different chemical. It is made within the brain from GABA. GHB has been researched for treating alcohol, opiate and other drug dependencies and for treating withdrawal symptoms.  

Another approach is to look at substances which change GABA action in the brain. chemicals are released from the fragrance of tea appear to reach the brain by inhalation, increasing GABA action. Extracts of green tea, black tea and oolong tea elicit a GABA response in test models. Theanine is an amino acid found in large amounts in tea. It is why a cup of tea can be calming despite the fact it contains caffeine. Theanine may increase glutamate transport and increase GABA levels.

    Alcohol and green tea  -Over the course of the last year since embarking on my tea drinking resolution I have had at least 10 different patients who have also decided to take up Matcha as a healthy habit volunteer their own experiences of having a reduced desire for alcohol.  I don’t believe any of them necessarily set out to curtail their drinking by consuming green tea, I think it has been just an added benefit.  I believe that one way to look at this phenomena is perhaps the Baclofen/GHB/GABA effects that a substantial amount of tea may have.  I haven’t read any studies, and I am basing my thoughts on this by observation alone, but the observations are valid.  I myself found less of a tendency to want anything alcoholic while I am drinking so much tea.  I initially assumed it was because I was SO full of tea at the end of the day that even the idea of a beer sounded too heavy!  Maybe there is a neurological/chemical explanation for this tendency as well.

  I can attest to the fact that a number of patients have merely brought up this effect to me without my asking.  If anyone knows of any research on this topic please leave me a link.

 

 

 

From WebMD:

GABA is a chemical that is made in the brain.

GABA is taken by mouth for relieving anxiety, improving mood, reducing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also used for promoting lean muscle growth, burning fat, stabilizing blood pressure, and relieving pain.

GABA is used under the tongue for increasing the sense of well-being, relieving injuries, improving exercise tolerance, decreasing body fat, and increasing lean body weight.

How does it work?

GABA works by blocking brain signals (neurotransmissions).

Possibly Effective for:

• High blood pressure. Some research shows that taking products containing GABA along with other ingredients can reduce blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
• Motion sickness. Some research shows that taking GABA might slow the onset of motion sickness and reduce symptoms such as chills, cold sweats, and pale skin.

 

Insufficient Evidence for:

• Cerebral palsy. Early research shows that taking GABA might improve mental development, learning, vocabulary, and physical function in children with cerebral palsy.
• Long-term infection of the airways in the lung (bronchitis). Early research shows that taking GABA along with medications used for bronchitis increases the amount of time between symptom episodes.
• Cushing’s disease. Early research shows that GABA reduces the release of the hormone that causes Cushing’s disease.
• Seizures. Early research shows that taking GABA along with medication used for treating seizures reduces the frequency of seizures in some people, but does not benefit people who have seizures triggered by lights or other visual causes.
• Huntington’s disease. Early research shows that taking GABA alone or with other treatments does not improve movement in people with Huntington’s disease.
• Inflammation of the tissue around the brain and spine (Meningitis). Early research suggests that taking GABA reduces the development of symptoms after recovery and prevents the development of other serious conditions.
• Brain disorder caused by exposure to chemicals. Early research shows that taking GABA improves attention, memory, and emotional responses in children with a brain disorder caused by exposure to chemicals.
• Stress. Early research shows that taking GABA reduces stress, tension, anxiety, confusion, and depression in people under stress.
• Relieving anxiety.
• Improving mood.
• Relieving premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
• Treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Promoting lean muscle growth.
• Burning fat.
• Stabilizing blood pressure.
• Relieving pain.