GABA supplement is antiviral for COVID in a mouse study

[Hip]

GABA has been found to have a good antiviral effect for COVID in a mouse study.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is more commonly known as the brain neurotransmitter that induces relaxation, but it can be bought as a supplement.

The study found when GABA was given to mice infected with COVID (the GABA was placed in their drinking water), it reduced viral levels in the lungs by 23 times.

This antiviral effect against COVID may be limited to cells which have GABA receptors, as the study says GABA may inhibit COVID viral replication by activating GABA receptors on cells, which then lowers intracellular calcium levels, which in turn may reduce viral replication.

So the antiviral mechanism of GABA may be this:

GABA supplement ➤ Activates GABA receptors on cells ➤ Decreases cellular calcium ➤ Reduces COVID replication.

GABA receptors are found on epithelial cells, muscle cells and neurons.

To quote the study:

GABA-A receptors are expressed by lung bronchial and alveolar cells and it is possible that GABA-A receptor activation led to changes in intracellular ion levels that made the environment less favourable for viral replication.

While the activation of neuronal GABA-A receptors leads to Cl- influx and hyper-polarisation, the activation of GABA-A receptors on other types of cells, such as alveolar ATII cells, causes Cl- efflux and depolarisation.

Many viruses, including some coronaviruses, can promote Ca2+ influx into their host cell to enhance their replication.

The activation of GABA-A receptors on infected cells could promote Cl- efflux which would oppose Ca2+ influx and reduce Ca2+ contents, limiting SARS-CoV-2 replication.

GABA can be bought in capsules (100 x 500 mg costs about $9), or more cheaply as a bulk powder (1kg at Bulk Supplements costs $35, and 250 grams costs $19). Note that whilst GABA is available as a supplement in the US, Canada and Australia, it is a prescription medication in the UK, although I expect it will be possible to import GABA from the US.

In terms of the dosage used in the mouse study to achieve these antiviral effects, my calculation below suggests that the equivalent human dose would be around 300 mg daily (probably best taken in two divided doses).

Spoiler: Human GABA dose calculation

In the study, the lowest dose give to mice was 0.2 mg of GABA per ml of drinking water. The average mouse drinks about 6 ml per day, so this is a daily dose of 1.2 mg.

The average weight of a mouse is around 25 grams, so this 1.2 mg dose corresponds to 48 mg/kg.

Dividing by 12.3 to convert to human dosing, this is 3.9 mg/kg for humans. So for an 80 kg person, that is a dose of 312 mg per day.

300 mg daily is an achievable oral dose, since for treating anxiety, human GABA doses of around 500 to 1000 mg twice a day are typically used. A few people find such doses of GABA have anti-anxiety effects, likely because research suggests limited amounts of oral GABA can enter the brain, where it relaxes neurons. Though the majority do not experience anxiolytic effects from oral GABA supplements, so perhaps it may not enter the brain in sufficient quantities for most people.

There are anecdotal reports of GABA being more effective for anxiety when taken sublingually, and I have also seen reports that sublingual administration may prevent a well-known side effect of high-dose GABA, namely a feeling of breathlessness.

 

[Rufous McKinney]

How does taking GABA compare with Taking Xanax? Is taking GABA by itself less risky than taking XANAX and ending up with benzodiazepine problems?

 

[Hip]

How does taking GABA compare with Taking Xanax? Is taking GABA by itself less risky than taking XANAX and ending up with benzodiazepine problems?

If I had to guess, I would imagine that GABA supplementation might activate GABA receptors in the peripheral body more strongly than benzodiazepines. But I don't have any reference to support this.

In the brain though, that's another issue, as only limited amounts of oral GABA get into the brain (and may not enter the brain at all in many people, judging by the fact that most people do not experience relaxation effects from GABA supplementation). So benzodiazepines might have stronger GABA receptor-activating effects in the brain compared to a GABA supplement, especially for the majority of people who do not experience any calming effects from GABA supplements.

In terms of tolerance and withdrawal, from the anecdotal reports I have seen from people using GABA for anti-anxiety effects, tolerance and withdrawal is rare, if it occurs at all. So that makes GABA much less risky than benzodiazepines from the tolerance and withdrawal perspective.

 

[Wayne]

In the brain though, that's another issue, as only limited amounts of oral GABA get into the brain (and may not enter the brain at all in many people, judging by the fact that most people do not experience relaxation effects from GABA supplementation).

Hey @Hip -- You may find this interesting. I just did an AI search and got the following. The initial bolded part is my question. --- [[I just purchased 1 lb. of THIS PRODUCT on Amazon for $15.]]

I used to buy a GABA supplement product that said it was specially formulated to cross the blood brain barrier. It seemed to work, as I noticed a big difference between taking it and other non-formulated GABA products. This product was discontinued, and I was wondering if there are currently any GABA products that emphasize its ability to cross the blood brain barrier?

The ability of GABA supplements to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been a topic of debate, as GABA is traditionally thought to have limited permeability through the BBB. However, some products emphasize formulations or mechanisms that may enhance GABA's ability to reach the brain.​

Key Insights on GABA and BBB Permeability:​

1. Pharma-GABA®: This form of GABA, produced via fermentation, is highlighted in products like "GABA Boost." It is claimed to cross the BBB in significant amounts and improve neurological functions. While evidence supporting this claim remains mixed, Pharma-GABA® has gained popularity for its purported effectiveness compared to synthetic GABA45.
2. Nitric Oxide and L-Arginine: Studies suggest that combining GABA with L-arginine may increase nitric oxide levels, potentially enhancing BBB permeability. Research in rats showed a dramatic increase in brain GABA levels when administered with L-arginine, though human studies are needed to confirm this effect26.
3. Gut-Brain Axis: Some researchers propose that GABA supplements may exert effects indirectly through the enteric nervous system (gut-brain axis), rather than directly crossing the BBB. This mechanism could explain the calming and sleep-enhancing effects reported by users16.
4. Transporter Systems: Evidence of GABA transporters in the BBB suggests that small amounts of GABA might cross via facilitated transport. However, the high efflux rate complicates interpretations of its efficacy16.

Products Emphasizing BBB Crossing:​

• GABA Boost (IP Formulas): Uses Pharma-GABA® and claims significant BBB permeability4.
• Supplements with L-Arginine: Products combining GABA with nitric oxide-enhancing compounds may support increased brain uptake2.

While these formulations show promise, scientific consensus on their effectiveness remains inconclusive. If you are seeking a product emphasizing BBB permeability, Pharma-GABA® or formulations incorporating L-arginine may be worth exploring further.​

 

[Hip]

You may find this interesting

This study reference provided by the AI bot is certainly interesting, suggesting that taking GABA along with arginine can get a lot more GABA into the brain (at least in rats):

Interestingly, in one of the discussed studies with rats, GABA by itself was found to increase brain GABA by 33%, but when GABA was administered together with L-arginine, brain GABA increased by 383.3%.

The authors suggest that this dramatic increase in brain GABA might be caused by an L-arginine-mediated increase in nitric oxide, which is thought to affect BBB permeability. It would be interesting to see if this effect can be replicated in humans.

Whether this works with humans is another story, but it would be interesting to try GABA + arginine. If it worked, then you might notice a relaxation effect, as the GABA calms the brain.

 

[bad1080]

This study reference provided by the AI bot is certainly interesting, suggesting that taking GABA along with arginine can get a lot more GABA into the brain (at least in rats):


Whether this works with humans is another story, but it would be interesting to try GABA + arginine. If it worked, then you might notice a relaxation effect, as the GABA calms the brain.

saving this for later

 

[JES]

Benzodiazepines like Ativan have helped quite a few severe ME/CFS patients, that is, until they stop working. I wonder if there is a similar mechanism at play there, although the reported improvement from Ativan does seem to be a bit quick to be about reducing viral replication.

 

[Carl]

I'll stick to Tu Si Zi(Cuscuta chinensis) as it benefits ME far more than what GABA does because it treats the HPA axis and has been shown to increase the weight of the pituitary gland and function. The pituitary gland is usually affected in ME & Fibro and Tu Si Zi also treats the Hypothalamus which is also affected in ME. It also has anti cancer effects as it promotes apoptosis in various cancers. It is also protective of the kidneys which is important property for me.

It is probably better taking Glycine than GABA because that usually raises GABA levels which I have to stop or I fall asleep. I can just about get away with 1.5 tsp of Glycine without falling asleep, 1 tsp is more certain. P-5-P/Vit B6 is helpful to restore balance. Glycine contributes to Glutathione production and Collagen synthesis, it's anti ageing and has been shown in research to usually be deficient in humans.

In Silico Prediction of the Anti-Depression Mechanism of a Herbal Formula (Tiansi Liquid) Containing Morinda officinalis & Cuscuta chinensis .pdf

Tu Si Zi= Balls of steel
There are many pdf's about this herb available on Sci-Hub.

 

[Hip]

Please keep this thread on track.