MOLECULE

gamma-Aminobutyric acid

gamma-Aminobutyric acid, also known as GABA or g-amino-butanoate, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as gamma amino acids and derivatives. These are amino acids having a (-NH2) group attached to the gamma carbon atom. gamma-Aminobutyric acid is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble (in water), and relatively neutral. gamma-Aminobutyric acid exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. Outside of the human body, gamma-Aminobutyric acid has been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as fox grapes, oxheart cabbages, garden onion (var.), yellow zucchinis, and chinese mustards. This could make gamma-aminobutyric acid a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. gamma-Aminobutyric acid is a potentially toxic compound. A gamma-amino acid that is butanoic acid with the amino substituent located at C-4. gamma-Aminobutyric acid is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.