Gamma-amino-beta-hydroxybutyric acid

Overview
gamma-amino-beta-hydroxybutyric acid (GABOB) is a derivative of the neurotransmitter GABA. It is found naturally in the human body but it is not known whether it has an important physiological role at normal concentrations.

GABOB has anticonvulsant properties, but is of relatively low potency when used by itself, and is more useful as an adjutant treatment used alongside another anticonvulsant drug. It has two stereoisomers, with the (3S) isomer d-GABOB being around twice as potent an anticonvulsant as the (3R) isomer l-GABOB.

Other studies have suggested it may produce improved learning and memory function, probably through a cholinergic mechanism, as well as boosting growth hormone release. However its effectiveness for these purposes has not been well established and it is not widely used in medicine, although it is sold as a dietary supplement.