Dermal Effects of Oral Administration of GABA in Humans

Abstract

We investigated the effects of γ -aminobutyric acid (GABA) on facial skin conditions in humans. A placebocontrolled, double-blind 8-week study of GABA (100 mg/day) was conducted on 36 women with dry skin, fatigue and sleep disorder. After 8 weeks, skin elasticity of the cheek was significantly higher in the GABA group than in the placebo group. Although improvement in sleep quality was observed in both groups, there was no significant difference between groups. These results suggest that ingestion of GABA increases skin elasticity.

Effects of GABA on the expression of type I collagen gene in normal human dermal fibroblasts

“…13) We previously reported that the administration of GABA improved AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice by adjusting the Th1/Th2 balance. 14) Furthermore, a placebo-controlled, double-blind study indicated that oral administration of GABA significantly increased the skin elasticity 15) however, its regulatory mechanism is not understood. In this study, we therefore investigate the effects of GABA on the expression of type I collagen (COL1A1 and COL1A2) and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs).…”

“…23) We also reported that oral administration of GABA significantly increased the skin elasticity in human study. 15) In addition, GABA Table 1. Primer sequences.…”

GABA promotes elastin synthesis and elastin fiber formation in normal human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs)

“…16) In trials involving healthy human subjects, GABA was rapidly absorbed and reached a peak concentration in the plasma 1 h after oral administration, resulting in significantly increased circulating insulin levels to improve diabetes. 17) We also previously reported that oral administration of biosynthesized GABA significantly increased skin elasticity, 6) and treatment with biosynthesized GABA significantly upregulated the expression of type I collagen and downregulated MMP-1 expression in HDFs. 7) In this study, we further examined whether GABA regulates elastic fiber formation in HDFs.…”

“…5) Furthermore, a placebo-controlled, double-blind study indicated that the oral administration of biosynthesized GABA significantly increased skin elasticity. 6) Biosynthesized GABA administration upregulated the expression of type I collagen and downregulated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression in HDFs in vitro. 7) However, detailed knowledge of its regulatory mechanism is lacking, especially regarding the control of elastic fiber formation.…”

An anti-aging dietary supplement inhibits dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and arginase in vitro and improves quality of life factors of middle-aged adults

“…Further, a placebo controlled, double-blind 8-week study involving 36 women with dry skin, fatigue and sleep disorder that ingesting 100 mg GABA/day increased skin elasticity of the cheek (Hokazono et al 2016). Such skin improvements are associated with increased GH levels.…”