GABAergic effects of some foods extracts via inhibition of GABA transaminase (GABA-T)
Abstract
Methods: The inhibition of the GABA-T by aqueous extracts of tea (Camellia sinensis), coffee (Coffea arabica L.), peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) was investigated using a fluorometric microplate enzyme assay. Dose-dependent inhibition of the GABA-degrading enzymes was attained by all the food extracts tested. For determination of the IC50 values of the extracts (± 95 % CI), a linear regression was performed using Origin® (Origin® 2015G von Origin Lab Corporation, Northampton, MA 01060 USA).
Results: The aqueous extract of black tea presented the strongest inhibitory activity with an IC50-value (half maximal inhibitory concentration) of 13.0 (11.0-15.3) µg/mL. The tested food extracts were successful in inhibiting the GABA-degrading enzymes even at low concentrations.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the selected food extracts could serve as natural inhibitors for GABA-degrading enzymes thus, they could increase the GABA concentration in the brain.
Keywords
γ-Amino butyric acid, GABA-transaminase, enzyme inhibition, black tea, thyme
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