Natural Products Altering GABAergic Transmission

Abstract

Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter found in several regions of the brain and known to have various significant physiological roles as a potent bioactive compound. Malfunction of GABAergic neuronal signaling prompts to cause severe psychiatric symptoms in numerous mental disorders. Several drugs are available in clinical practice for neuropsychiatric disorders targeting through GABAergic pathway, with notable adverse effects. Interestingly, in recent years, researchers are focusing on natural compounds altering GABAergic neurotransmission for various psychiatric disorders due to its wide range of therapeutic efficacy and safety. The enormous variety of natural compounds, namely alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, polyacetylenic alcohols, alkanes and fatty acids were reported to alter the GABAergic transmission through its receptors and or by influencing the transmission, synthesis and metabolism of GABA. Natural compounds are able to cross the blood brain barrier and influence the GABA functions in order to treat anxiety, mania, schizophrenia and cognitive disorders. Therefore, this current chapter describes on natural products which have the potential to alter the GABAergic neurotransmission and its therapeutical benefits in treating several neuropsychiatry disorders using various pharmacological methods.