Jones GABA Video

Question: What is GABA?

Dr. Murray: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a natural calming agent that is one of the brain’s most important regulators of proper function and neurotransmitter.

Question: What is PharmaGABA?

Dr. Murray: GABA has been available as a dietary supplement for decades, but until recently it has only been available in the U.S. as chemically produced, synthetic GABA. PharmaGABA is a special form of GABA naturally manufactured from Lactobacillus hilgardii – the bacteria used to ferment vegetables in the preparation of the traditional Korean dish known as kimchi. PharmaGABA is manufactured by Pharma Foods International Co. LTD., of Kyoto, Japan.

Question: What are some of the anti-stress effects of Pharma-GABA?

Dr. Murray: Research from Japan has shown that PharmaGABA increases the production of alpha brain waves (a state often achieved by meditation and characterized by being relaxed with greater mental focus and alertness) as well as reduce the beta brain waves that are associated with nervousness, scattered thoughts, and hyperactivity. PharmaGABA has also shown an ability to reduce biological markers of stress such as cortisol; enhance feelings of focus and calmness; offset stress-induced immune suppression; and improve sleep quality.

Question: What is the difference between synthetic GABA and PharmaGABA?

Dr. Murray: Studies with synthetic GABA have indicated it has little, if any benefit. In contrast, detailed experiments with PharmaGABA have demonstrated significant anti-stress effects. In addition, PharmaGABA is the only form of GABA that has achieved generally recognized as safe status (GRAS) in the United States.

Question: What types of products in Japan contain PharmaGABA?

Dr. Murray: PharmaGABA is approved for use in Japan as an aid to conquer the feelings of stress. The most popular applications of PharmaGABA are in chocolate and coffee beverages as it is particularly helpful in counteracting the effects of caffeine. It is also found in sports beverages, water, candy, and even sausage.

Question: Are there any side effects or drug interactions with PharmaGABA?

Dr. Murray: There have been no reports of any side effects or drug interactions with PharmaGABA

Question: Is it safe to take PharmaGABA in combination with other drugs?

Dr. Murray: Yes, there are no known drug interactions.

Question: If PharmaGABA promotes a feeling of relaxation, won’t drinking it just bring me down?

Dr. Murray: No, not at all. It is hard for many people to understand how something can produce a feeling of relaxation or calmness while at the same time actually increasing clarity and focus, but that is exactly what being in an alpha brain wave state is all about.

Question: Is PharmaGABA addictive?

Dr. Murray: Though many people enjoy the feelings that PharmaGABA provides, it is not addictive.

Question: Can you overdose on PharmaGABA?

Dr. Murray: No.

Question: What’s the best way to take PharmaGABA?

Dr. Murray: PharmaGABA is well absorbed and can be taken with other foods. The effects of PharmaGABA have been observed in as little as 5 minutes and can last up to 5 hours.

Question: I have a big test coming up. When’s the best time to drink JonesGABA? Two hours before? Two days?

Dr. Murray: The best time would be within two hours prior to the test. Though taking Jones GABA while you are preparing for the test is probably a very good idea as well.

Question: What does PharmaGABA itself taste like?

Dr. Murray: It is tasteless.

Question: What’s a “tea polyphenol”?

Dr. Murray: Tea polyphenols are beneficial compounds in tea noted for their protective effects against damage to our cells in the body. Tea polyphenols are continually being investigated for their health benefits, especially as potential anticancer agents.

Question: Do you take PharmaGABA?

Dr. Murray: Absolutely. What I love about PharmaGABA is that it is truly experiential – what I mean by that is that it produces an experience that you can actually feel. For me personally, I have really enjoyed taking it prior to a round of golf. It definitely reduces tension on the first tee. I have had some of my best rounds of golf after taking PharmaGABA.

Question: Is natural medicine a replacement for other medicine?

Dr. Murray: It definitely can be. And, there are many times where natural medicine can help make conventional medicine work better and reduce side effects.

Question: I’ve heard the pharmaGABA doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier, meaning it doesn’t work. Is that true?

Dr. Murray:  First, it is important to realize that PharmaGABA meets the Japanese requirements for FOSHU status. Basically, the Japanese government has created a category for foods for specific health use (FOSHU). If there is sufficient clinical benefits they are granted specific health claims. Natural GABA is granted health claims in Japan as an anti-stress agent based upon the strength of the published and unpublished clinical research that was presented. The product definitely works to produce real benefits.

How PharmaGABA exactly works to change brain wave patterns to increase focus and clarity is a subject of debate. While it is possible that PharmaGABA, unlike chemically produced, synthetic GABA, may be able to cross the blood-brain barrier to increase brain GABA levels, the mechanism that Japanese scientists believe accounts for the noted effects of PharmaGABA involve it acting on the nerve pathways back to the brain. Specifically, PharmaGABA activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This arm of our nervous system is responsible for feelings of relaxation with greater mental acuity and focus. There is data supporting this mechanism, but regardless of the exact mechanism, the experiential effects of PharmaGABA are undeniable and easily reproducible.

The existing clinical documentation largely consists of University based research published in Japanese. For example, one of the latest studies involved 60 sixth graders and was conducted at Kyorin University Medical School. The students were divided into two groups and received either 100 mg of PharmaGABA or a placebo. The students then took a math test and were also evaluated for signs and feelings of stress (POMS). The results were quite significant. The average number of answers answered by the PharmaGABA group was 20% higher than the placebo group and the number answered correctly also increased by 20%. These results indicate that PharmaGABA helped the kids not only think faster, but also get more answers right. Exactly the type of effect that reflects the Jones Soda beverage's claim for improved focus and clarity.

For more, visit Doctormurray.com, where you can read synopses of Dr. Murray’s books, sign up for his newsletter, and get information about natural health, eating right, and other naturopathic topics.