Gamma butyrolactone (GBL) is a chemical that can be found in unadulterated wines and can be converted to gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in the blood. GBL is marketed as a nutritional supplement and can increase growth hormone levels. However, it is considered a dangerous drug and has been banned from the market. GABA, on the other hand, is legal as an amino acid supplement.
Gamma butyrolactone (GBL) is a chemical compound that can be synthesized in laboratories, but can also be found in unadulterated wines. By itself, gamma butyrolactone has no effect. However, when it is absorbed into the blood, it is subjected to the action of lactonase enzymes. These enzymes catalyze the conversion of gamma butyrolactone to gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB).
As a prodrug of GHB, gamma butyrolactone is sometimes referred to as dehydrated GHB. As the term “dehydrated” implies, GBL does not contain as much water as GHB and is therefore more fat-loving or lipophilic. Compared to GHB, GBL is absorbed faster when consumed with food. This makes it produce the desired effects faster. The duration of action of gamma butyrolactone, however, is also shorter than that of its counterpart.
The effects of gamma butyrolactone are based on its property as a prodrug of GHB. GHB is similar to the naturally produced neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyrate (GABA). GABA is produced by the brain and acts on receptors to block nerve impulses, thus earning the neurotransmitter label “inhibitor.” GABA’s effects include relaxation, sleep, an increased sense of well-being, decreased anxiety, and decreased muscle tone. Furthermore, the release of GABA is associated with increased levels of growth hormone.
The only difference between GHB and GABA is the substitution of a hydroxyl group on the former. GHB readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts on the same receptors that GABA acts on. Therefore, GHB also potentially leads to relaxation, sleep, and the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. Research has shown that when gamma butyrolactone is taken in therapeutic doses, the elevation of growth hormones can reach up to five times average levels. An increase in growth hormones is better for bodybuilders and other athletes because growth hormones promote the utilization of fat stores and the development of lean muscle.
It can be converted to GHB and can increase growth hormone levels, which is why gamma butyrolactone was widely marketed during the 1990s as a nutritional supplement. At low doses ranging from 500 to 1,500 milligrams, taking GBL or GHB can promote relaxation. At medium doses ranging from 1,000-2,500 milligrams, the resulting muscle relaxation can give a person a diminished sense of balance and decreased coordination. At high doses, a person would experience adverse effects including nausea; vomiting decreased respiratory rate or bradypnea; slow heart rate or bradycardia; and seizures. The worst results are coma and death.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse and the US Food and Drug Administration have labeled gamma butyrolactone, GHB, and other associated substances as dangerous drugs. As such, they have been banned from the market. GABA, by itself, is still considered legal as an amino acid supplement.
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