Effect of the defatted rice germ enriched with GABA for sleeplessness, depression, autonomic disorder by oral administration

Abstract

We examined the usefulness of defatted rice germ enriched with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as a functional food with tranquilizer effects, particularly on sleeplessness, depression and autonomic disorder observed during the menopausal or presenile period. The examination was performed by a double blind test. Twenty female patients were divided into 2 groups, and administered defatted rice germ enriched with GABA 3 times a day. The total amount of GABA was 26.4 mg per day. The most common mental symptoms during the menopausal and presenile period such as sleeplessness, somnipathy and depression were improved in more than 65% of the patients with such symptoms. Overall improvement was observed in 75% of the patients.