Aminobutyrates are chemical compounds that contain an amino group (-NH2) and a butyric acid group (-CH2-CH2-CH2-COOH). The most common aminobutyrate is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of mammals. GABA plays a crucial role in regulating neuronal excitability and preventing excessive nerve activity, thus helping to maintain normal brain function and psychological well-being.

Abnormalities in GABA metabolism or signaling have been implicated in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as epilepsy, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Therefore, modulating GABAergic neurotransmission has become a promising therapeutic strategy for treating these conditions.

Other aminobutyrates include beta-aminobutyric acid (BABA) and alpha-aminobutyric acid (AABA), which are less well-studied than GABA but have been shown to have various biological activities, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.