In Vitro Neuroprotective Activity Of Phenibut

Phenibut, a derivative of gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is said to exhibit neurological properties. Pharmacological studies are necessary to understand its full potential as a therapeutic agent and its possible pathway in which it exerts its biological activities. B35 rat neuroblastoma cells were pretreated with various concentrations of phenibut (1 – 30 μM) and then subjected to hydrogen peroxide or bicuculline damage to evaluate the neuroprotective activity of phenibut. The results showed that phenibut protected the cells in a dose‐dependent manner and could have acted on GABA receptors. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibition and antioxidant assays were performed in order to characterize other possible mechanisms of action. The results showed that phenibut did not have antioxidant potential nor FAAH inhibitory activity. Further studies with GABA agonists and antagonists are necessary to better understand the mechanism of action of phenibut and its possible therapeutic applications.