Aminobutyrates are the salts or esters of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. GABA plays a crucial role in regulating brain excitability and calming down nerve activity. Aminobutyrates can also refer to compounds that contain an amino group (-NH2) and a butyric acid functional group (-CH2-CH2-COOH).