Valproic acid [
P0823] and its sodium salt are one of the major antiepileptic agents. The mechanisms of action have not been established. However, it has been suggested that its activity in epilepsy is related to increased brain concentrations of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) [
A0282] and dopamine [
A0305] in brain.
1,2) Furthermore, valproic acid and its sodium salt have recently been shown to inhibit histone deacetylases (HDACs) which play important roles in regulation of gene transcription and pathogenesis of cancer.
3-5) (The product is for research purpose only.)