Picamilon is actually GABA and niacin bonded together so that they can cross the blood-brain-barrier. It is hydrolysed into the two seperate components once it reaches the brain. GABA on it's own, however, does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier, so taking it on it's own will not deliver the same thing as taking Picamilon. Niacin on the other hand can cross the BBB.