Abstract: As a novel functional component, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) with many kinds of functions of regulating blood pressure, alleviating depression, treating epilepsy, delaying aging and treating diabetes, is widely distributed in a large variety of plants. It is reported that plant germination was recognized as an effective way to raise endogenous GABA levels, which in combination with several environmental stress modes could further promote GABA enrichment in germinating plants. This paper mainly discussed the metabolic pathways and influence factors of GABA enrichment in plants, as well as the synergistic effects of environmental stress and germination on endogenous GABA enrichment in plants, providing references for the development and application of GABA-rich plant-based foods.