Huperzine-A Benefits

Huperzine-A is a powerful herb derived from the Chinese club moss Huperzia Serrata plant. It has been shown to increase mental acuity and improve memory in both young and old subjects. 

It’s also used as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, depression, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders. This article will discuss the benefits of Huperzine-A in detail so you can make an informed decision about whether or not this supplement is right for you!

So, What Is Huperzine-A?

Huperzine A is a drug used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, cognitive decline, and depression. It has been used for many years in places such as China.

The US does not make huperzine available over the counter due to potential side effects that can occur from taking too much or too little of this drug.

Huperzine-A for Cognitive Function

Huperzine-A has been shown to increase concentration, memory recall, mental endurance, alertness, mood, and overall cognitive functioning in both young people as well as older adults.

It can help people with a variety of different cognitive disorders by helping them think more clearly and focus better on the tasks at hand.

Suppose you are looking for an alternative supplement that can provide cognitive enhancement without stimulants like caffeine or amphetamines. In that case, this might just be your best bet if it doesn’t have side effects associated with more powerful drugs.

How does Huperzine A work?

Huperzine-A is a cholinesterase inhibitor that can act by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in order to stimulate the brain and improve symptoms. 

A cholinesterase inhibitor is a  drug that prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter.

Huperzine-A helps those with myasthenia gravis by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates muscle movement, thus reducing its symptoms.

It helps by stimulating acetylcholine production which can lead to sharper memory and more mental clarity. This includes improved learning abilities and attention span. It also has antioxidant properties that reduce free radicals that cause cell damage in the brain resulting from oxidation.

Dosage and Side effects of Huperzine-A

There is no recommended dosage or daily allowance for Huperzine A. 

For dementia, or as a memory booster, 100mcg twice daily has been studied and found to be somewhat effective. 

For Alzheimer’s disease, the most effective range is likely between 300 and 500mcg daily.

Side Effects

As far as dietary supplements go, taking Huperzine-A is relatively safe.

Although restlessness, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting are some of the side effects that can come with taking this medication. Nausea and heart rate changes are also possible. In rare cases, Huperzine-A may cause chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat.

As with any supplement that is ingested orally, it can be dangerous to take more than the recommended dosage because the person risks experiencing overdose symptoms such as severe nausea and vomiting.

Huperzine-A should not be taken by pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding.

It is also potentially unsafe for people with schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and other types of dementia because it may cause rapid worsening of symptoms.

Where is Huperzine A available?

Huperzine A is a prescription-only drug in the US, and users are advised to speak to their physician before taking it, as it can cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

In China, Huperzine A is an over-the-counter drug that is taken daily or up to three times a week by people of all ages. It may also be available in some health food stores or online in the US.

The FDA has approved Huperzine A as a dietary supplement, but not for any medical condition.

Huperzine-A and evidence-based  research

The clinical trials on Huperzine-A conducted so far show promise. Studies have shown improved mental acuity among elderly participants in China after taking this supplement daily or weekly over five weeks.

Huperzine-A, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s

Huperzine-A may be effective at improving cognitive abilities in individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease. However, the evidence of its effectiveness is not clear-cut.

Another systematic review has noted that huperzine A does seem to have a beneficial effect on cognitive function. The review advises readers, however, to interpret the results cautiously due to methodological criticisms.