Huperzine A is an alkaloid extracted mainly from the Chinese moss called Huperzia serrata . Traditionally, this moss has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat different conditions, but in recent times it has gained popularity in the West thanks to its nootropic properties.
Why is it considered a nootropic? A nootropic is any substance that can improve cognitive function, particularly in areas such as memory, creativity, or motivation, in healthy individuals. Huperzine A is classified as a nootropic due to its ability to enhance certain brain functions, primarily through the inhibition of an enzyme that degrades the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Mechanism of action: The main mechanism of action of Huperzine A is the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. By doing so, Huperzine A increases the levels of acetylcholine available in the brain, which can lead to improvements in memory and cognitive function. Acetylcholine plays a vital role in many cognitive processes, including learning and memory.
Benefits:
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Memory Improvement: Huperzine A has been shown in various studies to enhance the ability to retain and remember, which makes it especially attractive for students and professionals.
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Neuroprotection: Huperzine A offers protection against harmful agents and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's. In fact, it has been studied as a possible treatment for this disease.
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Increased Alertness and Energy: Some users report an increase in mental clarity and energy levels after consuming Huperzine A.
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Learning Enhancer: By increasing the availability of acetylcholine, it may improve the brain's ability to form new connections and learn new information.
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Antioxidant: Huperzine A also has antioxidant properties, meaning it can help protect the brain against free radical damage.
Absorption: Huperzine A is effectively absorbed orally. It has been suggested that its absorption may be improved if taken on an empty stomach, but as with many supplements, specific recommendations may vary by product and person.
Adverse effects: Although it is considered very safe and is generally very well tolerated for the vast majority, for some there may be certain side effects and contraindications to consider. Some of the adverse effects associated with Huperzine A include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, hypertension, and hallucinations. It is essential to start with low doses and watch for any adverse reactions.
Contraindications: Huperzine A may interact with certain medications, including those used to treat heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. As always, it is vital to consult a health professional before starting any new supplement.
It is important to emphasize that, while Huperzine A has a variety of potential benefits, the effects may vary between individuals. It is always essential that users do their own research and, if possible, consult with a health professional before incorporating it into their routine.
More information about Huperzine A and its dosage: https://nootropicsexpert.com/huperzine-a/
References on studies:
[i] Coleman BR, Ratcliffe RH, Oguntayo SA, Shi X., Doctor BP, Gordon RK, Nambiar MP “[+]-Huperzine A treatment protects against N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced seizure/status epilepticus in rats. ” Chemico-Biological Interactions . 2008 Sep 25;175(1-3):387-95. ( source )
[ii] Raves ML, Harel M., Pang YP, Silman I., Kozikowski AP, Sussman JL “Structure of acetylcholinesterase complexed with the nootropic alkaloid, (-)-huperzine A.” Nature Structural Biology . 1997 Jan;4(1):57-63. ( source )
[iii] Gordon RK, Nigam SV, Weitz JA, Dave JR, Doctor BP, Ved HS “The NMDA receptor ion channel: a site for binding of Huperzine A.” Journal of Applied Toxicology . 2001 Dec;21 Suppl 1:S47-51. ( source )
[iv] Shen JN, Wang DS, Wang R. “The protection of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor on β-amyloid-induced injury of neurite outgrowth via regulating axon guidance related genes expression in neuronal cells” International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology . 2012; 5(9): 900–913. ( source )
[v] Xiao XQ, Wang R., Han YF, Tang XC “Protective effects of huperzine A on beta-amyloid(25-35) induced oxidative injury in rat pheochromocytoma cells.” Neuroscience Letters . 2000 Jun 9;286(3):155-8. ( source )
[vi] Gao X., Tang XC “Huperzine A attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction in beta-amyloid-treated PC12 cells by reducing oxygen free radicals accumulation and improving mitochondrial energy metabolism.” Journal of Neuroscience Research . 2006 May 1;83(6):1048-57. ( source )
[vii] Hynd MR, Scott HL, Dodd PR “Glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease.” Neurochemistry International . 2004 Oct;45(5):583-95. ( source )
[viii] Tang LL, Wang R., Tang XC “Effects of huperzine A on secretion of nerve growth factor in cultured rat cortical astrocytes and neurite outgrowth in rat PC12 cells.” Acta Pharmacologica Sinica . 2005 Jun;26(6):673-8. ( source )
[ix] Saxena A., Qian N., Kovach IM, Kozikowski AP, Pang YP, Vellom DC, Radić Z., Quinn D., Taylor P., Doctor BP “Identification of amino acid residues involved in the binding of Huperzine A to cholinesterases.” Protein Science . 1994 Oct;3(10):1770-8. ( source )
[x] Sun Q., et. Al. “Huperzine-A capsules enhance memory and learning performance in 34 pairs of matched adolescent students” Acta Pharmacologica Sinica 1999; (7)：601—603 ( source )
[xi] Wang BS, Wang H., Wei ZH, Song YY, Zhang L., Chen HZ “Efficacy and safety of natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor huperzine A in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: an updated meta-analysis.” Journal of Neural Transmission (Vienna) . 2009 Apr;116(4):457-65. ( source )
