Chinese Club Moss Extract Benefits, Uses & Side Effects

Chinese club moss is a Chinese herb (Huperzia serrata) with small, needle-like leaves and branches resembling pine shrubbery.

The use of Chinese club moss in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back to the Tang imperial dynasty (approximately 600-900 A.D.). Royal physicians treated colds, rheumatism, muscle tension and blood circulation disorders with Chinese club moss.

Modern research into the pharmacology and chemistry of Chinese club moss began in the 1980s, which quickly led to the discovery of Huperzine A, a naturally occurring alkaloid effective in treating some neurological conditions. [1]

Chinese club moss is also referred to as Qian Ceng Ta, Huperzia serrata, Toothed Club Moss and Huperazon. [2]

Huperzine A

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor

Brain Function

Memory

Focus

How It Works:

• Inhibits the Acetylcholinesterase enzyme
• Supports memory, focus & cognition
• Promotes neurogenesis & neuroplasticity

Dosage:

Between 50 - 200 mcg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

Top Huperzine A Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

What is Chinese Club Moss Extract?

Chinese club moss extract contains Huperzine A, a sesquiterpene alkaloid containing nitrogen and inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (ACh).

Huperzine A that may provide neuroprotective and memory enhancement benefits to people suffering dementia, Alzheimer’s and other cognitive impairments. [3]

It works by preventing the degradation of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter when it is released into the brain. This effectively increases activity at cholinergic post-synaptic receptors, which play a role in memory and cognition.

As we age, levels of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter in the brain slowly decrease, leading to arbitrary, short-memory lapses experienced by many people 55+ years old.

A non-debilitating, age-related memory issue is considered an Age-Associated Memory Impairment (AAMI) that is not related to Alzheimer’s disease.

However, when ACh levels drop at least 90 percent, AD is often diagnosed, caused by “the death of cholinergic brain cells and ensuing loss of behavioral and cognitive functioning”. [4]

Huperzine A Research

Numerous research studies have investigated the efficacy of Chinese club moss extract with Huperzine A to reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. The following positive results have been observed:

Out of 50 Alzheimer’s patients given Huperzine A, 29 of the patients (58 percent) showed improvements in memory, cognitive and behavioral functioning compared to the placebo group (36 percent). [5]

A meta-analysis of eight clinical trials involving the use of Huperzine A on patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia found that “Hup A is a well-tolerated drug that could significantly improve cognitive performance in patients with AD or vascular dementia.” [6]

A 2016 overview of various phytochemicals with possible medicinal and/or therapeutic properties reports that Huperzine A may represent “one of the most interesting alkaloid candidates in dementia, since several clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in Alzheimer’s disease treatment and preclinical studies have highlighted its neuroprotective features”. [7]

Chinese club moss with Huperzine A has even been investigated as a possible medication for treating cocaine addiction. One placebo-controlled study reported that Huperzine A seemed to attenuate the effects of cocaine by reducing the intensity of a cocaine “high” and associated euphoria. [8]

Chinese Club Moss Benefits

In addition to improving symptoms of dementia, Chinese club moss supplements may help reduce muscle weakness in people suffering myasthernia gravis, a serious neuromuscular disease produced by defects in nerve impulse transmission to muscles. [9]

Chinese traditional medicine practitioners continue to use Chinese club moss to treat inflammation, fever, memory and concentration difficulties and fatigue throughout southeast Asia and China.

Huperzine-A Dosage Recommendations

Before taking Chinese club moss with Huperzine A, always consult with a physician to discuss possible interactions with certain medication.

Supplements containing Chinese club moss extract are sold in tables or capsules containing between 50 and 200 micrograms. However, dosage amounts that provide desired effects may depend on the user’s weight, age and health. [11]

Chinese Club Moss Side Effects

No reports of serious side effects from taking Chinese club moss supplements have been reported by research study subjects or users of over-the-counter Huperzine A supplements.

Due to its ability to significantly effect levels of acetylcholinesterase and acetylcholine in the brain, possible side effects may involve diarrhea, nausea, sweating, lightheadedness, restlessness or blurry vision. [10]

Because research data regarding Huperzine A is limited, it is not recommended for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Children should not be given Chinese club moss supplements due to its ability to significantly alter acetylcholinesterase and acetycholine levels in the brain.

Interactions with Medications

Combining Chinese club moss with medications promoting acetylcholine activity may heighten or interfere adversely with the effects of these medications. Examples of drugs that should not be taken concurrently with Chinese club moss include Aricept, Urecholine, Prostigmin, Cognex and Regonol.

Taking anticholinergic drugs with Chinese club moss may decrease effectiveness of Huperzine A. Anticholinergic drugs include Cogentin, Kemadrin and atropine. [12] They are prescribed to treat gastrointestinal disorders (diverticulitis, gastritis), cystitis, asthma, COPD, vertigo and chronic bronchitis.

Club Moss vs Chinese Club Moss

Club moss is not the same as Chinese club moss. Although they both belong to the Lycopodiopsida class of vascular plants, club moss does not contain Huperzine A and is used to treat kidney and bladder disorders, not dementia or memory impairment.

In addition, some club mosses provide lycopodium powder, an extract with explosive properties used for pyrotechnic purposes. Resistant to moisture, lycopodium powder may also be utilized as a powder for surgical rubber gloves to, as a pill coating to prevent pills from sticking together during manufacturing and as an ingredient in deodorants. [13]

Rate This Article

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5, rated)