Huperzia Serrata is a type of firmoss that contain the memory-boosting nootropic compound Huperzine A.
This acetylcholinesterase inhibitor is known for increasing levels of a neurotransmitter related to memory formation, recall and many of the most basic cognitive functions.
The plant itself is also known as Chinese club moss and is native to India and Southeast Asia. The extract of this plant has been used in the traditional medicine of China for centuries.
Huperzia Serrata is widely distributed over the counter as both an herbal Alzheimer’s treatment and as a cognitive enhancement supplement. You will find Huperzia Serrata in supplements such as Alpha Brain while most other Huperzine A sources use synthetic versions of this alkaloid.



- Inhibits the Acetylcholinesterase enzyme
- Supports memory, focus & cognition
- Promotes neurogenesis & neuroplasticity
Huperzia Serrata Effects:
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The main method of action for this supplement has to do with the effects of the alkaloid Huperzine A once it crosses over the blood-brain barrier and interacts with neuron receptor sites.
This natural chemical in Huperzia Serrata mainly affects the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine.
It effectively attacks an enzyme that limits the amount of this neurotransmitter that is produced within the brain.
This enzyme is called acetylcholinesterase (or Cholinesterase) and it breaks down Acetylcholine once it has been released from neurons. Taking Huperzia Serrata supplements will help to increase the level of Acetylcholine within the brain.
Acetylcholine is one of the most important brain chemicals that your neurons use to communicate with each other. It is actually the only neurotransmitter used in the motor division of the somatic nervous system.
This activates the muscles in the peripheral nervous system and plays a crucial role in our ability to sustain attention in the central nervous system. Another key responsibility for acetylcholine is in mediating synaptic plasticity which is the ability of your brain to form new connections.
The more acetylcholine activity in key brain areas such as the hippocampus, the better memory formation, retention and recall functions you will have. If you have difficulty remembering new information or find yourself experiencing “senior moments”, it may be due to diminished acetylcholine levels in your neurons.
Using Huperzia Serrata can boost your long-term memory performance, improve short-term or working memory and even enhance fluid intelligence.
Huperzia Serrata Benefits:
The primary benefit of Huperzia Serrata and Huperzine A is that it helps to improve memory capacity and access to stored memories.
This is certainly true for short-term memory, largely due to an increase in the levels of Acetylcholine.
There is also evidence to support additional effects upon memory systems in the brain and your neurons.
For example, studies have also shown that supplementation with Huperzine Serrata can reduce oxidative stress in cholinergic neurons, i.e. those neurons which are part of the Choline and Acetylcholine system. Other studies have indicated that this supplement may improve adolescent memory retention and performance.
There is also significant evidence showing that this supplement may improve cognition in people with memory deficits. This includes helping those with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia (which is perhaps the most common cause of age-related dementia).
Other studies have shown that the supplement can provide significant memory improvements even for healthy adults.
As with other Acetylcholine supplements, using Huperzia may also lead to an improved learning capacity. Many also report an increase in attention span, concentration, and focus.
There is also evidence supporting the contention that this supplement helps to increase levels of nerve growth factor, which is an important element in the repair and growth of all types of nerve cells. With higher levels of nerve growth factor, your brain will become even more plastic and new neurons may even begin to develop.
Huperzia Serrata Dosage:
When looking for a high-quality Huperzia Serrata supplement, you need to look at the concentration of the active ingredient Huperzine A.
Many supplements have a very low concentration, some even around .5%. As an example, 50 mg of Huperzia Serrata at a .5% concentration would mean 25 mcg of Huperzine A. This is the number to pay attention to when determining dosage levels.
The typically recommended dose is 50 to 100 mcg of Huperzine A per day. It is strongly recommended that you start at the very low end of this range, and perhaps even lower, until getting a clear idea as to how this supplement actually affects you. Never exceed 200 mcg per day.
In a nootropic stack supplement such as Alpha Brain, there is 40 mg of Huperzia Serrata per serving (2 capsules). This product contains 0.5% Huperzine A which means a total effective dosage of 20 mcg.
While this is lower than what you would use otherwise if you were taking Huperzine A on its own, when stacking Huperzia with other nootropics you may see positive results even at a smaller dosage. This is especially true when stacking it with other Cholinergic supplements such as Alpha GPC or Citicoline.
Huperzia Serrata Side Effects:
Studies have shown that when used at the proper (i.e. recommended) dosage levels, this supplement is among the safest of all memory boosting smart drugs on the market today.
It is well-tolerated for most healthy adults. However, there have been some side effects associated with its use.
These include insomnia, skin reactions, upset stomach, and minor breathing problems. Generally, these are all quite mild and usually only present in dosages higher than the recommended levels.
There are experts who suggest that this supplement should not be used on a long-term, regular basis. The theory is that blocking the natural regulation pathways for Acetylcholine over extended time periods may cause your body to limit or cease normal production. So, you may want to consider cycling this, with at least a one-week break every month.
Huperzia Serrata Review:
Huperzia Serrata is an excellent nootropic supplement with the possibility to help many people achieve greater mental performance and concentration. This is something that anyone who has been experiencing declines or lapses in their memory should consider adding to their routine immediately.
Whether you are currently using nootropics or have never taken brain supplements before, Huperzia Serrata is a safe and effective way to enhance your brainpower. You may want to purchase Huperzine A on its own or buy Alpha Brain which combines this nootropic with 10 other brain boosting ingredients.
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- [No authors listed] Huperzine A. Drugs R D. 2004
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- Li YX, Zhang RQ, Li CR, Jiang XH. Pharmacokinetics of huperzine A following oral administration to human volunteers. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2007
- Wang ZF, Wang J, Zhang HY, Tang XC. Huperzine A exhibits anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in a rat model of transient focal cerebral ischemia. J Neurochem. 2008
- Ruan Q, Liu F, Gao Z, Kong D, Hu X, Shi D, Bao Z, Yu Z. The anti-inflamm-aging and hepatoprotective effects of huperzine A in D-galactose-treated rats. Mech Ageing Dev. 2013
- He XC, Yu GL, Bai DL. [Studies on analogues of huperzine A for treatment of senile dementia. VI. Asymmetric total synthesis of 14-nor-huperzine A and its inhibitory activity of acetylcholinesterase]. Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2003
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
1 Comment
Minha mãe tem 82 anos e há 8 anos vem perdendo a memória. Hoje está diagnosticada com Alzheimer em uma escala de 10 seria 6. às vezes esquece nomes dos filhos ou não sabe quem é a filha que está ao seu lado em certos momentos. Temos que concordar com as coisas que fala senão ela fica agressiva e só piora o quadro. Temos muita vontade que ela volte a ter mais memória e a regressão do mal, pois sempre foi lutadora, guerreira que além de criar seus 7 filhos ajudava as outras mães mais empobrecidas que nós a criar seus filhos com saúde.
Nosso desejo da cura tbm é porque ela já sofreu muito com meu pai com esquizofrenia e no final da vida dele cuidou-o com todo carinho 10 anos de cama sem conhecer ninguém, nem mesmo ela. E junto a isto cuidou da própria mãe mais de 10 anos também com final de demência, culminando com a morte 3 anos antes de meu pai. Minha mãe merece ficar lúcida.
Obrigada e nos ajudem por favor. Ficaremos eternamente gratas.
Marlene Silveira, Vilhena, Rondônia/ Brasil