Huperzine A is acclaimed as one of the strongest memory supplements available without a prescription.
It is an herbal extract from the Chinese club moss plant that is also sold under the names Huperzia Serrata, Selagine and Cerebra.
Huperzine A is typically marketed to individuals who want to protect their memory as they age as well as to students who would like to enhance their learning potential.
It also has seen a significant amount of clinical use in the treatment of senile dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, certain forms of amnesia, mental deficiencies and other neurological impairments.
With so many brain supplements out there pledging to enhance memory and intelligence, it can be difficult to separate the good from the bad. In this Huperzine A review, we look at the reasoning behind why this nootropic works as well as share some experiences from users.



- Inhibits the Acetylcholinesterase enzyme
- Supports memory, focus & cognition
- Promotes neurogenesis & neuroplasticity
Huperzine A Review
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Huperzine A can boost your memory because it is a cholinesterase inhibitor.
This has the end effect of increasing the amount of active acetylcholine in your brain.
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter used in processes related to memory storage and recall as well as analytical reasoning and associative or lateral thinking.
By raising the levels of this neurotransmitter at precisely the point in time when it is interacting with receptors in your brain, Huperzine A can contribute to better memory formation both in short-term and long-term capacities.
As a cholinesterase inhibitor, Huperzine A shares a lot in common with many FDA-approved medications that are currently being used to treat Alzheimer’s disease and the blanket condition known as age-related memory impairment.
Neuroscientists have targeted acetylcholine pathways as one of the key mechanisms by which senile dementia and Alzheimer’s can be ameliorated. This is because levels of this neurotransmitter tend to be very low in patients with memory problems and much of the Cholingeric system seems to be destroyed leading up to Alzheimer’s disease.
Multiple studies have tested Huperzine A formulations in elderly individuals suffering from memory loss. It has been shown that within the first two months of administration to patients with Alzheimer’s disease, memory and cognitive abilities were improved.
In another study on patients with senile dementia, positive results were realized within two to four weeks of treatment with Huperzine A. These results have also been repeated in trials on health adolescents and university-aged students.
In one study, Huperzine A was given to Chinese middle school students that were suffering from memory problems. Subsequent tests showed vast improvements taking this natural nootropic.
While most studies have looked at Huperzine A in the context of memory enhancement, there are a number of additional benefits reported in reviews. It is common from Huperzine A experience logs to mention higher energy levels as well as increased alertness.
A number of Huperzine A reviews say that this product gives them better focus and concentration, especially when combined with other nootropics. Some individuals have said it helps them overcome brain fog, gives them better verbal fluidity and communication skills, promotes creative thought and leads to vivid dreams at night.
User Results with Huperzine A
Below are some user comments from taking Huperzine A to enhance their brainpower and support memory function. Not everyone will see the same results, but these Huperzine A reviews should give you a good idea of what is possible when taking this supplement.
Some individuals will experience dramatic increases in their ability to remember while others say they feel nothing at all. This is not uncommon in the world of brain supplements since everyone has a unique brain chemistry and different sensitivity levels.
“It is like a cup of coffee for the brain. I found my thinking to be remarkably clear, my decision making ability enhanced, and my mind going faster than before, in a good way.”
“I am 77 years old, my short term memory was declining to a level where I was concerned that I was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. I started the Huperzine and, within a couple of days, I had names and words when I needed them. I was totally amazed.”
“Does not do anything for me at all and I’ve been taking them for a month now. Don’t get this product.”
“Product seems good, but I don’t recommend using Huperzine by itself. If improving things like memory, focus etc. is your goal, use it in combination with a racetam of choice and other cognitive enhancers. Huperzine’s more like the trusty, helper sidekick as opposed to the super hero.”
“After reading several reviews about Huperzine A, I wanted to try it out. I began using this herbal supplement and within two weeks, felt my memory improving daily.”
Using Huperzine A
Most people who take Huperzine A do not experience side effects, but there have been instances of negative reactions.
One common side effect is strange dreams and lucid dreaming. You may have better memory of your nighttime adventures which can be unpleasant especially if your dreams are more like nightmares.
In terms of physical side effects, some reviews mention nausea, appetite suppression, restlessness irritability, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle twitching, and sweating.
There have been instances of more serious side effects like a faster heart rate in individuals with pre-existing conditions like heart disease. If you have any outstanding medical conditions, speak to a doctor before taking Huperzine A.
Huperzine A is a highly potent supplement and required dosages are very small. Most people taking it as a cognitive enhancer will use between 50 to 200 mcg per day. This is often split into two doses of 100 mcg with one in the morning and one at lunchtime.
If you are taking Huperzine A because you think you might have early signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia, it is best to check with your doctor to determine an appropriate dosage.
On its own, this nootropic is relatively effective but most Huperzine A reviews say that it works much better when combined with complimentary supplements. A good strategy is to stack it with another type of acetylcholine supplement like Alpha GPC. If you would rather buy a pre-made supplement stack instead of researching different ingredients on your own, a good choice is Alpha Brain which contains both Huperzine A and Alpha GPC mixed together.
Once you’ve had the chance to try this supplement, share your review with us and let our readers know what you think of it!
- 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. J Neural Transm. 2009
- Kalaria DR, Patel P, Merino V, Patravale VB, Kalia YN. Controlled iontophoretic transport of huperzine A across skin in vitro and in vivo: effect of delivery conditions and comparison of pharmacokinetic models. Mol Pharm. 2013
- Rispoli V, Ragusa S, Nisticò R, Marra R, Russo E, Leo A, Felicitá V, Rotiroti D. Huperzine a restores cortico-hippocampal functional connectivity after bilateral AMPA lesion of the nucleus basalis of meynert. J Alzheimers Dis. 2013
- Zhang HY, Yan H, Tang XC. Non-cholinergic effects of huperzine A: beyond inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2008
- Sun QQ, Xu SS, Pan JL, Guo HM, Cao WQ. Huperzine-A capsules enhance memory and learning performance in 34 pairs of matched adolescent students. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao. 1999
- Xu SS, Gao ZX, Weng Z, Du ZM, Xu WA, Yang JS, Zhang ML, Tong ZH, Fang YS, Chai XS, et al. Efficacy of tablet huperzine-A on memory, cognition, and behavior in Alzheimer's disease. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao. 1995
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
2 Comments
Great sleep aid!
I’ve been using Huperzine A for myasthenia gravis for nearly a month now. I’ve found it to work FAR better than the Mestinon I was told to take! It lasts 3-4 times as long (I’m a rapid metabolizer), offers more symptom control, and wears off gently, unlike the RX. It’s also helped significantly with my cognitive impairment.