Huperzine A is a novel memory-enhancing supplement that is being investigated as a treatment for Alzheimer’s and age-related memory loss.
It is also considered by many experts as a safe cognitive enhancer, used to promote better learning, focus and neuroplasticity.
Side effects observed from using the Huperzine A alkaloid have been minimal when proper dosage recommendations are followed. However, there are some noted drug interactions and certain individuals are advised to avoid this supplement.
Read on to learn more about the effects and side effects of Huperzine A as well as safe usage guidelines.
Brain Function
Memory
Focus- Inhibits the Acetylcholinesterase enzyme
- Supports memory, focus & cognition
- Promotes neurogenesis & neuroplasticity
Huperzine A Scientific Review
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Huperzine A is a natural alkaloid also known by the name Selagine.
It is obtained from the Chinese club moss plant or Huperzia Serrata.
In medical practice, it is used as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of neurological impairments. Its unique effects lead to improved memory and brain cell functioning and it is viewed as a natural alternative to many pharmaceutical medications for dementia and cognitive decline.
Huperzine A pills may also be used in counteracting the effects of certain nerve gasses that can damage nerve cells and as a treatment for the muscle disease known as myasthenia.
What are the Benefits of Huperzine A?
Randomized controlled clinical trials indicate a number of benefits of Huperzine A with few recorded side effects. Separate studies show that taking this supplement can improve memory and mental functions. It has been shown to improve impairments related to Dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases.
Patients with Alzheimer’s disease who were given a daily dosage of Huperzine A experienced significant improvements in thinking abilities and memory within the first eight weeks of use. In another study, participants with senile dementia saw marked improvement after four weeks of use.
Top Huperzine A Supplements
The effects are not limited solely to impaired individuals and those suffering from memory loss related to aging. Healthy teenagers and adolescents have also been shown to benefit from taking Huperzine A for memory enhancement.
It was able to improve forgetfulness and learning without showing any toxicity or cholinergic side effects. It is observed to reduce neuronal cell death caused by glutamate toxicity and inhibits an enzyme that degrades the acetylcholine neurotransmitter in the brain.
What are Huperzine A Side Effects?
Most individuals who take Huperzine A experience no side effects at all.
Those negative reactions that have been reported are mild and typically consist of stomach problems related to the digestion of the supplement.
These can include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and often depend on the form that Huperzine A is taken in and any fillers that may be included in capsule or tablet form.
Other side effects that have been attributed to this nootropic include increased saliva, restlessness, blurred vision and slurred speech. When used at appropriate dosage, it does not exhibit any signs of toxicity. As such, side effects that do occur are most likely temporary and not considered life-threatening or long-term.
There are some individuals who should not take Huperzine A due to complications with medications or a lack of sufficient research. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with a physician before taking this supplement. This is recommended out of an abundance of caution as there have not yet been studies to show the effects of this nootropic on unborn or breastfeeding babies.
- Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor to boost acetylcholine
- Enhances memory, focus and cognition
- Supports neurogenesis and neuroplasticity
Symptoms related to epilepsy may be worsened with the use of Huperzine A due to its effects on chemical balances in the brain. Individuals with epilepsy are advised not to take this supplement. The supplement is also not advised for patients with gastrointestinal tract blockage, peptic ulcers, lung conditions such as emphysema and patients with urinary tract blockage.
In rare cases, Huperzine A has been known to lower the heart rate of patients who take it. Individuals with bradycardia (a slow heart rate), may experience medical problems as a result of using Huperzine A. Though the risk is considered low for healthy individuals, anyone who has heart disease or a history of heart problems is advised to consult with a medical professional before using it.
Huperzine A should not be combined with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia medication unless under the supervision of a medical professional. Supplements and drugs such as Galantamine (Reminyl ER) or Donepezil (Aricept) use similar mechanisms of action with Huperzine A and may interfere with the effects of the drug or lead to excess acetylcholine levels in the brain.
It is best to speak with your doctor about treatment options involving supplements if you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Dosages to Avoid Side Effects
The best way to prevent Huperzine A side effects is to use it safely and within the recommended dosage range. Patients with Alzheimer’s disease have reported benefits when using between 50 to 200 mcg of the alkaloid twice daily. Note that this dosage is in micrograms and not milligrams. For presenile or senile dementia, a dosage of 30mcg twice a day is suggested.
As a memory boosting supplement, individuals generally report positive effects when taking between 50-200mcg per day divided between two administrations a day. Supplements like Alpha Brain by Onnit Labs provides this ingredient in a formula with other memory-boosting compounds. It does not need to be taken with food.
Users have noted that positive results can be obtained when taking Huperzine A on a cycle basis such as two weeks on followed by a break. This may reduce the risk of adverse side effects that can occur.
- Xiao XQ, Zhang HY, Tang XC. Huperzine A attenuates amyloid beta-peptide fragment 25-35-induced apoptosis in rat cortical neurons via inhibiting reactive oxygen species formation and caspase-3 activation. J Neurosci Res. 2002
- Morasch KC, Aaron CL, Moon JE, Gordon RK. Physiological and neurobehavioral effects of cholinesterase inhibition in healthy adults. Physiol Behav. 2015
- Kitisripanya N, Saparpakorn P, Wolschann P, Hannongbua S. Binding of huperzine A and galanthamine to acetylcholinesterase, based on ONIOM method. Nanomedicine. 2011
- Wang R, Zhang HY, Tang XC. Huperzine A attenuates cognitive dysfunction and neuronal degeneration caused by beta-amyloid protein-(1-40) in rat. Eur J Pharmacol. 2001
- Wang Y, Wei Y, Oguntayo S, Jensen N, Doctor BP, Nambiar MP. [+]-Huperzine A protects against soman toxicity in guinea pigs. Neurochem Res. 2011
- [No authors listed] Huperzine A. Drugs R D. 2004
- Zhu XD, Giacobini E. Second generation cholinesterase inhibitors: effect of (L)-huperzine-A on cortical biogenic amines. J Neurosci Res. 1995
- Aracava Y, Pereira EF, Akkerman M, Adler M, Albuquerque EX. Effectiveness of donepezil, rivastigmine, and (+/-)huperzine A in counteracting the acute toxicity of organophosphorus nerve agents: comparison with galantamine. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2009
