Huperzine A Review, Uses and Mechanisms of Action

Huperzine A is a common ingredient in nootropic stacks and it is also regarded as one of the best natural nootropics on its own. This herbal compound comes from the Huperzia Serrata plant and offers many benefits for people who want to boost their brain power.

It is used both by students who are looking to facilitate better learning and among adults who want to keep their memory working at the best level. It may one day become a commonplace supplement in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and other age-related forms of memory loss.

This ancient Chinese remedy is highly potent, requiring small dosages in order to be effective. In this article, we will provide you with more information about how Huperzine A works, the right way to use it and some possible side effects.

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

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Huperzine A Mechanism of Action

Huperzine A is an alkaloid that comes from the Chinese firmoss Huperzia Serrata as well as other related species including Huperzia Elmeri, Huperzia Carinat, and Huperzia Aqualupian.

It is used as a memory booster and as a cognitive enhancer that improves neuroplasticity.

This natural brain supplement can make it easier for your neurons to form new connections so that you learn faster and remember more. Huperzine is also recognized as neuroprotective and can support overall brain health with long-term use.

It has recently caught the attention of scientists because it seems to counteract one of the primary signs of cognitive decline present in people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Unlike other Alzheimer’s medications and drugs, Huperzine is regarded as safe with only mild side effects. You will even find it in over-the-counter nootropic supplement stacks like Alpha Brain from Onnit Labs.

If you are familiar with Nootropics, it may interest you to know that Huperzine has similar effects to more powerful memory-enhancing supplements such as Piracetam and Aniracetam. This natural nootropic may even be able to amplify the benefits you can achieve when taking Racetams or other smart drugs.

Huperzine affects the cholinergic system of the brain by promoting higher levels of acetylcholine – a neurotransmitter that is essential for many of the most basic mental functions. By raising levels of acetylcholine, you can improve memory, learning, reasoning, and focus.

Huperzine A has a slightly different mechanism of increasing acetylcholine (Ach) levels as compared to Piracetam or a choline supplement.

This alkaloid is what is known as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, preventing it from being used again by your neurons.

Because Huperzine prevents acetylcholinesterase from breaking down acetylcholine, it effectively increases the amount of this neurotransmitter that is available. As a result, there is greater reuptake of Ach by pre-synaptic neurons.

The result is improved memory formation and memory consolidation. Essentially, Huperzine increases the ability of your neurons to connect and communicate with each other, resulting in more neural activity.

This herbal supplement also seems to work as an NDMA receptor antagonist. In this regard, Huperzine A is able to contribute to greater release of Nerve Growth Factor – a protein which is required for the growth of nerve cells.

By increasing NGF levels, Huperzine may ultimately lead to the formation of new neurons as well as better maintenance of existing neurons and neurites.

The effect of Huperzine in causing generation of new brain cells is something that needs to be investigated further, but it is certainly a promising area of research for patients suffering from brain damage or other forms of cognitive decline.

Huperzine A Dosage

Many nootropic supplements that you might have experience with such as Piracetam or Aniracetam ware most effective when taken in dosages several grams large. Others more potent compounds like Noopept and Phenylpiracetam might require 10 – 100 milligrams.

But Huperzine is so incredibly concentrated that the typically dosage consists of a few micrograms at a time. One microgram is equivalent to 1/1000th of a milligram, which should give you some idea of how powerful this natural nootropic is.

The recommended dosage for Huperzine A is between 100 mcg to 200 mcg for daily use and a maximum of 400 mcg used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s.

For the best results, you may want to combine Huperzine A with other nootropics from the Racetam family or other acetylcholine supplements.

Huperzine A Side Effects

If you stick to the recommended dosage, Huperzine is considered to be very safe with low risk of side effects. Some mild bad reactions have occurred resulting in side effects such as nausea, vomiting, appetite suppression, restlessness, headaches, high blood pressure and increased sweating.

In general, these side effects only occur in a small number of cases.

You should not use Huperzine A if you are pregnant or breast feeding. It is also not recommended for people with heart disease, epilepsy, another form of seizure disorder, emphysema, GI blockages, or urinary tract blockages.

If you are taking other medications, you should consult with your doctor before you begin to use this cognitive supplement.

Buy Huperzine A

There are several different options for purchasing Huperzine. You can either purchase the bulk raw Huperzine powder or you can buy Huperzine tablets in either 100mcg or 200 mcg doses.

The powder is typically much cheaper than purchasing this supplement in pill format. However due to the very small dose sizes required for Huperzine, you may find it more convenient to purchase it in pill format. That way you can be assured that you are taking the proper dosage level.

If you do decide to buy the powder, make sure you have an electronic measuring scale that is able to measure out doses at least 1/10th of a milligram.

Another option is to purchase Huperzine in a pre-made nootropic stack. If you are planning to use several different natural nootropics together, this option will likely save you some money.

By using Huperzine with a compound like Alpha GPC or Citicoline, you can actually improve your results by taking advantage of several different pathways to increase acetylcholine levels.

One of the most popular nootropic products that contains Huperzine is Alpha Brain which uses a mix of several different natural nootropics.

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