Huperzine capsule
Huperzine research huperzine side effects huperzine and Alzheimer
Huperzine A is an extract from a club moss (Huperzia serrata) that has been
used for centuries in Chinese folk medicine. Huperzine's action has been attributed to its
ability to strongly inhibit acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down
acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. Acetylcholine is involved in
memory
and learning. By inhibiting the enzyme that breaks it down, more acetylcholine becomes
available to stimulate neurons. Alzheimer’s disease is a condition where there’s
a relative shortage of acetylcholine.
Several studies have been done over the past
few years with huperzine A both in China and the United States. These studies have shown
that Huperzine A is many times more effective and selective than tacrine (a
cholinesterase-inhibiting pharmaceutical drug) in inhibiting cholinesterase (Cheng 1996).
Huperzine A has also been found to be beneficial in patients with
Alzheimer’s
disease. Scientists at Zhejiang Medical University, in Hangzhou, China administered 0.2 mg
of huperzine A to fifty patients with Alzheimer’s disease for a period of eight weeks
and compared the results to a group who received placebo pills (Xu 1995). The study was
done in a double blind, placebo controlled and randomized manner. The results showed 58
percent of the patients treated with huperzine A had improvements in memory, cognition,
and behavioral functions whereas only 36 percent of those on placebo improved. No severe
side effects were found. Blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram,
electroencephalogram, liver and urine tests did not show any major abnormalities. The
researchers say, "Huperzine A is a promising drug for symptomatic treatment of
Alzheimer's disease." For more
huperzine a
information, or to purchase
Huperzine capsules.
Benefit of huperzine
Huperzine A may benefit those with Alzheimer's disease and perhaps also benefit
older individuals with dementia. The role of huperzine as a mind booster in younger
individuals is not clear at this time.
Huperzine A has brain protective effects that go beyond the
inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. Huperzine Acan improve the learning and
memory deficiency in animal models and Alzheimer's disease patients. This herbal
extract can modify beta-amyloid peptide processing, reduce oxidative stress,
protect neurons against cell death, and regulate the expression and secretion of
nerve growth factor (NGF) and NGF signaling.
Huperzine A for Alzheimer's disease
Researchers are trying to find out whether a compound derived from the
Chinese club moss Huperzia serrata improves brain function in Alzheimer's
patients. Huperzine A is a naturally occurring cholinesterase inhibitor
that's commonly used in China to treat Alzheimer's. The Phase II clinical
trial will enroll about 150 patients, age 55 and older, with mild to
moderate Alzheimer's disease. According to Dr. Paul Aisen, leader of the
new study and professor of neurology at Georgetown University Medical
Center's Memory Disorders Program, "Based on studies in China, huperzine A
may be more effective and better tolerated than currently prescribed drugs
for Alzheimer's disease. In addition, laboratory studies suggest that
huperzine A may have unique effects that could slow down the progression
of the disease." "This trial is essential to better understand the promise
of huperzine A," Aisen said. "Though it is a rigorous placebo-controlled
trial, all participants do receive the active medication. The first
portion of the trial, lasting 16 weeks, includes a placebo arm, but all
participants have the opportunity to take active huperzine A for at least
eight months. The study, directed by Georgetown University researchers, is
funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and Neuro-Hitech
Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Huperzine Caution
High doses of huperzine may be toxic. Due to its strong anticholinesterase
activity, huperzine could cause a cholinergic reaction. Side effects could include
sweating, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and cramps.
Huperzine
supplement Emails
Q. Is
Huperzine's effect cumulative?
A. Since huperzine has a long half life, our best guess is that the
effects are cumulative.
Q. I read a warning about anticholinergic drugs (or
nutrients) actually being a possible "cause" of memory loss and hallucinations.
I thought you might be able to tell me which are the anticholinergic supplements
any of us may be taking. I did notice that Vinpocetine and Huperzine A were two
of the nutrients which were mentioned as having this property. Interesting, that
these were two nutrients I have not been able to use for myself--one causing a
rash and I can't remember the problem with the other, so I had already dropped
those two some time ago. What other nutrients would he consider anticholinergic?
A. Huperzine A is a cholinesterase inhibitor, meaning it blocks an
enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, thus more
acetylcholine stays in the body and brain. Galantamine falls in this category.
An anticholinergic medication is a substance that blocks the neurotransmitter
acetylcholine in the central and the peripheral nervous system. Anticholinergics
reduce the effects of acetylcholine on acetylcholine receptors in neurons. In
other words, huperzine A is the opposite of an anticholinergic. Vinpocetine acts
as a vasodilator, it dilates blood vessels.
Huperzine A, huperzine, huperzine research choline