Huperzine A supplement

 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 (see chapter 4). 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. For more huperzine a information, or to purchase Huperzine supplement.
   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. 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."

Huperzine A benefits
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 Caution and side effects
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.

Alternative to Huperzine A
There are several herbs that have an influence on memory, including Bacopa Monniera and the herb Ginkgo biloba. In recent years, the most common drug treatment for Alzheimer's disease has been acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. However, this single-target approach has limited effectiveness. Approaching the treatment of Alzheimer's disease from multiple areas may be more effective.

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 A questions and emails
Q. You might want to record a negative response from huperzine A. The comment was "Theoretically, Huperzine A may exacerbate gastrointestinal and urinary obstruction." I have much scar tissue already in my colon (around the ileocecal valve)--when taking huperzine A supplement, my eliminations became mostly liquid, making clear to me it was closing up in that area even more; so I dropped it, and am doing better again after a week or two.

Q. 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. Galantamine is a modest acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. I don't know why this is confusing me so much, but I just needed clarification, because I have some galantamine on hand, and don't know whether to use it or toss it! Perhaps I'm having a problem with the two terms "anticholinergic" and "inhibitor," as they seem to be saying the same thing to me.
   A. An anticholinergic medication blocks the activity or production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the central and the peripheral nervous system. Atropine is an example of an anticholinergic medication. An acetylcholinesterase inhibitor is a medication or herbal extract that inhibits the cholinesterase enzyme from breaking down acetylcholine, thus increasing both the level and duration of action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. An anticholinergic medication has the opposite effect of a acetylcholinesterase inhibitor such as galantamine and huperzine A.

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