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Huperzine A

What is Huperzine A?

Huperzine A (or HupA) is a naturally occurring alkaloid that has been used for centuries in Chinese herbal medicine to treat a range of ailments. Some time ago, scientific research indicated that this alkaloid has the potential to improve mental performance and function.

Where does Huperzine A come from?

HuperzineA is chemically extracted from moss of the Huperzia genus. Huperzia Serrate is usually used for the extraction of Huperzine A, but other species may also contain Huperzine A.

Benefits of Huperzine A for mental performance

HuperzineA works in a similar way to drugs used to treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. For this reason, it has been extensively studied as a potential drug for the treatment of such neurological disorders. There is scientific evidence showing that Huperzine A could improve memory and learning. When administered to teenage students, Huperzine A resulted in a significant improvement in memory and test scores compared to a placebo. Huperzine A could therefore be beneficial for people looking for a mental boost for work or school. Bodybuilders and athletes who want better focus during their training could also benefit from this active ingredient.

Disadvantages and side effects

It can also be combined with just about any other supplement available. As Huperzine A is a promising agent for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, its safety has been well studied in clinical trials. Compared to similarly acting drugs, Huperzine A has a higher degree of safety and is also better tolerated. Some side effects that have been reported include chest pain or a feeling of tightness in the chest, flushing of the skin, stomach problems, diarrhea, vomiting and hyperactivity. However, no serious side effects have been reported.

Recommended use

Although many scientific studies have investigated the effects of Huperzine A on Alzheimer's disease, only a few studies have been carried out on healthy volunteers. A possible dosage recommendation for improving mental performance could be 200mcg Huperzine A per day. This daily dose can be divided into two single doses, which can be taken throughout the day.

Huperzine A supplements

HuperzineA is available as a mono-preparation in the form of tablets or capsules. It is also found in some concentrated pre-workout supplements and fat burners to help the user stay focused during training and during fat loss phases where a strict diet can easily lead to a reduction in focus.

Combinations with other supplements

Huperzine A can be combined with multivitamin supplements and especially with formulas aimed at improving mental performance.

References

  1. Sun et al (1999), Huperzine-A capsules enhance memory and learning performance in 34 pairs of matched adolescent students. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao, 20: 601-603
  2. Wang et al (2009), Efficacy and safety of natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor huperzine A in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: an updated meta-analysis. Journal of Neural Transmission, 116: 457-465.