Huperzine A is a cognitive enhancer that inhibits enzymes that degrade the learning neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It belongs to a class of molecules called cholinergics that may help combat cognitive decline in older adults.

Huperzine A is a compound derived from plants in the huperzine family. It is called an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which means that it prevents the enzyme from breaking down acetylcholine, leading to an increase in acetylcholine.

Acetylcholine is known as a learning neurotransmitter and is also involved in muscle contraction.

Huperzine A appears to be a relatively safe compound. Toxicity from animal studies and human studies have shown no side effects at regular supplemental doses. Huperzine A is also in preliminary trials for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Huperzine A occurs in the cerebrospinal fluid and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Huperzine A is best known as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. In particular, it inhibits the G4 subtype of acetylcholinesterase, which is very common in the mammalian brain. It is more or equally potent against other acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, such as tacrine or rivastin. As an inhibitor, it has a high affinity for acetylcholinesterase. At the same time, it has a slow dissociation constant, giving it a long half-life.

In addition to inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, it can also be seen as neuroprotective against glutamate, beta-amyloid pigmentation, and H2O2-induced toxicity.

Huperzine A can promote the proliferation of hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs). It seems to promote nerve growth in biorelevant doses.

Therapeutic dose

Huperzine A supplementation is generally in the range of 50-200 micrograms (mcg) per day, and although you can take it multiple times throughout the day, you tend to take this dose in one sitting. Huperzine A supplementation does not need to be taken with food and can be taken in a fasting state.

Huperzine A can remain in the body for a considerable period of time (half-life 10-14 hours).