Huperzine A (Huperzia serrata, Fordine)

Introduction

Moss extract & a natural cholinesterase inhibitor derived from the Chinese herb Huperzia serrata. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is currently available as a nutraceutical in the USA. However, there have been no controlled clinical trials outside China assessing its toxicity & efficacy.

Indications

(uses)

• Alzheimer's disease
• Lewy body dementia

Dosage

• 200 ug PO BID of no benefit
• 400 ug PO BID might have some benefit

Adverse effects

• those of cholinesterase inhibitors
• unregulated & manufactured with no uniform standards

• drug adverse effects of cholinesterase inhibitors

Drug interactions

• additive effects with other cholinesterase inhibitors

• drug interaction(s) of cholinesterase inhibitors with NSAIDs
• drug interaction(s) of parasympatholytic with parasympathomimetic

Mechanism of action

• contains cholinesterase inhibitor(s)
• antioxidant & neuroprotective properties

More general terms

• pharmaceutical herb; medicinal herb; herbal supplement; botanical
• cholinesterase inhibitor

Additional terms

• Alzheimer's disease (AD)
• Huperzine A study

Database

• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=1253