Huperzine a
Scientific names: Huperzine A
Alternate names: HupA, Huperzina A, Huperzine, Huperzine-A, Selagine, Sélagine
Actions: Antiapoptotic, Anticholinesterase activity, Anticonvulsant, Antinociceptive, Antiorganophosphate poisoning, Antioxidant, Cardiac, Cognitive, Mitigation of ischemia, Muscle-potentiating, Neuronal protective, NMDA receptor antagonist, Regulation of apoptotic protein, Reviews
Background
Huperzine A is a chemical that comes from Chinese club moss (Huperzia serrata) or fir club moss (Huperzia selago) plants. It can also be made in a lab.
Huperzine A was identified for medicinal use by scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in the 1980s. It increases levels of a chemical called acetylcholine. This seems to help treat diseases that interfere with memory and thinking.
People use huperzine A to improve memory and mental function in people with Alzheimer disease or other types of dementia. It is also used for depression, schizophrenia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse huperzine A, which is also called selagine, with similar sounding medications such as selegiline (Eldepryl). Also don't confuse one of the brand names for huperzine A (Cerebra) with brand names for unrelated prescription drugs such as celecoxib (Celebrex) and citalopram (Celexa).
Huperzine A was identified for medicinal use by scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in the 1980s. It increases levels of a chemical called acetylcholine. This seems to help treat diseases that interfere with memory and thinking.
People use huperzine A to improve memory and mental function in people with Alzheimer disease or other types of dementia. It is also used for depression, schizophrenia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse huperzine A, which is also called selagine, with similar sounding medications such as selegiline (Eldepryl). Also don't confuse one of the brand names for huperzine A (Cerebra) with brand names for unrelated prescription drugs such as celecoxib (Celebrex) and citalopram (Celexa).
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Huperzine A is possibly safe when taken for less than 6 months. It can cause some side effects including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, sweating, and blurred vision.
Children: Huperzine A is possibly safe in children when taken by mouth for less than one month.
Slow heart rate or other heart diseases: Huperzine A can slow the heart rate. This might be a problem for people who already have a slow heart rate or other heart conditions. If you have heart disease, check with your healthcare provider before using huperzine A.
Seizure disorder (epilepsy): Huperzine A might make epilepsy worse. If you have a seizure disorder such as epilepsy, check with your healthcare provider before using huperzine A.
Gastrointestinal (GI) tract blockage: Huperzine A might make GI blockage worse. If you have a GI tract blockage, check with your healthcare provider before using huperzine A.
Stomach ulcers: Huperzine A might make stomach ulcers worse. If you have stomach ulcers, check with your healthcare provider before using huperzine A.
Lung conditions: Huperzine A might make asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. If you have asthma or COPD, check with your healthcare provider before using huperzine A.
Urinary tract blockage: Huperzine A might make blockage of the urinary tract worse. If you have a urinary tract blockage, check with your healthcare provider before using huperzine A.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if huperzine A is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Children: Huperzine A is possibly safe in children when taken by mouth for less than one month.
Slow heart rate or other heart diseases: Huperzine A can slow the heart rate. This might be a problem for people who already have a slow heart rate or other heart conditions. If you have heart disease, check with your healthcare provider before using huperzine A.
Seizure disorder (epilepsy): Huperzine A might make epilepsy worse. If you have a seizure disorder such as epilepsy, check with your healthcare provider before using huperzine A.
Gastrointestinal (GI) tract blockage: Huperzine A might make GI blockage worse. If you have a GI tract blockage, check with your healthcare provider before using huperzine A.
Stomach ulcers: Huperzine A might make stomach ulcers worse. If you have stomach ulcers, check with your healthcare provider before using huperzine A.
Lung conditions: Huperzine A might make asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. If you have asthma or COPD, check with your healthcare provider before using huperzine A.
Urinary tract blockage: Huperzine A might make blockage of the urinary tract worse. If you have a urinary tract blockage, check with your healthcare provider before using huperzine A.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
- Alzheimer disease. Taking huperzine A by mouth for up to 6 months might improve memory, thinking skills, and behavior in people with Alzheimer disease.
Dosing & administration
Huperzine A has most often been used by adults in doses of 200-500 mcg by mouth daily for up to 6 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Huperzine A can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine plays a big part in many important body functions. Some medications, called anticholinergic drugs, block the effects of acetylcholine in the body. Taking huperzine A might decrease the effects of anticholinergic drugs.
Various medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions (Cholinergic drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Huperzine A can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Some medications that are used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions, also increase acetylcholine levels. Taking huperzine A with these medications might increase the chance of side effects.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 01/05/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 03/04/2022 06:18:59. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
