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Huperzine A (Huperzia serrata, Fordine)
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)
1) Alzheimer's disease
2) Lewy body dementia
Dosage:
- 200 ug PO BID of no benefit [1]
- 400 ug PO BID might have some benefit [1]
Adverse effects:
1) those of cholinesterase inhibitors
2) unregulated & manufactured with no uniform standards
Drug interactions:
-> additive effects with other cholinesterase inhibitors
Mechanism of action:
1) contains cholinesterase inhibitor(s)
2) antioxidant & neuroprotective properties
Interactions
drug adverse effects of cholinesterase inhibitors
Related
Alzheimer's disease (AD)
Huperzine A study
General
pharmaceutical herb; medicinal herb; herbal supplement; botanical
cholinesterase inhibitor
Database Correlations
PUBCHEM cid=1253
References
- Rafii MS et al for the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study.
A phase II trial of huperzine A in mild to moderate Alzheimer
disease.
Neurology 2011 Apr 19; 76:1389.
PMID: 21502597
- http://www.alz.org