By Alissa B Daschbach MA BS BA MH

In this article you will learn in-depth details about Huperzine-A (one of the main ingredients in BrainPower); including its brain-enhancing qualities in the aging body and its ability to lighten symptoms of depression.

Huperzine-A: Background and Benefits Explained

Huperzine-A is a molecule that is derived from Huperzia serrata, a moss that has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for centuries to treat a variety of diseases and sicknesses, including dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and loss of cognitive function. Huperzia serrata is known by the common names of fir club moss or Chinese club moss and is native to India, China, and SouthEast Asia. Huperzine-A is typically extracted from the seeds and moss-parts of the plants after being gathered in early summer.

Huperzine-A is known in scientific circles as a nootropic - a substance that acts to enhance brain, mental, or neurological function. The term “nootropic'' was coined by psychologist-chemist Dr. Corneliu Giurgea in 1972 from the Greek nous (“mind”) and trepein (“to bend”). Dr. Giurgea explained that describing something as a nootropic confers a protective activity on the brain that increases cognitive function, including enhanced learning and memory. According to Dr. Giurgea, nootropic substances are non-toxic and do not stimulate or depress brain functioning.

Studies have shown that this neuroprotective molecule may enrich learning and memory retention and improve memory with age. Benefits of Huperzine-A may include:

• Reduction in seizure and epilepsy symptoms
• Slow development of Alzheimer’s disease
• Improve symptoms of dementia
• Memory enhancement
• Protection against glutamate toxicity
• Neuroprotectant (protects nerve cells in brain and spinal cord)
• Relieve symptoms of depression

Huperzine-A Preserves the Learning Transmitter Acetylcholine

Huperzine-A is a powerful nootropic due to its ability to act as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. What does that mean? The human brain uses neurotransmitters (messenger molecules)  to send messages through the nervous system to accomplish simple and complex tasks. The neurotransmitter acetylcholine is known as the learning transmitter of the brain. This important messenger molecule is crucial in the formation of memories and is responsible for sparking the brain’s ability to focus and to maintain attention and motivation.

Huperzine-A acts to preserve the quantity of acetylcholine in the nervous system by inhibiting the enzyme known as acetylcholinesterase from breaking it down. In other words, Huperzine-A prevents acetylcholine from leaving the body. Aging brains often show lower levels of this learning neurotransmitter than their younger counterparts. Using Huperzine-A helps to maintain healthy levels of this crucial neurotransmitter which acts to stimulate important brain functions such as focus and motivation.

Research Supports the Use of Huperzine-A

If you are considering using BrainPower to improve your cognitive abilities and protect your brain as you age, consider the research that has been performed with Huperzine-A. This nootropic supplement may enhance focus, learning, and memory as shown in several studies. For example, research has shown that Huperzine-A was more effective than a placebo to treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, such as behavioral disturbances, loss of identity and cognitive disturbances. Further, the nootropic capability of Huperzine-A shown in the study by Zheng et al (2016) makes it a promising substance to be used in the treatment of cognitive impairment caused by depressive disorders.. Beyond its ability to promote learning and memory retention, the supplement may also help to fight depression, increase alertness, and provide an energy boost.

People who have taken Huperzine-A have reported to have a boost in mental energy without feeling jittery or anxious. Others have reported clearer thinking and enhanced cognition with an ability to retain short-term memories. The benefits of Huperzine-A are especially useful for those who are concerned that the process of aging will affect their sharp thinking skills and that they will lose the precious memories that define their lives. Additionally, students can benefit from using the supplement due to its ability to sharpen thinking skills and improve memory. Rest assured and be confident in using BrainPower knowing it contains a safe and trustworthy blend of four beneficial nootropic substances, including Huperzine-A.

Cautions and Interactions

As with any dietary or vitamin supplement, be sure to consult with your primary healthcare provider to make sure you can take the supplement safely and with no interactions with current medications.

Huperzine-A is considered safe when taken for short periods of time (between 3-6 months) by itself. Side effects of Huperzine-A may include vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, slurred speech, restlessness, and cramping.

Drugs that may interact with Huperzine-A include:

• Anticholinergic medications (i.e., atropine, biperiden, procyclidine, etc.)
• Alzheimer’s disease medications (i.e. acetylcholinesterase inhibitors)
• Cholinergic medications (used for glaucoma and Alzheimer’s disease

Consult your physician if you are pregnant and.or breastfeeding. Other cautions include if you suffer from high blood pressure or a low heart rate as the supplement may increase blood pressure and/or lower your heart rate. If you have a tendency for gastrointestinal tract (GI) blockage, also use caution as the substance may increase secretions in the GI tract and cause congestion. Other conditions that can be aggravated by Huperzine-A use are lung conditions (like asthma or emphysema), blockage of the urinary or reproductive system, epilepsy, and stomach or peptic ulcers.

References

Giang, T. H., Wong, R. K., & Zhang, Y. (2011, July). Huperzine a as potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease: an assessment on chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical studies. Chemistry and Biodiversity, 8(7), 1189-1204. Retrieved from PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21766442/

Jian-feng, L., & Li, J. (2018, October 31). Effects of huperzine A on secretion of nerve growth factor in cultured rat cortical astrocytes and neurite outgrowth in rat PC12 cells. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica, 39, 1823-1829. Retrieved from PubMed:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15916732/

Qing-Qi, S., et. al. (1999, July). Huperzine-A capsules enhance memory and learning performance in 34 pairs of matched adolescent students. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica, 20(7). Retrieved from APS: http://www.chinaphar.com/article/view/7802

Xu, S. S., et., al. (1995,  September). Efficacy of tablet huperzine-A on memory, cognition, and behavior in Alzheimer's disease. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica, 16(5):391-5. Retrieved from PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8701750/

Zhao, Q., & Tang X. C. (2002, November). Effects of huperzine A on acetylcholinesterase isoforms in vitro: comparison with tacrine, donepezil, rivastigmine and physostigmine. European Journal of  Pharmacology, 455(2-3), 101-7. Retrieved from PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12445575/