Huperzia Serrata Extract Huperzine A: Natural Compound for Cognitive Enhancement And Neuroprotection

WHAT IS HUPERZINE A?

Huperzia serrata (synonym Lycopodium serratum) is a species of fir clubmoss that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (as Qian Ceng Ta). Huperzia serrata has several bioactive compounds, including lycopodium alkaloids, triterpenes, flavones and phenolic acids. The most important and widely studied of these is the alkaloid huperzine A , which indirectly supports healthy acetylcholine  levels in the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator that plays important roles in cognitive function, most notably, in the neural mechanisms of memory [1], but also in executive function, alertness, attention, and learning. Acetylcholine supports different types of memory, from working memory to long-term memory, and different phases of memory, from memory formation to consolidation and retrieval. By supporting acetylcholine signaling, huperzine A supports cognitive function. Huperzine A has also been shown to support brain antioxidant defenses and neuroprotective functions

Huperzia serrata leaf extract is made from the aerial parts of the plant. It is standardized for 1% Huperzine A.

Huperzia serrata leaf extract is non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan.

Mechanism of Action

There are two forms of huperzine A: ‘(+)’ and ‘(-)’. The ‘(-)’ form is found naturally in the huperzia moss, and is believed to be more potent than the ‘(+)’ form.

Although the effects of huperzine A are still being actively studied by scientists, there are a few mechanisms that have been identified so far which may be responsible for some of its reported effects.

Increases Acetylcholine

Huperzine A has been reported to be a potent, reversible, and specific inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholine esterase  (ACHE). This enzyme breaks down the major neurotransmitter acetylcholine, suggesting that some of huperzine A’s effects may come from generally increased levels of acetylcholine throughout the brain .