Brain Health Support

Huperzine A Background and Benefits

Huperzia serrata, formerly known as Lycopodium serratum, is a species of club moss. Common names include Chinese club moss and dentate club moss. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this plant is also known as Jin Bu Huan and Qian Ceng Ta. H. serrata is native to Southeast Asia, although it is widely distributed in tropical climates with abundant rainfall.
The main reason for the commercial value of H. serrata is its high content of huperzine A, a chemical classified as a sesquiterpene alkaloid. Other Huperzia species also contain huperzine A but in lower concentrations. Enzyme acetylcholinesterase is produced by Huperzine, which breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It can cross the blood-brain barrier, It is an antagonist of the neurotransmitter N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA).
 
Crude extracts of H. serrata have been used in TCM for centuries for a variety of purposes including blood disorders, fever, and unhealthy inflammation. Modern preparation of H. serrata extract involves much more processing, generally to increase the concentration of huperzine A. The benefits of huperzine A as a dietary supplement are derived primarily from its effect on acetylcholine levels in the brain. Further studies on huperzine A are needed to determine its long-term effects.
 

Uses of Huperzine A

The main uses of huperzine A involve the brain and nervous system. Benefits include cognitive and memory support, as well as muscle and nervous system support.

Signs that you need huperzine A

Cognitive impairment that affects memory and learning are the most common signs that you may need Huperzine A. These signs are especially significant when caused by age-related conditions. Other signs that huperzine A may help you include chronic muscle weakness, fatigue, and lack of alertness. Organophosphate poisoning is also a sign that you need huperzine A, as it is often caused by contact with herbicides and insecticides.