Huperzia lucidula/wikipedia
A moss extract called huperzine A has been shown to be effective in treating mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Some studies show that it can improve cognition, learning, and memory in people who have dementia.
What is huperzine A?
Huperzine A is derived from Huperzia serrata, a type of Chinese club moss, and appears to have properties similar to those of cholinesterase inhibitors, a class of drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
How does huperzine A work?
Huperzine A inhibits acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a substance that is critical in mental functioning. When huperzine A hinders the ability of acetylcholinesterase to break down acetylcholine, levels of acetylcholine rise, leading to improvement in mental functioning and memory. Some experts believe huperzine may also help protect nerve cells from damage.
Studies of huperzine A in Alzheimer’s
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 160 individuals who had dementia or other memory disorders, the investigators used injected huperzine A. Patients who received huperzine A showed significant improvement over patients in the placebo group. In another similar study, 103 people with Alzheimer’s disease received either huperzine A or placebo twice daily for eight weeks. About 60 percent of the treated patients had improved memory, thinking, and behavioral functions compared to 36 percent in the placebo group.
In 2008, a review of six randomized controlled trials of huperzine A was published, showing that the supplement appears to offer some benefits for people with dementia. Because the quality of these studies was variable, however, the investigators suggested that more thorough research is needed.
Taking huperazine A
Huperzine A is highly potent and should be used only under professional supervision. The recommended dose is 100 to 200 micrograms twice daily for age-related memory loss. Although the supplement is promoted for improving memory in healthy individuals, so far only one small study supports that use.
Huperzine A appears to have few side effects. Mild dizziness has been reported. It should not be used by people who have high blood pressure or severe liver or kidney disease unless supervised by a physician. Because huperzine A functions similarly to standard drugs for Alzheimer’s disease, it may interact with them.
For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, contact the Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter in Phoenix.
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