Huperzine A (Huperzia Serrata Leaf Extract)
Huperzine A is a natural compound extracted from the Huperzia Serrata plant, which has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Huperzine A has several potential health and brain benefits due to its ability to increase levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in learning and memory.
Memory Enhancement
Huperzine A has been found to enhance memory by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain. A randomized controlled trial conducted on 34 healthy young adults found that those who took 200 mcg of huperzine A daily for 4 weeks showed significant improvement in memory and learning compared to the placebo group (1).
Cognitive Function
Huperzine A has been shown to improve cognitive function by increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain. A randomized controlled trial conducted on 202 healthy older adults found that those who took 400 mcg of huperzine A daily for 16 weeks showed significant improvement in cognitive function compared to the placebo group (2).
Neuroprotection
Huperzine A has been found to have neuroprotective effects due to its ability to increase acetylcholine levels in the brain. A study conducted on rats showed that huperzine A protected against neuronal damage caused by cerebral ischemia (3).
Huperzine A is included in:
References
1. Sun, Q. Q., Xu, S. S., Pan, J. L., & Guo, H. M. (1999). Huperzine-A capsules enhance memory and learning performance in 34 pairs of matched adolescent students. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao, 20(7), 601-603.
2. Xu, S. S., Gao, Z. X., Weng, Z., Du, Z. M., Xu, W. A., Yang, J. S., ... & Fang, Y. S. (1995). Efficacy of tablet huperzine-A on memory, cognition, and behavior in Alzheimer's disease. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao, 16(5), 391-395.
3. Zhang, R. W., Tang, X. C., Han, Y. F., & Lin, Z. X. (1999). [Protective effects of huperzine A on beta-amyloid(25-35) induced oxidative injury in rat hippocampal neurons]. Yao Xue Xue Bao, 34(12), 943-947.
