Huperzine A Description
Huperzine A is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alkaloid compound found in the firmoss Huperzia serrata, and in varying quantities in other Huperzia species, including H. elmeri, H. carinat, and H. aqualupian.
Huperzine A has been investigated for its potential as a medicine for helping people with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Huperzine A Specification
Huperzine A 1
| ITEM |
STANDARD |
| Assay |
Huperzine A NLT 1.0% |
| Appearance |
Brownish yellow to brown powder |
| Odor&Taste |
Characteristic |
| Loss on Drying |
NMT 5.0% |
| Insoluble Ash |
NMT 1.0% |
| Sieve Analysis |
NLT 95% pass 80 mesh |
| Irradiation Status |
Non-Irradiated |
| Heavy metals |
NMT 20ppm |
| Lead (Pb) |
NMT 3ppm |
| Arsenic (As) |
NMT 2ppm |
| Cadmium(Cd) |
NMT 0.3ppm |
| Mercury(Hg) |
NMT 0.2ppm |
| BHC |
NMT 0.1ppm |
| DDT |
NMT 0.1ppm |
| PCNB |
NMT 0.1ppm |
| Aflatoxin |
NMT 5ppb |
| Total Plate Count |
NMT 1,000Cfu/g |
| Total Yeast&Mold |
NMT 100Cfu/g |
| E.Coli. |
Negative |
| Salmonella |
Negative |
| Coliforms |
=<3cfu/g |
| Staphylococcus |
Negative |
Huperzine A 2
| ITEM |
STANDARD |
| Appearance |
Off-White Fine Powder |
| Assay(HPLC) |
99.0% Min |
| Particle size |
100% pass 80 mesh |
| Loss on drying |
3% Max |
| Ash |
3% Max |
| Heavy metals |
10 ppm Max |
| As |
2 ppm Max |
| Total Plate Count |
1000 cfu/g Max |
| Yeast and Mold |
100 cfug Max |
| Salmonella |
Negative |
| E.coil |
Negative |
Uses of Huperzine A
Cognitive Function Enhancement
- Memory Improvement: Huperzine A is believed to enhance memory and learning abilities, especially in the elderly and individuals experiencing memory decline.
- Alzheimer's Disease Adjunct Therapy: Studies have shown that Huperzine A can improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, thereby increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain.
Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects
- Antioxidant Properties: Huperzine A possesses antioxidant characteristics that can neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress-induced damage to nerve cells.
- Neuroprotection: By protecting neurons from toxic substances and oxidative damage, Huperzine A helps prevent the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
- Huperzine A exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which can alleviate inflammatory responses in the nervous system. This has potential significance for the treatment of various neurological disorders.
Enhanced Athletic Performance
- Some studies suggest that Huperzine A may help improve athletic performance and delay fatigue, although further research in this area is needed to confirm these effects.
Other Potential Uses
- Depression and Anxiety: Preliminary research indicates that Huperzine A may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Glaucoma: Due to its ability to influence neurotransmitters, Huperzine A has been investigated for the treatment of glaucoma.
About Huperzia Serrata
Huperzia serrata is a lush plant from which Huperzine A is extracted. Huperzine A is a sesquiterpene alkaloid known for being a potent and reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), exhibiting specific on-and-off rates.
Extracts of Huperzia serrata have traditionally been utilized to treat swelling, fever, and blood disorders. Additionally, Huperzia serrata has shown the ability to enhance memory in both animal studies and clinical trials, as well as providing neuroprotective effects.
Due to its strong pharmacological properties and the absence of established long-term safety data, Huperzia serrata should only be used under medical supervision. The extract may offer benefits for Alzheimer's disease and age-related memory impairment. Although Huperzine A has been used to treat fever and certain inflammatory conditions, there is currently no credible scientific evidence to support these specific uses.
