What Is Huperzine A?
It is a natural compound extracted from the Chinese club moss plant, and its scientific name is Huperzia serrata extract. This substance is a highly potent alkaloid classified as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor compound. Acetylcholinesterase is responsible for the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter – acetylcholine – which plays a vital role in multiple cognitive processes in the brain.
The compound has attracted much attention for its cognitive enhancement effects and is used as a health food. According to current understanding, the observed effects are attributed to inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity, thereby increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain. It can improve memory, promote knowledge acquisition, and enhance cognitive abilities.
Due to its unique chemical structure, good oral bioavailability, easy penetration of the blood-brain barrier, and high selectivity for acetylcholinesterase in the brain, its potential advantages in treating diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, age-related cognitive decline, and memory loss have been the subject of research. It is worth noting that although Huperzine A shows potential, further research is still needed to fully understand its effects and determine its optimal dosage and long-term safety.
Huperzine A also has neuroprotective effects and acts as an antioxidant, reducing oxidative stress in the brain. It may also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Sourced from
- Natural Huperzine A extracted from Huperzia serrata
Alkaloids extracted from Huperzia serrata, also known as Thousand Layer Tower. This perennial herb grows in wetlands or valley rocks under the shade of trees in Northeast China, the Yangtze River Basin, and South and Southwest China. It has the effects of clearing heat, removing dampness, eliminating blood stasis, and stopping bleeding, and is used in folk medicine to treat various diseases.
The discovery of Huperzine A can be traced back to 1982 when the Institute of Pharmacology of Zhejiang Medical Research Institute and the Plant Chemistry Laboratory of Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica studied the chemical composition of Huperzia serrata. Several monomer compounds were isolated from it, including Huperzine A. After further research, scientists confirmed the potential of this active ingredient as a highly effective cholinesterase inhibitor.
However, due to the slow growth of Huperzia serrata and the low content of HupA, this direct extraction method is difficult to meet the growing demand for products.
- Chemical synthesis
This method has progressed greatly from racemic to chiral synthesis, from milligram-scale to hundreds of grams-scale synthesis. Chemical synthesis can provide larger-scale production, but the synthesis route may be more complicated. And stereoselective synthesis is more difficult.
- Biosynthesis
With the development of synthetic biology, the biosynthetic pathway of Huperzine A has also been studied. Through transcriptome sequencing combined with metabolome analysis, scientists successfully cloned and identified a novel polyketide synthase related to HupA biosynthesis and clarified the formation mechanism of the key intermediate Pelletierine. It provides important genetic elements for the production of HupA using synthetic biology methods.
Specifications Sheet Reference
- Bulk Huperzine A 1%
Type | Supplement ingredient for brain, adhd, etc. |
Appearance | Off-white powder |
Purity | 1%, etc. |
Certifications | Please contact the Sales team |
Solvent | Ethanol |
Water Content | ≤ 1.5% |
Test Method | TLC, UV-Vis |
MOQ (minimum order quantity) | 1kg |
Sample | Available (10-20g/bag) |
OEM Service | Available, such as capsules, tablets, pills, etc. |
ODM Service | Available |
Private Label | Available |
Contract Manufacturing | Available |
Huperzine A VS Alpha GPC VS Lion’s Mane VS Ginkgo biloba
Huperzine A is an alkaloid extracted from the Huperzine plant. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat cognitive impairment, especially Alzheimer’s disease. It is a highly specific acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor that can potentially improve cognitive function and memory.
According to studies, Huperzine A is highly selective for G4-type AChE. It has better blood-brain barrier penetration, higher oral bioavailability, and longer-lasting AChE inhibition than Tacrine, Donepezil, and Rivastigmine. In addition, HupA also shows antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, such as protecting cells from hydrogen peroxide, beta-amyloid, glutamate, ischemia, and Staurosporine-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis.
Alpha-GPC is a choline precursor. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and increase choline levels in the brain, thereby improving acetylcholine synthesis. This ingredient is believed to improve memory and learning ability and help prevent cognitive problems such as brain fog. Additionally, studies show that it improves physical performance, including strength and anaerobic power output.
Unlike HupA, Alpha-GPC does not directly inhibit acetylcholinesterase but increases its levels by providing the substrate needed to synthesize acetylcholine.
Both are generally considered safe and well tolerated, although the safety of long-term use or use by pregnant women has not been fully studied.
According to one study, acute doses of Huperzine A (200 micrograms) and Alpha-GPC (600 milligrams) did not provide physical or mental benefits when comparing short-term memory and anaerobic power output in healthy college students. It suggests that acute Huperzine A and Alpha-GPC doses may not produce significant physical and mental benefits in healthy, recreationally active adults. This study is the first to examine the two together. Therefore, this finding neither supports nor refutes the current body of research.
Lion’s Mane, scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus, is an edible mushroom. It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and Native American healing practices. It is thought to promote the production of nerve growth factor (NGF). It helps brain cells grow, potentially improving memory and attention. Laboratory studies have also shown that Hericium erinaceus may help with nerve cell growth and repair after traumatic brain injury, such as stroke. Lion’s mane is also thought to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may support reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Ginkgo biloba is also a natural compound being studied for improving cognitive function and treating neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). It is a standardized extract extracted from Ginkgo biloba leaves. It contains a variety of components, including flavonoids and terpene lactones. Flavonoids have antioxidant effects, while terpene lactones may affect platelet activation. Together, they may help improve blood circulation and neuroprotection.
The commercial formulation of Ginkgo biloba, EGb 761®, has also shown improved cognitive function and behavioral symptoms in AD patients in clinical trials. Side effects of this natural compound are generally mild and may include headaches, gastrointestinal upset, etc. However, it may increase the risk of bleeding in some cases. It may interact with anticoagulant medications as it may affect platelet function.
Overall, the above nutrients are all associated with improved cognitive function. However, Huperzine A showed significant benefits in improving cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. It works primarily by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine. Alpha-GPC has been studied more in healthy people and athletes for improving cognitive and physical performance. It does this by increasing acetylcholine synthesis and providing the choline needed. Lion’s mane mushroom has received attention for its potential neurotrophic properties. It also has antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. However, more human studies are needed to verify these potential health benefits. The two active ingredients in Ginkgo biloba extract, flavonoids, and terpenoid lactones, work together to protect neurons.
General Huperzine A Powder Manufacturing Process
Methods for the chemical synthesis of Huperzine A have made significant progress, including scale-up from milligram-level synthesis to hundreds of grams-level synthesis. At the same time, the efficiency, safety, and practicality of the synthesis have also been improved.
The synthesis process includes a variety of routes, such as the construction of a three-carbon bridged ring skeleton through continuous Michael addition and aldol reaction, palladium-catalyzed diallyl substitution reaction, intramolecular Heck reaction, and the construction of a three-carbon bridged ring core through a free radical reaction Skeleton, etc.
Regarding biosynthesis, researchers have successfully cloned and identified a novel polyketide synthase related to HupA biosynthesis through transcriptome sequencing and metabolome analysis, laying the foundation for further biosynthesis research.
Huperzine A: Benefits, Side Effects, And More
This compound has been studied for its potential benefits on cognitive function and memory.
- Cognitive Enhancement
It is known for its acetylcholinesterase inhibitory properties, which help prevent the neurotransmitter acetylcholine’s breakdown. By increasing acetylcholine levels, Huperzine A may enhance cognitive function, including memory, learning, and concentration.
- Memory Improvement
It has been studied for its potential to improve memory and learning abilities. It may positively impact both short-term and long-term memory by promoting acetylcholine availability in the brain.
- Neuroprotective Effects
Huperzine A demonstrates neuroprotective characteristics that safeguard neuronal cells from degeneration and harm. It has been shown to have antioxidant effects, reducing oxidative stress and protecting against free radical damage. Additionally, it may have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing neuroinflammation.
- Age-Related Cognitive Decline
Huperzine A has been investigated as a potential treatment for age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Some studies suggest that Huperzine A may slow cognitive decline and improve cognitive function in individuals with these conditions. However, further research is needed to establish its effectiveness.
- Focus and Attention
Huperzine A has been reported to improve focus, attention, and mental clarity. It may enhance overall cognitive performance, particularly in tasks that require sustained attention and concentration.
For Bodybuilding: Yes Or No?
Huperzine A (HupA) has been primarily studied for its potential benefits on cognitive function, particularly in treating Alzheimer’s disease. However, some bodybuilders also use it as a supplement as it may improve focus and concentration by increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in learning, memory, and attention, which may help improve focus and performance during training.
However, it is important to note that despite its potential benefits in the bodybuilding field, there is not enough scientific evidence to support its widespread use as a workout enhancer.
Any side effects?
Adverse reactions are usually mild, including nausea, dizziness, sweating, abdominal pain, blurred vision, etc. Patients may experience pupil constriction, vomiting, heart rate changes, salivation, and drowsiness in individual cases.
Huperzine A is contraindicated for those who are allergic to it and have severe bradycardia, hypotension, angina, epilepsy, asthma, intestinal obstruction, renal insufficiency, and urinary tract obstruction.
It should be used with caution in combination with other drugs, especially alkaline drugs, because there may be interactions.
Although the ingredient shows short-term safety, the safety and effectiveness of long-term use still need more research to confirm.
Huperzine A is generally considered safe when used in moderation and properly monitored.
Dosage
The recommended dose range for adults is 0.1 mg to 0.2 mg per day, taken in two divided doses. The total amount per day is usually no more than 0.45 mg. The treatment cycle may vary from 1 month to 2 months.
In some clinical studies, the dose of Huperzine A may be higher. For example, in some studies, the dose may reach 0.4 mg.
FDA-Approved: Yes Or No?
It is not yet FDA-approved as a prescription drug in the United States. However, the FDA is evaluating some new drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, including some cholinesterase inhibitors.
Huperzine A is more commonly used as a dietary supplement in the United States than as an FDA-approved drug.
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Huperzine A is a natural compound derived from the Chinese club moss plant (Huperzia serrata). It is known for its potential cognitive-enhancing effects and is often used as a dietary supplement. The manufacturing process of Huperzine A powder typically involves the following steps.
FAQs
Huperzine B is a separate compound from huperzine A. While both compounds are derived from the Chinese club moss plant, they have distinct chemical structures and properties.
Huperzine A is not a stimulant in the traditional sense. Stimulants, in the traditional sense, are usually substances that increase central nervous system activity, increase alertness, and stimulate the heart and metabolism.
While HupA may enhance cognitive function and indirectly lead to increased alertness or mental energy, it does not have typical stimulant effects on the body, such as increased heart rate or blood pressure. It also does not produce the same degree of euphoria or energy boost as traditional stimulants.
Therefore, it is more accurate to describe Huperzine A as a nootropic or cognitive enhancer rather than a stimulant.
It is a naturally occurring compound derived from the Chinese club moss plant (Huperzia serrata). But this ingredient is also produced by synthesis.
It is primarily found in the Huperzia serrata. It is not naturally present in significant amounts in other plant species.
Huperzine A is not banned in most countries. However, regulations regarding its use and availability may vary across regions. It is advisable to check the specific rules and legal status in your country or region before using or purchasing it. Please get in touch with our sales team to confirm it.
Although acetylcholine also plays a role in muscle contraction, and increasing acetylcholine levels is used as a performance-enhancing technique among weightlifters and academics, this does not directly mean that Huperzine A can be used as a weight loss supplement.