HUPERZINE A

DESCRIPTION
Huperzine A, is a purified alkaloid extract from a Chinese moss, Huperzia serrata (as such, it is really more of a "naturally derived drug" than a true herbal remedy) The moss has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating fever, inflammation, schizophrenia and memory loss. As a modern herbal supplement, Huperzine A (HupA) is used therapeutically to treat Alzheimer's disease and other age-associated memory impairments.

EFFICACY
• Improves memory
• Enhances learning ability
• Treats senile dementia and Alzheimer's disease

THEORY
The theory for how HupA may work has to do with a specific neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is released into the space between two nerve cells (the synapse), where it stimulates a "transfer" of the nerve impulse from one nerve cell to the next. After the nerve impulse has been transmitted, an enzyme called acetylcholine esterase breaks down acetylcholine and the nervous signal is ended. In some memory disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and senile dementia, acetylcholine may be destroyed too quickly ¨C so the nerve impulse is either too weak to be received or it id incompletely transmitted between nerve cells. HupA seems to inhibit the activity of acetylcholine esterase ¨C so the breakdown of acetylcholine is slowed and the strength and duration of the nerve impulse is improved. This inhibition of acetylcholine breakdown may be the reason for the effect of HupA on improving memory and overall cognitive processes.