Huperzine A

What it is

Huperzine A is an alkaloid extracted from the Chinese club moss Huperzia serrata. It is a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, meaning it slows the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is why it is included in nootropic and pre-workout focus blends.

Benefits

Most human evidence comes from Alzheimer's trials using roughly 200-400 mcg/day, where it modestly improved cognitive test scores. Evidence for focus or performance benefits in healthy people is minimal.

When to take it

Taken once or split into two daily doses in studies. In pre-workout products it is used in small microgram amounts; it is potent, so doses are intentionally low.

Side effects

Because it raises acetylcholine, it can cause cholinergic effects such as nausea, sweating, dizziness, and slowed heart rate. Not appropriate for those on cholinergic or anticholinergic medications without medical oversight.

Sources

• Yang et al. (2013), Huperzine A for Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of RCTs (PLOS One)
• Rafii et al. (2011), A phase II trial of huperzine A in mild to moderate Alzheimer disease (PMC3269774)

Products containing Huperzine A

No products in our database contain this ingredient yet.