huperzia

Common names

Qian ceng ta, Huperzine A
Parts used and where grown
Huperzia is a type of moss that grows in China. It is related to club mosses (the Lycopodiaceae family) and is known to some botanists as Lycopodium serratum. The whole prepared moss was used traditionally. Modern herbal preparations use only the isolated alkaloid known as huperzine A.
Huperzia has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
** - Age-related cognitive decline
** - Alzheimer’s disease
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Huperzia moss tea has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese herbalism for fever, as a diuretic, for blood loss, and for irregular menstruation.1
Active constituents
Huperzine A is an alkaloid found in huperzia that has been reported to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, an important substance needed by the nervous system to transmit information from cell to cell.2 Animal research has suggested that huperzine A’s ability to preserve acetylcholine may be greater than that of some prescription drugs.3 4 Loss of acetylcholine function is a primary feature of several disorders of brain function, including Alzheimer’s disease. Huperzine A may also have a protective effect on brain tissue, further increasing its theoretical potential for helping reduce symptoms of some brain disorders.5 6
In a double-blind trial, people with Alzheimer’s disease had significant improvement in memory and cognitive and behavioral functions after taking 200 mcg of huperzine A twice per day for eight weeks.7 Another double-blind trial using injected huperzine A confirmed a positive effect in people with dementia, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer’s disease.8 Another double-blind trial found that huperzine A (100–150 mcg two to three times per day for four to six weeks) was more effective for improving minor memory loss associated with age-related cognitive decline than the drug piracetam.9
Huperzine A has also been shown to enhance memory in adolescent middle school students. A small controlled trial found that 100 mcg of huperizine A two times per day for four weeks was effective in improving memory and learning performance.10 Although no side effects were reported in this short trial, long-term safety studies are needed before huperizine A is recommended for adolescents or younger children to improve memory and learning performance.
How much is usually taken?
Human research on huperzine A has used 100–200 mcg taken two to three times per day.11
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Medications that prevent acetylcholine breakdown often produce side effects, including nausea, vomiting, excess saliva and tear production, and sweating. However, while dizziness was reported in a few people in one study, no severe side effects have been reported in human trials using huperzine A. Further studies are needed to determine the long-term safety of huperzine A.

Drug Interactions
Certain medicines interact with huperzia: Some interactions may increase the need for huperzia (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate huperzia should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.
Donepezil (-)
Tacrine (-)

Source: www.cncahealth.com