Huperzine A: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Huperzine A is a chemical that comes from Chinese club moss (Huperzia serrata) or fir club moss (Huperzia selago) plants. It can also be made in a lab.

Huperzine A was identified for medicinal use by scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in the 1980s. It increases levels of a chemical called acetylcholine. This seems to help treat diseases that interfere with memory and thinking.

People use huperzine A to improve memory and mental function in people with Alzheimer disease or other types of dementia. It is also used for depression, schizophrenia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse huperzine A, which is also called selagine, with similar sounding medications such as selegiline (Eldepryl). Also don't confuse one of the brand names for huperzine A (Cerebra) with brand names for unrelated prescription drugs such as celecoxib (Celebrex) and citalopram (Celexa).

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Alzheimer disease. Taking huperzine A by mouth for up to 6 months might improve memory, thinking skills, and behavior in people with Alzheimer disease.

There is interest in using huperzine A for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Huperzine A is possibly safe when taken for less than 6 months. It can cause some side effects including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, sweating, and blurred vision.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if huperzine A is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Huperzine A is possibly safe in children when taken by mouth for less than one month.

Slow heart rate or other heart diseases: Huperzine A can slow the heart rate. This might be a problem for people who already have a slow heart rate or other heart conditions. If you have heart disease, check with your healthcare provider before using huperzine A.

Seizure disorder (epilepsy): Huperzine A might make epilepsy worse. If you have a seizure disorder such as epilepsy, check with your healthcare provider before using huperzine A.

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract blockage: Huperzine A might make GI blockage worse. If you have a GI tract blockage, check with your healthcare provider before using huperzine A.

Stomach ulcers: Huperzine A might make stomach ulcers worse. If you have stomach ulcers, check with your healthcare provider before using huperzine A.

Lung conditions: Huperzine A might make asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. If you have asthma or COPD, check with your healthcare provider before using huperzine A.

Urinary tract blockage: Huperzine A might make blockage of the urinary tract worse. If you have a urinary tract blockage, check with your healthcare provider before using huperzine A.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs) interacts with Huperzine A
Huperzine A can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine plays a big part in many important body functions. Some medications, called anticholinergic drugs, block the effects of acetylcholine in the body. Taking huperzine A might decrease the effects of anticholinergic drugs.
Various medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions (Cholinergic drugs) interacts with Huperzine A
Huperzine A can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Some medications that are used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions, also increase acetylcholine levels. Taking huperzine A with these medications might increase the chance of side effects.

Dosing

Huperzine A has most often been used by adults in doses of 200-500 mcg by mouth daily for up to 6 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

REFERENCES:

Wang XD, Zhang JM, Yang HH, Hu GY. Modulation of NMDA receptor by huperzine A in rat cerebral cortex. Chung Kuo Yao Li Hsueh Pao 1999;20:31-5.

Skolnick AA. Old Chinese herbal medicine used for fever yields possible new Alzheimer Disease therapy. JAMA 1997;277:776.

Wang H, Tang XC. Anticholinesterase effects of huperzine A, E2020, and tacrine in rats. Chung Kuo Yao Li Hsueh Pao 1998;19:27-30.

Xiong ZQ, Cheng DH, Tang XC. Effects of huperzine A on nucleus basalis magnocellularis lesion-induced spatial working memory deficit. Chung Kuo Yao Li Hsueh Pao 1998;19:128-32.

Ye JW, Cai JX, Wang LM, Tang XC. Improving effects of huperzine A on spatial working memory in aged monkeys and young adult monkeys with experimental cognitive impairment. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1999;288:814-9..

Wang T, Tang XC. Reversal of scopolamine-induced deficits in radial maze performance by (-)-huperzine A: comparison with E2020 and tacrine. Eur J Pharmacol 1998;349:137-42.

Cheng DH, Tang XC. Comparative studies of huperzine A, E2020, and tacrine on behavior and cholinesterase activities. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 1998;60:377-86.

Lallement G, Veyret J, Masqueliez C, et al. Efficacy of huperzine in preventing soman-induced seizures, neuropathological changes and lethality. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 1997;11:387-94.

Xu SS, Gao ZX, Weng Z, et al. Efficacy of tablet huperzine-A on memory, cognition, and behavior in Alzheimer's disease. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao 1995;16:391-5.

Grunwald J, Raveh L, Doctor BP, Ashani Y. Huperzine A as a pretreatment candidate drug against nerve agent toxicity. Life Sci 1994;54:991-7.

Zhang RW, Tang XC, Han YY, et al. [Drug evaluation of huperzine A in the treatment of senile memory disorders]. Chung Kuo Yao Li Hsueh Pao 1991;12:250-2.

Tang XC, De Sarno P, Sugaya K, Giacobini E. Effect of huperzine A, a new cholinesterase inhibitor, on the central cholinergic system of the rat. J Neurosci Res 1989;24:276-85.

Safety Briefs, ISMP Medication Safety Alert, vol.4, #4. Institute for Safe Medication Practices, Warminster, PA. February 24, 1999.

Zhang SL. [Therapeutic effects of huperzine A on the aged with memory impairment]. New Drugs and Clinical Remedies 1986;5:260-2.

Cheng YS, Lu CZ, Ying ZL, et al. [128 cases of myasthenia gravis treated with huperzine A]. New Drugs and Clinical Remedies 1986;5:197-9.

Pepping J. Huperzine A. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2000;57:530-4.

Xu SS, Cai ZY, Qu ZW, et al. Huperzine-A in capsules and tablets for treating patients with Alzheimer disease. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao 1999;20:486-90.

Camps P, Cusack B, Mallender WD, et al. Huprine X is a novel high-affinity inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase that is of interest for treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Mol Pharmacol 2000;57:409-17.

Sun QQ, Xu SS, Pan JL, et al. Huperzine-A capsules enhance memory and learning performance in 34 pairs of matched adolescent students. Chung Kuo Yao Li Hsueh Pao 1999;20:601-3.

Felgenhauer N, Zilker T, Worek F, Eyer P. Intoxication with huperzine A, a potent anticholinesterase found in the fir club moss. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 2000;38:803-8..

Xiao, X. Q., Yang, J. W., and Tang, X. C. Huperzine A protects rat pheochromocytoma cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced injury. Neurosci.Lett 11-12-1999;275(2):73-76.

Ricordel, I. and Meunier, J. [Chemical weapons: antidotes. View about the real means, perspectives]. Ann Pharm Fr. 2000;58(1):5-12.

Lallement, G. [Pretreatment of organophosphate poisoning: potential interests of huperzine A]. Ann Pharm Fr. 2000;58(1):13-17.

Xiao, X. Q., Wang, R., Han, Y. F., and Tang, X. C. Protective effects of huperzine A on beta-amyloid(25-35) induced oxidative injury in rat pheochromocytoma cells. Neurosci.Lett 6-9-2000;286(3):155-158.

Wang, L. M., Han, Y. F., and Tang, X. C. Huperzine A improves cognitive deficits caused by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 6-9-2000;398(1):65-72.

Ye, J. W., Shang, Y. Z., Wang, Z. M., and Tang, X. C. Huperzine A ameliorates the impaired memory of aged rat in the Morris water maze performance. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2000;21(1):65-69.

Tonduli, L. S., Testylier, G., Masqueliez, C., Lallement, G., and Monmaur, P. Effects of Huperzine used as pre-treatment against soman-induced seizures. Neurotoxicology 2001;22(1):29-37.

Wang, R., Xiao, X. Q., and Tang, X. C. Huperzine A attenuates hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis by regulating expression of apoptosis-related genes in rat PC12 cells. Neuroreport 8-28-2001;12(12):2629-2634.

Zhou, J., Zhang, H. Y., and Tang, X. C. Huperzine A attenuates cognitive deficits and hippocampal neuronal damage after transient global ischemia in gerbils. Neurosci.Lett 11-9-2001;313(3):137-140.

Xiao, X. Q., Zhang, H. Y., and Tang, X. C. Huperzine A attenuates amyloid beta-peptide fragment 25-35-induced apoptosis in rat cortical neurons via inhibiting reactive oxygen species formation and caspase-3 activation. J Neurosci.Res 1-1-2002;67(1):30-36.

Finkelstein, B. L., Benner, E. A., Hendrixson, M. C., Kranis, K. T., Rauh, J. J., Sethuraman, M. R., and McCann, S. F. Tricyclic cyanoguanidines: synthesis, site of action and insecticidal activity of a novel class of reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Bioorg.Med Chem 2002;10(3):599-613.

Filliat, P., Foquin, A., and Lallement, G. Effects of chronic administration of huperzine A on memory in guinea pigs. Drug Chem Toxicol 2002;25(1):9-24.

Gordon, R. K., Nigam, S. V., Weitz, J. A., Dave, J. R., Doctor, B. P., and Ved, H. S. The NMDA receptor ion channel: a site for binding of Huperzine A. J Appl Toxicol 2001;21 Suppl 1:S47-S51.

Lallement, G., Baille, V., Baubichon, D., Carpentier, P., Collombet, J. M., Filliat, P., Foquin, A., Four, E., Masqueliez, C., Testylier, G., Tonduli, L., and Dorandeu, F. Review of the value of huperzine as pretreatment of organophosphate poisoning. Neurotoxicology 2002;23(1):1-5.

Zhang, Z., Wang, X., Chen, Q., Shu, L., Wang, J., and Shan, G. [Clinical efficacy and safety of huperzine Alpha in treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer disease, a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial]. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 7-25-2002;82(14):941-944.

Zhou, J. and Tang, X. C. Huperzine A attenuates apoptosis and mitochondria-dependent caspase-3 in rat cortical neurons. FEBS Lett 8-28-2002;526(1-3):21-25.

Ma, X. C., Xin, J., Wang, H. X., Zhang, T., and Tu, Z. H. Acute effects of huperzine A and tacrine on rat liver. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2003;24(3):247-250.

Zhang, H. Y. and Tang, X. C. Huperzine A attenuates the neurotoxic effect of staurosporine in primary rat cortical neurons. Neurosci.Lett 4-10-2003;340(2):91-94.

Wang, L. S., Zhou, J., Shao, X. M., and Tang, X. C. [Huperzine A attenuates cognitive deficits and brain injury after hypoxia-ischemic brain damage in neonatal rats]. Zhonghua Er.Ke Za Zhi 2003;41(1):42-45.

Tang, L. L., Wang, R., and Tang, X. C. Huperzine A protects SHSY5Y neuroblastoma cells against oxidative stress damage via nerve growth factor production. Eur J Pharmacol 9-5-2005;519(1-2):9-15.

Wang, G., Zhang, S. Q., and Zhan, H. [Effect of huperzine A on cerebral cholinesterase and acetylcholine in elderly patients during recovery from general anesthesia]. Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao 2006;26(11):1660-1662.

Yue, P., Tao, T., Zhao, Y., Ren, J., and Chai, X. Huperzine A in rat plasma and CSF following intranasal administration. Int J Pharm 6-7-2007;337(1-2):127-132.

Tao, T., Zhao, Y., Yue, P., Dong, W. X., and Chen, Q. H. [Preparation of huperzine A nasal in situ gel and evaluation of its brain targeting following intranasal administration]. Yao Xue Xue Bao 2006;41(11):1104-1110.

Zhang, Z. J., Tong, Y., Wang, X. Y., Yao, S. M., Jin, G. X., and Wang, X. P. Huperzine A as add-on therapy in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia: an open-labeled trial. Schizophr.Res 2007;92(1-3):273-275.

Little, J. T., Walsh, S., and Aisen, P. S. An update on huperzine A as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Expert.Opin.Investig.Drugs 2008;17(2):209-215.

Ye, J. C., Zeng, S., Zheng, G. L., and Chen, G. S. Pharmacokinetics of Huperzine A after transdermal and oral administration in beagle dogs. Int J Pharm 5-22-2008;356(1-2):187-192.

Li, Y. X., Zhang, R. Q., Li, C. R., and Jiang, X. H. Pharmacokinetics of huperzine A following oral administration to human volunteers. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2007;32(4):183-187.

Li, J., Wu, H. M., Zhou, R. L., Liu, G. J., and Dong, B. R. Huperzine A for Alzheimer's disease. Cochrane Database Syst.Rev 2008;(2):CD005592.

Chow, T. W. Review: insufficient evidence on Huperzine A for Alzheimer's. Evid Based Ment.Health 2008;11(4):112.

Hao, Z., Liu, M., Liu, Z., and Lv, D. Huperzine A for vascular dementia. Cochrane Database Syst.Rev 2009;(2):CD007365.

Xiong, Z. Q. and Tang, X. C. Effect of huperzine A, a novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, on radial maze performance in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 1995;51(2-3):415-419.

Qian, B. C., Wang, M., Zhou, Z. F., Chen, K., Zhou, R. R., and Chen, G. S. Pharmacokinetics of tablet huperzine A in six volunteers. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue.Bao. 1995;16(5):396-398.

Cheng, D. H., Ren, H., and Tang, X. C. Huperzine A, a novel promising acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Neuroreport 12-20-1996;8(1):97-101.

Tang XC and Han YF. Pharmacological profile of huperzine A, a novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitor from Chinese herb. Cns Drug Reviews 1999;5(3):281-300.

Kuang, M. Clinical evaluation of huperzine A in improving interlligent disorder in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Zhongguo Linchuang Kangfu 2004;8(7):1216.

Zhang, M. Evaluation of clinical effect and safety of huperzine A in treating 52 Alzheimer's disease. Journal of New Drugs and Clinical Remedies 2006;25:693.

Xue, SW., Ding, JM., Zhong, P., Liang, K., An, HY., and Bo, Y. Impacts of huperzine A on the level of Fas, Apo2.7 and Bcl-2 on the platelet membrane and the cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer disease. Zhongguo Linchuang Kangfu 2005;9(9):188.

Yang, C. Efficacy and reliability of huperzine a in mild and moderate alzheimer's disease. Zhongguo Linchuang Kangfu 2003;7(31):4258.

Chen M, Gao Z, Deng H, and et al. Huperzine A capsules vs tablets in treatment of Alzheimer disease: multicenter studies. Chinese Journal of New Drugs and Clinical Remedies 2000;19(1):10-12.

Wang, W. Effect of huperzine A on memory function of patients with mild cognitive impairment. Zhongguo Linchuang Kangfu 2005;9(8):23.

Du ZM, Li SL, and Yang CF. [A randomised study of huperzine: a therapy on senile amnestic syndrome]. Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 1996;15(3):180.

Li, K. Change of thyroid function in patients with Alzheimer disease after treatment of huperzine A. Zhongguo Linchuang Kangfu 2006;10(22):70.

Xu SS, Gao ZX, Weng Z, and et al. Efficacy of tablet huperzine-A on memory, cognition and behavior in Alzheimer's disease. Int Med J 1997;4(2):127-131.

Wang, Z, Ren, G, Zhao, Y, and et al. A double-blind study of huperzine A and piracetam in patients with age-associated memory impairment and dementia. Herbal Medicines for Neuropsychiatric Diseases 1999;39-50.

Liu FG, Fang YS, Gao ZX, and et al. [Double-blind randomised controlled trial of huperzine-A in 28 patients with Alzheimer disease]. Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 1995;4(4):196-198.

Mazurek A. An open label trial of huperzine A in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Altern Ther 1999;5(2):97-98.

Aisen, P. A Multi-Center, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Therapeutic Trial to Determine Whether Natural Huperzine A Improves Cognitive Function. Georgetown University Medical Center, Memory Disorders Program 2004;

Cheng YS, Lu CZ, Ying ZL, and et al. [128 cases of myasthenia gravis treated with huperzine A]. New Drugs Clin Remedies 1986;5(4):197-199.

Li YX, Zhang RQ, Li CR, Jiang XH. Pharmacokinetics of huperzine A following oral administration to human volunteers. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2007;32(4):183-7.

Zheng W, Xiang YQ, Li XB, et al. Adjunctive huperzine A for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Psychopharmacol 2016;31(4):286-95.

Rafii MS, Walsh S, Little JT, et al.; Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study. A phase II trial of huperzine A in mild to moderate Alzheimer disease. Neurology 2011;76(16):1389-94.

Wang BS, Wang H, Wei ZH, Song YY, Zhang L, Chen HZ. Efficacy and safety of natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor huperzine A in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: an updated meta-analysis. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2009;116(4):457-65.

Xu ZQ, Liang XM, Juan-Wu, Zhang YF, Zhu CX, Jiang XJ. Treatment with Huperzine A improves cognition in vascular dementia patients. Cell Biochem Biophys 2012;62(1):55-8.

Yang G, Wang Y, Tian J, Liu JP. Huperzine A for Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. PLoS One 2013;8(9):e74916.

Xing SH, Zhu CX, Zhang R, An L. Huperzine a in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia: a meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2014;2014:363985.

De La Garza R 2nd, Verrico CD, Newton TF, Mahoney JJ 3rd, Thompson-Lake DG. Safety and preliminary efficacy of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor Huperzine A as a treatment for cocaine use disorder. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2015;19(3):pyv098.

Zheng W, Xiang YQ, Ungvari GS, et al. Huperzine A for treatment of cognitive impairment in major depressive disorder: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Shanghai Arch Psychiatry 2016;28(2):64-71.

Gul A, Bakht J, Mehmood F. Huperzine-A response to cognitive impairment and task switching deficits in patients with Alzheimer's disease. J Chin Med Assoc 2019;82(1):40-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jcma.2018.07.004.

Cui CC, Sun Y, Wang XY, Zhang Y, Xing Y. The effect of anti-dementia drugs on Alzheimer disease-induced cognitive impairment: A network meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019 Jul;98(27):e16091. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000016091.

Wessinger CM, Inman CL, Weinstock J, Weiss EP. Effect of Huperzine A on Cognitive Function and Perception of Effort during Exercise: A Randomized Double-Blind Crossover Trial. Int J Exerc Sci 2021;14(2):727-741.

Understanding Mitochondria and Energy

Calm Strategies for Alzheimer’s Care

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2025 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Huperzine A - Uses, Side Effects, and More