HUPERZINE-A

Mechanism of action

Huperzine A has been found to be an inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This is the same mechanism of action of pharmaceutical drugs such as [galantamine] and [donepezil] used to treat Alzheimer's disease.

Pharmacodynamics

Huperzine A is an alkaloid derived from <i>Huperzia serrata</i> (which is available as an herbal product in the US). It is under investigation as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Clinical trials in China have shown that huperzine A is comparably effective to the drugs currently on the market, and may even be somewhat safer in terms of side effects.

External links