Huperzine A

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evidence score

nootropic

HupAHup Aselagine+1 more

Huperzine A is an alkaloid derived from Huperzia serrata (Chinese club moss) and is one of the most potent reversible acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors available without prescription. It works by the same mechanism as pharmaceutical dementia drugs (donepezil, rivastigmine) but with better CNS penetration and additional NMDA receptor antagonism. Chinese clinical trials demonstrate significant benefits in Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. It is popular as a study aid and nootropic for acute cognitive enhancement. Because AChE inhibition provides sustained effects (long half-life of AChE inhibition), Huperzine A should be cycled — continuous use leads to cholinergic downregulation.

Evidence

No score yet

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

No formal phase listed

Research Sync

Not synced yet

Dosing

Typical

100 mcg

50 mcgRange200 mcg

Frequency1-2x/day

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Pharmacology

Half-life~10-14 hours (plasma); AChE inhibition persists 24+ hours

OnsetAcute cognitive effects within 30-60 minutes; therapeutic effects 4-8 weeks

DurationAChE inhibition sustained; cycle 4-6 weeks on, 2 weeks off

Routes

oral

Evidence Score

—

0 studies indexed

Scoring Factors

Volume(40%)—

Quality(30%)—

Sample Size(10%)—

Consistency(10%)—

Replication(5%)—

Recency(5%)—

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

Huperzine A is currently categorized as a nootropic compound.

Evidence scoring has not been fully computed yet, so interpret this profile as preliminary.

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

Reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (IC50 ~74nM); NMDA antagonist; upregulates NGF; protects against beta-amyloid neurotoxicity

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

No indexed study summaries yet.