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.¹ Animal research has suggested that huperzine A’s ability to preserve acetylcholine may be greater than that of some prescription drugs.^2,3 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.^4,5

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.⁶ Another double-blind trial using injected huperzine A confirmed a positive effect in people with dementia, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer’s disease.⁷ 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.⁸

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.⁹ 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.