Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Huperzine A is a chemical found in Chinese club moss (Huperzia serrata, orH.
This is how Aricept (donepezil) also works as atreatment option for AD.
Huperzine A may have potentialnootropiceffects, such as supporting brain health and memory.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.
Whenchoosing a supplement, look for products independently tested or certified by organizations such asNSF,U.S.
What Are the Side Effects of Huperzine A?
Like many medications and natural products, side effects are possible with huperzine A.
Common Side Effects
Most side effects have been mild and temporary.
All medications and even supplements can pose a risk of severe allergic reaction.
Dosage: How Much Should I Take Huperzine A?
There’s limited information about huperzine A’s safetyespecially with long-term use of more than 24 weeks.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Huperzine A?
Health risks from products contaminated with prohibited, unknown ingredients may also be possible.
If you suspect you’re experiencing life-threatening side effects, seek immediate medical attention.
Generally, most medicines' optimal storage condition is in a cool and dry place.
Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging.
Avoid putting unused and expired medicines down the drain or in the toilet.
Visit the FDA website to learn where and how to discard all unused and expired medicines.
Similar Supplements
Huperzine A may have potential uses for memory and brain function.
Each product may work a bit differently, depending on the form.
So, following a healthcare provider’s recommendations or label directions is essential.
Summary
Huperzine A is a substance found in the herb Chinese club moss.
It’s used in traditional Chinese medicine.
It is potentially helpful for brain health, especially in people with Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia.
Additional higher-quality clinical trials are still necessary to better assess the effectiveness and safety of huperzine A.
Before taking huperzine A, consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider to help you safely achieve your health goals.
The Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Source: Operation Supplement Safety.Huperzine A: dietary supplements for brain health.
Food and Drug Administration.Aricept label.
2013;8(9):e74916.
2021;14(2):727-741.
National Institute on Aging.Vascular dementia: causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Hao Z, Liu M, Liu Z, et al.Huperzine A for vascular dementia.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
- doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007365.pub2
National Institues of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database.
