Huperzine-A and How it Works to Help Improve

Huperzine-A, a simple nutrient from the club moss Huperzia Serrata, is getting a lot of attention by scientists who study Alzheimer’s Disease. It has been used by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners for centuries in brewed tea for a variety of ailments including seizures and brain swelling, fevers, and inflammation. There have been many studies completed and on-going on how it may help stop memory loss.

Over the years there have been numerous studies and research on the benefits of Huperzine-A. Many studies have been dedicated to the treatment of Alzheimer Disease as well as vascular dementia. These studies have shown positive results, with little or no side effects.

Yet, Huperzine-A is not just for treatment of Alzheimer or dementia. Research has also shown that it has antioxidant as well as neuro-protection properties. It is the only natural compound shown to help short-term memory loss.

How Huperzine-A Works To Improve Brain Function

To understand how it works, a general understanding of brain chemistry involving memory loss will help. If we examine Alzheimer’s Disease, one of most severe forms of memory loss and brain confusion, we can learn more about how Huperzine-A helps brain function. A cure for this disease has still not revealed itself to dedicated scientists, yet an enormous amount of information about the brain has become known through studies and research.

One area revealed is the importance of a neurotransmitter named acetylcholine.

It has been shown that if there is too little of acetylcholine (which helps form memories) you may experience a diminishing brain memory function. Studies have shown that acetylcholine producing nerve cells die off, and are limited when Alzheimer’s Disease occurs. There is a deficiency of this neurotransmitter. With not enough acetylcholine, many people experience memory loss, “fogginess” and confusion.

Further studies of Alzheimer’s revealed that an enzyme named acetylcholinesterase breaks down the acetylcholine in the brain. Here is how Huperzine-A works。

Huperzine-A inhibits or represses the acetylcholinesterase, which in turn prevents the break down of acetylcholine in the brain.

Having the acetylcholine that is still being made protected from the break down by acetylcholinesterase, some of the brain’s memory function can be improved and / or even restored.

This is great news for many with the severe brain disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease. It is also good news for anyone who wishes to “feed” or give their brain a “boost” of fuel.

Since peoples acetylcholine production declines naturally as we age, many individuals may wish to supplement with this compound to help boost memory and brain function.

In addition, more and more medical research is being done with Huperzine-A. For example, Harvard University researchers are using this compound in a study for possible anti-seizure help.

Huperzine-A is available over-the-counter in the United States, usually found in the vitamins and supplements section of natural health stores.