Huperzine A is an ingredient found in many supplements promising to help improve cognition and benefit your mental health. It is an alkaloid that comes from club moss and has been used in Chinese medicine for a variety of health reasons.
Huperzine A Benefits
Here is a list of the primary and most commonly reported benefits of Huperzine A…
- Improves working memory
- Boosts concentration and focus
- Increases your ability to learn
- Improves information retention
- Provides the body with neuroprotective effects
Improves Working Memory
Huperzine A has been shown to help improve users ability to memorize information and retain that information. It is believed that this benefit is produced as a result of the effect Huperzine A has on Acetylcholine levels. Acetylcholine is your most important neurotransmitter for processes related to learning and memory.
Neuroprotective Benefits
Another benefit of Huperzine A is its ability to protect your brain from free radicals, which can negatively impact your ability to focus in the short term and damage your brain in the long term. Researchers believe that Huperzine A can provide significant neuroprotective benefits when used as part of a comprehensive nootropic supplement.
What Is Huperzine A?
Huperzine A is a compound known as an alkaloid and is extracted from a specific type of moss. It has been shown to help benefit brain health and cognition in multiple ways, and can actually help slow down the rate of cognitive decline in people who suffer from late-life memory conditions. It is most commonly found in supplements known as nootropics. These brain supplements have been shown to provide many people with increased mental ability, and help support properly functioning memory.
Nootropics are brain and memory supplements that have been shown to provide an adequate replacement for everyday vices to increase concentration and boost productivity. Many of them also include ingredients that support a properly functioning memory. Nootropic are made up of a wide variety of herbs, vitamins, and minerals that are all related to brain health. Some of the herbs in nootropic supplements have been used for thousands of years and have benefited millions of individuals’ brain and physical health.
Huperzine A is just another compound to add to a nootropic’s arsenal of cognition supporting ingredients.
How Does Huperzine A Work?
Huperzine A works by inhibiting the actions of a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is the most crucial neurotransmitter for learning and memory. Low levels of acetylcholine have been shown in individuals who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Huperzine A mimics the ability of prescription drugs for Alzheimer’s, with fewer reported side effects. The enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine is called acetylcholine esterase, and is inhibited by Huperzine A. Due to this ability, Huperzine A is able to increase acetylcholine levels in the brain, helping support cognitive processes related to learning and memory.
Huperzine A has also been shown to be able to increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. This is important because it allows you to stay focused, while also providing slight anxiety relief and elevated mood.
Huperzine A Side Effects
Huperzine A side effects are uncommon and normally arise if too much has been taken. While it may cause some digestive discomfort, more serious issues are uncommon. Some people may experience side effects such as anxiety and discomfort. If you are prone to anxiety, you may want to avoid nootropic supplements in general.
Pros of Huperzine A
- Helps increase neurotransmitter levels
- Boosts cognition
- Can cross the blood brain barrier
Cons of Huperzine A
- Some negative side effects when taken improperly
Huperzine A Benefits – Summary
Overall, Huperzine A is a compound that is able to help improve your cognitive abilities, especially when taken with other ingredients responsible for doing the same thing. It is often found to be a powerful component of many nootropic stacks, and can be a great addition to a nootropic blend.
I’m not just a supplement analyst. I’m an extremely qualified one! I am a Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) and actually received my certification directly from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I am also a Nutrition & Wellness Consultant, certified by the American Fitness Professionals Association (AFPA).