Home
Resources
Publications
Huperzine A as a Neuroprotective and Antiepileptic Drug: A Review of Preclinical Research

Huperzine A as a Neuroprotective and Antiepileptic Drug: A Review of Preclinical Research

U Damar, R Gersner, J T Johnstone, S Schachter, A Rotenberg

Expert Rev Neurother. 2016 Jun;16(6):671-80.

PMID: 27086593

Abstract:

Huperzine A (HupA) is an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor extracted from Huperzia Serrata, a firmoss, which has been used for various diseases in traditional Chinese medicine for fever and inflammation. More recently, it has been used in Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia with a presumed mechanism of action via central nicotinic and muscarinic receptors. HupA is marketed as a dietary supplement in the U.S. This article reviews newly proposed neuroprotective and anticonvulsant HupA properties based on animal studies. HupA exerts its effects mainly via α7nAChRs and α4β2nAChRs, thereby producing a potent anti-inflammatory response by decreasing IL-1β, TNF-α protein expression, and suppressing transcriptional activation of NF-κB signaling. Thus, it provides protection from excitotoxicity and neuronal death as well as increase in GABAergic transmission associated with anticonvulsant activity.

Chemicals Related in the Paper:

Catalog Number	Product Name	Structure	CAS Number	Price
AP102518796-B	Huperzine A		102518-79-6	Price
AP120786187	(±)-Huperzine A		120786-18-7	Price

As a specialist in analytical chemical Products, Alfa Chemistry offers consumers a wealth of raw materials and a full range of technologies and services.

QUICK LINKS

HEADQUARTERS

Tel:

Fax:

Email: