Herbs - Huperzia (Lycopodium serratum ).

What Is It?

Is a type of moss that was traditionally used in Chinese medicine and drunk as a tea for various conditions including fever, urinary health and menstrual problems. In modern herbal medicine the alkaloid huperzine A is isolated and used medicinally.

Action

The moss contains huperzine A, which is the main active constituent. This alkaloid has a unique action, it prevents the breakdown of the brain chemical known as acetylcholine, this is needed to carry electrical messages through the nervous system. This enables more efficient brain function.

Uses

Historically it has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

• Age related cognitive decline
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Dementia
• General brain function
• Learning ability
• Poor memory

Other information

Huperzine A may be as effective as the drugs used to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, but without the side effects often experienced when using these medicines. It is available as a herbal supplement and is normally taken at levels of 100mcg to 200mcg up to three times per day.

Cautions

• The safety of Huperzine A during pregnancy and lactation has not been sufficiently studied and should therefore be avoided.



• The long-term use has not been evaluated at this time, although a study over 8 weeks revealed no significant side effects - other than mild dizziness.



• Until more is known, it is probably best to avoid using this herb when you are already using medications that also prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine (eg tacrine and donepezil).



• At the time of writing there are no other well -known side effects, drug interactions or contra-indications.

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