59
SCORE
Huperzine A
Cognition · Acetylcholinesterase
Tier 3 — Trending
What it is
Isolated from Chinese club moss, inhibits acetylcholinesterase, raising brain acetylcholine levels. Small Chinese RCTs reported memory and cognitive improvements in Alzheimer patients. Long half-life — can accumulate with daily use. Side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, and bradycardia. Never combine with prescription cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine).
Efficacy
3/5
Safety
3/5
Research
2/5
Onset
4/5
Cost
3/5
Drug-int.
3/5
Dose
50–200 mcg twice daily; do not combine with prescription cholinesterase inhibitors
Time of day & tips
Take on an empty stomach in the morning. Cycle use — 2–4 weeks on, 1–2 weeks off, due to its long half-life. Never combine with prescription cholinesterase inhibitors.
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