Possible treatment for Alzheimer’s

Huperzine A has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, but only recently did scientists become aware of its promise as an Alzheimer’s treatment. The compound is one of two alkaloids, or plant chemicals, extracted from the Chinese moss Huperzia serrata. The moss favors shady tropical woodlands and swamp areas in Asia and does not grow well in the continental U.S.

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Uses: In traditional Chinese medicine, Huperzine A is prescribed for fevers and swelling. In modern Chinese medicine, it’s used to treat dementia.

Dose: In human studies, doses range from 60 to 400 micrograms a day. Supplement manufacturers typically recommend 50 to 100 micrograms daily.

Precautions: Little is known about Huperzine A’s long-term safety. In recent studies, short-term use caused side effects including dizziness, stomach cramps, sweating and decreased heart rate. The supplement can also increase the risk of seizure in people with epilepsy. Because Huperzine A is a mild diuretic, people with irritable or inflammatory bowel disease should avoid it. Taking the supplement along with prescription Alzheimer’s medication may increase negative side effects, so check with your doctor if you plan to combine the two.

Research: Lab and animal tests have shown that Huperzine A performs similarly to other commonly prescribed Alzheimer’s drugs, including tacrine and donepezil. Several clinical trials conducted in China found that the supplement improved cognition, memory and mood in Alzheimer’s patients. A separate Chinese study showed that the compound improved memory and learning performance in teenagers. Research centers throughout the U.S. are currently investigating Huperzine A’s promise in treating Alzheimer’s and age-related dementia. There is limited evidence that capsules are as effective as injectable Huperzine A, which so far has been more widely used in human studies.

Dietary supplement makers are not required by the U.S. government to demonstrate that their products are safe or effective. Ask your healthcare provider for advice on selecting a brand.