Compound or practice · Supplement
Huperzine A
A potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with some dementia data — effectively a drug, not a casual nootropic.
- Overall grade
- Grade C
- Last revised
- 1
- graded outcome
- 0
- references listed
A structured monograph in Prometheus's bundled library. Its grades are the monograph's own reading of the evidence, not a peer-reviewed review.
2 at grade C — 2 graded rows
What is known
Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.
- Cognition in dementiaEvidence grade C
Variable-quality trials
Smallmixed
Conditions
How the entry reads its effect on diagnosed conditions: the direction first, then the grade. Never a substitute for the person who treats you.
- Dementia May improveEvidence grade CUnder careGrade C
What is uncertain
Read off the same rows as above. Nothing here is added that the entry does not itself record.
- Thin evidence: Cognition in dementia (grade C).
The evidence in words
What it is
Huperzine A is an alkaloid from club moss that inhibits acetylcholinesterase, raising acetylcholine.
How it works
By blocking the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, it boosts cholinergic signaling — the same target class as some Alzheimer's drugs.
What the evidence shows
Chinese trials suggest cognitive benefit in Alzheimer's/vascular dementia; quality is variable. Because it acts like a cholinesterase-inhibitor drug, casual daily use for healthy brains is ill-advised, and it can add to such medications.
How to use it
50–200 µg if used; not for casual continuous use.
Safety & interactions
Cholinergic side effects (GI, cramps); additive with cholinesterase-inhibitor drugs — treat it as a drug.
Bottom line
Pharmacologically real but drug-like. Reserve for medical contexts; not a daily 'focus' supplement.
How it is used
As the entry records it, from the studies it summarises. Not a recommendation for you — doses that suit a trial population may not suit you.
- Standard
- 50–200 µg; not continuous casual use.
Related reading
Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.
- Bacopa MonnieriThe nootropic that actually improves memory — but slowly, over 8–12 weeks, not on the day you take it.Evidence grade B
- Citicoline (CDP-Choline)A choline source with modest attention and memory data — the more evidence-backed of the popular cholinergics.Evidence grade C
- PramiracetamA potent racetam with intriguing older memory data but thin, dated human evidence.Evidence grade D
- Bacopa Monnieri for Acute cognitionEvidence grade D — No same-day effectEvidence grade D
Sources
This entry lists no references of its own.
Last revised . A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.