Huperzine A: May Enhance Cognitive Function

Huperzine A is an alkaloid extract from a Chinese club moss known as Huperzia serrata. The whole plant was used in Chinese herbal medicine to reduce inflammation and fevers, and to help with menstrual irregularities. Modern researchers have found that the Huperzine A extracted from this herb is an effective cholinesterase inhibitor. In clinical trials, Huperzine A shows promise as a potent tool in the fight against Alzheimer's Disease, and other types of dementia, because of this ability to inhibit cholinesterase. Formally called acetylcholinesterase, cholinesterase breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Because acetylcholine is involved with memory, thinking, and learning, Huperzine A may enhance the brain's cognitive functions by making more acetylcholine available to the body. Very limited human tests have also been performed to study Huperzine A's use as a memory enhancer, and have had positive results in a group of teenagers. Huperzine A is known to have few severe side effects, but there are no studies of long-term use of the supplement.

Among the milder side effects of Huperzine A are diarrhea, stomach cramps, drooling, slowed heartbeat, nausea, sweating, blurry vision, and dizziness. There are several groups who are advised not take Huperzine A. Individuals with epilepsy should not take Huperzine A, as it may increase the likelihood of seizures. Huperzine A may slow the heartbeat, and those with heart rhythm irregularities should avoid it. As Huperzine A increases acetylcholine, body secretions, such as mucus, saliva, and urine, will also increase.

These increased secretions will aggravate respiratory conditions, such as emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma. Increased urine output affects some bladder and prostate conditions, as well. There is also the possibility of a rise in stomach acid production, making Huperzine A a risk for those with ulcers of the stomach or intestines. Huperzine A can have unpredictable interactions with drugs prescribed to reduce acetylcholine activity in the blood. Huperzine A taken in combination with these drugs may decrease the effectiveness of both.

Recommended Huperzine A Supplement

We have stumbled upon a company that produces a product that provides the highest quality of Huperzine A is Xtend-Life Natural Products from New Zealand. Xtend-Life has one of the strictest regulatory environments in the world for the manufacture of dietary supplements, far exceeding U.S. FDA standards.

Their flagship product, Total Balance, contains standardized Huperzine A, along with many other potent herbal supplement extracts, numerous vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other speciality nutrients, many of which are documented in this site.

We here at www.InstantHealthSecret.com personally take Xtend-Life's Total Balance as the foundation of our own health regimen and have achieved excellent results: we have noticed an increase in energy, mental acuity, and general sense of well-being.