Huperzine-A is derived from a Chinese Club Moss and has been used for hundreds of years by the Chinese people.
Originally used as an anti-inflammatory, the club moss has recently been discovered to contain the alkaloid Huperzine-A which has proven helpful in brain related deficiencies.
Huperzine-A is a highly purified supplement, having to undergo a lot of processes to be derived from the club moss.
The supplement works by increasing, or stopping the breakdown, of the amount of acetylcholine in the brain.
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that functions in both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, carrying impulses between neurons and muscle cells.
It is a critical element in a lot of our key bodily processes.
Acetylcholine is one of the key neurotransmitters involved in memory and is used to control sensory signals in the brain.
Other notable areas in effect by this neurotransmitter include mood and awareness, as well as stimulation of muscle tissue.
By taking the supplement Huperzine-A, we increase the level of acetylcholine by preventing its breakdown.
There have been recent studies in China, testing the usefulness of the drug in treating dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
The results were positive, proving at least some-what effective.
However, the results were labeled as poor quality and a retest is required before anything is deemed certain.
The supplement is not fully understood but experts have hope and belief of an important role for it in the future.
Huperzine-A, however, is not only beneficial for prevention of diseases and age related deficiencies.
The supplement has been proven effective in increases both short term and long term memory in the brains of the healthy.
Stopping the break down of acetylcholine slows the decline in memory over time.
College students and learning fenatics have been known to take the supplement for increased retention or for cramming before tests.
Additional benefits include improved mood and increased focus.
As with all supplements, there are a number of possible side effects that any user should be aware of before taking.
Huperzine-A has an effect on heart rate, so people with heart conditions should avoid.
The supplement has also been found in rare instances to cause nausea, high blood pressure, slowed heart rate, increased saliva, and loss of appetite.
Unhealthy individuals should consult a physician before use.
Again, this supplement is in its early stages of use and not much is known about it.
For healthy users, there are rarely any issues and the positive effects on learning can be incredible.