Huperzine A: a natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with multifunctional neuroprotective effects
Abstract Background Huperzine A, a naturally derived compound, has garnered interest for its capacity to inhibit cholinesterase with multifaceted neuroprotective effects and is obtained from Huperzia serrata (Chinese club moss plant). This review highlights its pharmacological potential in the treat...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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SpringerOpen
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s43088-025-00675-1 |
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| author | Suvaiv Kuldeep Singh Syed Misbahul Hasan Arun Kumar Abdullah khan Mo. Shahanawaz Syed Mehdi Hasan Zaidi Kausal Verma |
| author_facet | Suvaiv Kuldeep Singh Syed Misbahul Hasan Arun Kumar Abdullah khan Mo. Shahanawaz Syed Mehdi Hasan Zaidi Kausal Verma |
| author_sort | Suvaiv |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Huperzine A, a naturally derived compound, has garnered interest for its capacity to inhibit cholinesterase with multifaceted neuroprotective effects and is obtained from Huperzia serrata (Chinese club moss plant). This review highlights its pharmacological potential in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Huperzine A was used in various neurological conditions in traditional Chinese treatments. Findings Acetylcholinesterase is responsible for the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter critical for cognitive functions such as memory, learning, and attention. Huperzine A exhibits neuroprotective effects by preserving acetylcholine levels, and also offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. These pharmacological actions suggest a potential role in modifying disease progression in AD and vascular dementia (VD). Although preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated promising cognitive benefits, discrepancies in outcomes still exist. While considered safe at therapeutic dosages, excessive intake may lead to adverse effects, e.g., nausea, diarrhea, and muscle cramps. Conclusion Research on its effectiveness in various neurological conditions is ongoing, and its use should be approached with caution and professional guidance. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-61bd07989bdf4cd8bfbc696fefa29d8b |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2314-8543 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | SpringerOpen |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-61bd07989bdf4cd8bfbc696fefa29d8b2025-08-20T03:44:06ZengSpringerOpenBeni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences2314-85432025-08-0114111410.1186/s43088-025-00675-1Huperzine A: a natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with multifunctional neuroprotective effectsSuvaiv0Kuldeep Singh1Syed Misbahul Hasan2Arun Kumar3Abdullah khan4Mo. Shahanawaz5Syed Mehdi Hasan Zaidi6Kausal Verma7Integral UniversityIntegral UniversityIntegral UniversityIntegral UniversityIntegral UniversityIntegral UniversityIntegral UniversityShree Krishna College of PharmacyAbstract Background Huperzine A, a naturally derived compound, has garnered interest for its capacity to inhibit cholinesterase with multifaceted neuroprotective effects and is obtained from Huperzia serrata (Chinese club moss plant). This review highlights its pharmacological potential in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Huperzine A was used in various neurological conditions in traditional Chinese treatments. Findings Acetylcholinesterase is responsible for the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter critical for cognitive functions such as memory, learning, and attention. Huperzine A exhibits neuroprotective effects by preserving acetylcholine levels, and also offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. These pharmacological actions suggest a potential role in modifying disease progression in AD and vascular dementia (VD). Although preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated promising cognitive benefits, discrepancies in outcomes still exist. While considered safe at therapeutic dosages, excessive intake may lead to adverse effects, e.g., nausea, diarrhea, and muscle cramps. Conclusion Research on its effectiveness in various neurological conditions is ongoing, and its use should be approached with caution and professional guidance.https://doi.org/10.1186/s43088-025-00675-1Huperzine ANeuroprotectionAcetylcholinesterase (AChE)Alzheimer’s diseaseHerbal drugTraditional medicine |
| spellingShingle | Suvaiv Kuldeep Singh Syed Misbahul Hasan Arun Kumar Abdullah khan Mo. Shahanawaz Syed Mehdi Hasan Zaidi Kausal Verma Huperzine A: a natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with multifunctional neuroprotective effects Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences Huperzine A Neuroprotection Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) Alzheimer’s disease Herbal drug Traditional medicine |
| title | Huperzine A: a natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with multifunctional neuroprotective effects |
| title_full | Huperzine A: a natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with multifunctional neuroprotective effects |
| title_fullStr | Huperzine A: a natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with multifunctional neuroprotective effects |
| title_full_unstemmed | Huperzine A: a natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with multifunctional neuroprotective effects |
| title_short | Huperzine A: a natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with multifunctional neuroprotective effects |
| title_sort | huperzine a a natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with multifunctional neuroprotective effects |
| topic | Huperzine A Neuroprotection Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) Alzheimer’s disease Herbal drug Traditional medicine |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s43088-025-00675-1 |
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