Huperzine A as a neuroprotective and antiepileptic drug: a review of preclinical research

Huperzine A (HupA) is an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor extracted from Huperzia Serrata, a firmoss, which has been used for various diseases in traditional Chinese medicine for fever and inflammation. More recently, it has been used in Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia with a presumed mechanism of action via central nicotinic and muscarinic receptors. HupA is marketed as a dietary supplement in the U.S. This article reviews newly proposed neuroprotective and anticonvulsant HupA properties based on animal studies. HupA exerts its effects mainly via alpha 7nAChRs and alpha 4 beta 2nAChRs, thereby producing a potent anti-inflammatory response by decreasing IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha protein expression, and suppressing transcriptional activation of NF-kappa B signaling. Thus, it provides protection from excitotoxicity and neuronal death as well as increase in GABAergic transmission associated with anticonvulsant activity.