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Botanical

Huperzine A

Huperzine A is an alkaloid from Chinese club moss (Huperzia serrata) that blocks an enzyme which breaks down the nerve messenger acetylcholine.

Also listed as Qian Ceng Ta, Huperzine A Leaf Extract

Cognition

What is the main European safety warning?

In 2024, the Dutch public-health institute RIVM advised against Huperzia serrata supplements, especially during pregnancy. It identified possible acute cholinergic effects, including muscle weakness, abdominal cramps and blurred vision, even at labeled doses. 1

Which medicines raise concerns?

MSK warns about combining huperzine A with donepezil, galantamine or rivastigmine because their enzyme-inhibiting actions overlap. Reported adverse effects include nausea, dizziness, insomnia and a slow heart rate; medicines that slow heart rate can create additional concerns. 2

For information, not individual medical advice. Ingredient studies do not establish the effectiveness of these products.

Sources

  2. Huperzia serrata Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center