Abstract
Huperzine A is a natural cholinesterase inhibitor derived from the Chinese herb Huperzia serrata. There is evidence that huperzine A may compare favorably in symptomatic efficacy to cholinesterase inhibitors in use. In addition, huperzine A has antioxidant and neuroprotective properties that suggest that it may be useful as a disease-modifying treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The drug is available as a nutriceutical in the US. However, there have been no published controlled clinical trials outside China assessing its toxicity and efficacy. This paper reviews the development of huperzine A as a treatment fof AD, including the Phase II trial now under way in the US.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 209-215 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2008 |
Keywords
- Alzheimer's disease
- Cholinesterase inhibitor
- Dementia
- Huperzine A
- Neuroprotective
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacology (medical)