Huperzine A
Chinese RCTs show Huperzine A improved memory and learning in Alzheimer's patients (Xu et al., 1995: 58% vs 36% improved at 200mcg/day over 8 weeks) and in adolescent students (Sun et al., 1999: 100mcg/day for 4 weeks). A 2013 meta-analysis of 20 RCTs found significant benefits in Alzheimer's disease, but rated most trials at high risk of bias; the 2008 Cochrane review concluded the evidence is inadequate to recommend it, and a 2012 Cochrane review found no eligible trials in mild cognitive impairment. A 2019 RCT after traumatic brain injury found no memory benefit over placebo.
エビデンス確認日:
作用機序
Huperzine A is extracted from Huperzia serrata (Chinese club moss). It is a potent, reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor — meaning it blocks the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, effectively increasing acetylcholine levels throughout the brain. This makes it one of the most powerful natural cholinergic compounds.
臨床エビデンスの概要
Chinese RCTs show Huperzine A improved memory and learning in Alzheimer's patients (Xu et al., 1995: 58% vs 36% improved at 200mcg/day over 8 weeks) and in adolescent students (Sun et al., 1999: 100mcg/day for 4 weeks). A 2013 meta-analysis of 20 RCTs found significant benefits in Alzheimer's disease, but rated most trials at high risk of bias; the 2008 Cochrane review concluded the evidence is inadequate to recommend it, and a 2012 Cochrane review found no eligible trials in mild cognitive impairment. A 2019 RCT after traumatic brain injury found no memory benefit over placebo.
ヒト効果マトリクス
Based on human clinical trials only. Animal and in-vitro data excluded.
| 効果 | エビデンス | 効果の大きさ | 研究数 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memory Recall | moderate | 中 | 4 |
| Acetylcholine Preservation | strong | 大 | 2 |
| Learning Speed | preliminary | 中 | 1 |
| Alzheimer's Symptom Reduction | moderate | 中 | 3 |
Evidence key: Strong = multiple consistent RCTs · Moderate = smaller/fewer RCTs · Preliminary = early trials or small n · Mixed = conflicting results
実証された効果
- Acetylcholine preservation (established mechanism)
- Cognition and daily function in Alzheimer's disease (low-quality trials)
- Memory and learning in one student RCT
副作用と注意事項
- Adverse events in Alzheimer's trials were mild and not significantly different from placebo (2008 Cochrane review)
- Overdose risk with other cholinergics
- GI discomfort at high doses
- Not suitable for people on cholinesterase inhibitor drugs
摂取方法
スタッキングの推奨
Huperzine Aと相性の良い成分とその理由。
Bacopa works via synaptic density (non-cholinergic mechanism); Huperzine A works via acetylcholine preservation. No mechanism overlap. A powerful memory stack where both sides work independently.
Lion's Mane supports long-term neurogenesis via NGF; Huperzine A supports acetylcholine by slowing its breakdown. Different mechanisms with no conflict.
よくある質問
Does Huperzine A need to be cycled?
There is no trial evidence either way. The clinical trials gave it daily for 4–16 weeks, and the 2008 Cochrane review found adverse events were mild and no more common than on placebo. No human trial has tested a cycling schedule. Cholinergic side effects — nausea, sweating, excessive salivation, muscle twitching — are the thing to watch for; stop or reduce the dose if they appear.
Is 100mcg the same as 100mg? The label looks confusing.
No — mcg (micrograms) and mg (milligrams) are different by a factor of 1000. Huperzine A is dosed in micrograms (mcg). A 200mcg dose is 0.2mg. This is correct and intentional — Huperzine A is extremely potent. If a product claims a dose in milligrams (e.g. "100mg"), read the label carefully — it likely means 100mcg (0.1mg). A true 100mg dose of Huperzine A would be catastrophically overdosed.
Can I take Huperzine A with Alpha-GPC?
Technically yes, but with significant caution. Alpha-GPC increases acetylcholine synthesis; Huperzine A prevents its breakdown. The combination can easily cause cholinergic overload, and no trial has tested it. If combining, use low doses of each and start with one at a time before combining. Watch carefully for early overload symptoms: nausea, headache, excessive salivation.
Is Huperzine A safe for young healthy adults?
Huperzine A's research base is mostly in Alzheimer's patients; the only healthy-population RCT found was a 4-week study in 68 adolescent students at 100mcg/day. The key risks in healthy users are dosing errors (confusing mcg and mg) and combining with other cholinergics. Long-term safety in healthy adults has not been studied.
Top stacks containing Huperzine A
Huperzine A in Japan
Products in Japan
Consumer Affairs Agency (FFC)
Regulatory note
本ページは教育目的の編集コンテンツであり、医学的助言を構成するものではありません。日本国内で販売される機能性表示食品(FFC)および特定保健用食品(FOSHU)は、消費者庁への届出または許可を必要とします。届出のない輸入品については、日本の薬機法(旧薬事法)の下で疾病治療を示唆する表現は規制されます。サプリメントを開始する前に、必ず資格のある医療専門家にご相談ください。This page is editorial and not medical advice. Foods with Function Claims (FFC) and Foods for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU) sold in Japan require notification or approval from the Consumer Affairs Agency. Imported products without notification cannot make disease-treatment claims under the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices (PMD) Act. Note: In July 2026, the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) opened a public comment period (Notice No. 235080088, closes 30 July 2026) on proposed revisions to permitted claim wording for FFC-notified ingredients including DHA, phosphatidylserine, and NMN; compliant claim language may require updating once the final Cabinet Office Order is published. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
出典 (6)展開
- PMID 24086396Huperzine A for Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (2013)
- PMID 18425924Huperzine A for Alzheimer's disease (2008)
- PMID 23235666Huperzine A for mild cognitive impairment (2012)
- PMID 10678121Huperzine-A capsules enhance memory and learning performance in 34 pairs of matched adolescent students (1999)
- PMID 8701750Efficacy of tablet huperzine-A on memory, cognition, and behavior in Alzheimer's disease (1995)
- PMID 31638455Huperzine A for the treatment of cognitive, mood, and functional deficits after moderate and severe TBI (HUP-TBI): results of a Phase II randomized controlled pilot study (2019)