An update on huperzine A as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
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 for AD, including the Phase II trial now under way in the US.
Little
John T
JT
Georgetown University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, 3800 Reservoir Road, NW, Kober-Cogan 604, Washington, DC 20007, USA. jtl106@gunet.georgetown.edu
Walsh
Sally
S
Aisen
Paul S
PS
D000470:Alkaloids; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000818:Animals; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity; D006801:Humans; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity; D012717:Sesquiterpenes / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity
D000470:Alkaloids; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D012717:Sesquiterpenes; C050426:huperzine A