Potential therapeutic targets of huperzine A for Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.
Huperzine A (HupA), a novel Lycopodium alkaloid isolated from Chinese folk medicine Huperzia serrata (Qian Ceng Ta), is a potent, selective and well-tolerated inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). It has been proven to significantly improve the learning and memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) patients in China. Interestingly, our recent data indicate that HupA also possesses other protective functions. This paper will give an overview on the protective effects of HupA, which includes regulating beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) metabolism, protecting against Abeta-mediated oxidative stress, apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as anti-inflammation. The multiple neuroprotective effects of HupA might yield additional beneficial effects in AD and VaD therapy.
State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, China.
Hai Yan
HY
Zhang
Chun Yan
CY
Zheng
Han
H
Yan
Zhi Fei
ZF
Wang
Li Li
LL
Tang
Xin
X
Gao
Xi Can
XC
Tang
D000470:Alkaloids; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / Q000378:metabolism; D015140:Dementia, Vascular / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D012717:Sesquiterpenes / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000470:Alkaloids; D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor; D012717:Sesquiterpenes; C050426:huperzine A