Huperzine A as a neuroprotective and antiepileptic drug: a review of preclinical research. (2nd June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Damar, U.; Gersner, R.; Johnstone, J. T.; Schachter, S.; Rotenberg, A.
• Is Part Of: Expert review of neurotherapeutics. Volume 16:Number 6(2016)
• Page Start: 671
• Page End: 680
• Publication Date: 2016-06-02
• Subjects: Huperzine A -- acetylcholinesterase -- nicotinic receptors -- GABAergic transmission -- excitotoxicity -- neuroprotection; Neuropharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.7805
• DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2016.1175303
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7175

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Huperzine A (HupA) is an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor extracted from Huperzia Serrata, a firmoss, which has been used for various diseases in traditional Chinese medicine for fever and inflammation. More recently, it has been used in Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia with a presumed mechanism of action via central nicotinic and muscarinic receptors. HupA is marketed as a dietary supplement in the U.S. This article reviews newly proposed neuroprotective and anticonvulsant HupA properties based on animal studies. HupA exerts its effects mainly via α7nAChRs and α4β2nAChRs, thereby producing a potent anti-inflammatory response by decreasing IL-1β, TNF-α protein expression, and suppressing transcriptional activation of NF-κB signaling. Thus, it provides protection from excitotoxicity and neuronal death as well as increase in GABAergic transmission associated with anticonvulsant activity.