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Abstract Title:

Huperzine A as a neuroprotective and antiepileptic drug: a review of preclinical research.

Abstract Source:

Expert Rev Neurother. 2016 06 ;16(6):671-80. Epub 2016 Apr 20. PMID: 27086593

Abstract Author(s):

U Damar, R Gersner, J T Johnstone, S Schachter, A Rotenberg

Article Affiliation:

U Damar

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 viaα7nAChRs 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.

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