Pharmacology of Huperzine A, an Alkaloid Isolated from Huperzine Serrata, a Novel Cognition Enhancer with Dual Cholinergic and NMDA Action. Implications in Schizophrenia and Dementia

Simon S. Chiu, University of Western Ontario
Sarah Lalone, University of Western Ontario
Liz Goble, Regional Mental Health Care, London, Ont. Canada

Abstract

Recently, there has been an escalating interest in exploring novel pharmacological approaches in Alzheimer Dementia and Schizophrenia. We reviewed the pharmacology of Huperzine A, an alkaloid isolated from Huperzia Serrata. The dual action of Huperzine in inhibiting cholinesterase activity and modulating the excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartic acid) makes the compound highly appealing as target in pharmaceutical development as a cognitive enhancer agent.

Submitted: February 10, 2006 · Accepted: December 7, 2006 · Published: April 15, 2007

Recommended Citation

Chiu, Simon S.; Lalone, Sarah; and Goble, Liz (2007) "Pharmacology of Huperzine A, an Alkaloid Isolated from Huperzine Serrata, a Novel Cognition Enhancer with Dual Cholinergic and NMDA Action. Implications in Schizophrenia and Dementia," Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine: Vol. 4 : Iss. 1, Article 1.
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/jcim/vol4/iss1/1

 
 
 
 

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