Q. What is Huperzine A?
A.Huperzine A is a substance purified from a plant called Chinese club moss. Although the makers of huperzine A start with a plant, their product is the result of a lot of laboratory manipulation. It is a highly purified drug, unlike herbs that typically contain hundreds of chemical ingredients. As a result, some people regard huperzine A as a drug, and they argue that it stretches the guidelines of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). Be careful not to confuse huperzine A, which is also called selagine, with similar sounding medications such as selegiline (Eldepryl). Also be careful not to confuse one of the brand names for huperizine A (Cerebra) with the brand names for unrelated prescription drugs such as celecoxib (Celebrex), citalopram (Celexa), and fosphenytoin (Cerebyx). Huperzine A is used for Alzheimer's disease, memory and learning enhancement, and age-related memory impairment. It is also used for treating a muscle disease called myasthenia gravis, for increasing alertness and energy, and for protecting against agents that damage the nerves such as nerve gases. Products that combine huperzine A with certain drugs used for treating Alzheimer’s disease are being studied. These “hybrid” products are of interest because they may be effective at lower doses and, therefore, cause fewer side effects. One hybrid, called huprine X, combines huperzine A with the drug donepezil. Another hybrid being studied contains huperzine A and the drug tacrine.

Q.How does it work?
A.Huperzine A is thought to be beneficial for problems with memory, loss of mental abilities (dementia), and the muscular disorder myasthenia gravis because it causes an increase in the levels of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is one of the chemicals that our nerves use to communicate in the brain, muscles, and other areas.

Q.What are the uses of Huperzine A?
A.Improving memory, mental function, and behavior in people with certain conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, multi-infarct dementia, or senile dementia. One study showed improved memory and thinking skills in patients with Alzheimer’s disease after 8 weeks of treatment. Another study showed patients with multi-infarct and senile dementia benefited after 2-4 weeks of treatment. But long-term, large-scale research studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine what role huperzine A might have in treating dementia.Improving memory in healthy adolescents. In one well-designed research project, huperzine A significantly improved the memory of Chinese middle school children who complained of memory problems. Use by injection to prevent muscle weakness due to the muscular disorder called myasthenia gravis. The beneficial effects of huperzine A seem to last longer than the conventional medication neostigmine - 7 hours instead of 4. But well-controlled, large-scale trials are needed to confirm huperzine A's potential benefit in myasthenia gravis.

Q.What are the precautions that should be taken while using Huperzine A?
A.Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of huperzine A during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Epilepsy: Since huperzine A seems to affect brain chemicals, there is concern that it might make epilepsy worse. If you have a seizure disorder such as epilepsy, use huperzine A cautiously.
Heart disease: Huperzine A can slow the heart rate. This might be a problem for people who already have a slow heart rate (bradycardia) or other heart conditions related to heart rate. If you have heart disease, use huperzine A cautiously.
Gastrointestinal (GI) tract blockage: There is a concern that using huperzine A might make GI blockage worse. That is because huperzine A can increase mucous and fluid secretions in the intestine, causing “congestion.” This “pro-secretory effect” is due to the way huperzine A affects a body chemical called acetylcholine. If you have a GI tract blockage, check with your healthcare provider before you use huperzine A.

Q.What is Ginkgo biloba?
A. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is one of the oldest living tree species. It is also tops in scientific studies and in purchases. In Europe and the United States, ginkgo supplements are among the best-selling herbal medications. Ginkgo has a long history of being used in traditional medicine to treat blood disorders and improve memory, and it's best known today as way to potentially keep your memory sharp. There is some scientific evidence to back that up. Laboratory studies have shown that ginkgo improves blood circulation by opening up blood vessels and making blood less sticky. It's also an antioxidant.  For those reasons, ginkgo may improve vein and eye health. Although not all studies agree, ginkgo may help treat dementia (including Alzheimer's disease) and intermittent claudication, or poor circulation in the legs. It may also protect memory in older adults. Ginkgo leaves have two types of chemicals (flavonoids and terpenoids) that are antioxidants. In your body, harmful particles called free radicals build up as you age, and may contribute to heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. Antioxidants like those found in ginkgo fight off free radicals, and stop them from damaging DNA and other cells.