• Popular nootropic supplement
• Increases acetylcholine in brain
• Supports memory and learning
• Supports muscle functions
• Protects nervous system from damage
• Improves neurotransmission
• Active for long time
• Enhances working memory
• No nervous system stimulation
• More intense dreams

Apollo’s Hegemony Huperzine A is a dietary supplement containing 200 mcg of huperzine A per capsule.

Huperzine A – the substance is an alkaloid that occurs in nature mainly in the plant Huperzia serrata, and plants of the spikemoss family. It has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier efficiently. Its main function is inhibiting the activity of the enzyme that reversibly breaks down acetylcholine – acetylcholinesterase, especially its isoform G4. Huperzine binds with the enzyme even though it is not structurally similar to acetylcholine, and the mechanism of its activity is similar to that of drugs used for Alzheimer’s disease, such as rivastigmine or donepezil. Thanks to that, they increase the concentration of the neurotransmitter and the chance to obtain more benefits from its presence.

Huperzine appears in the blood as soon as 15 minutes after consumption, and a spike occurs after more or less 70 minutes; therefore, it is an agent whose activity can be experienced rather quickly. Its duration is estimated at about 12 hours, so a single dose can enhance the functioning of the organism for the entire day.

Role of acetylcholine
Acetylcholine is one of the most important neurotransmitters in the human organism. Its main activity is believed to be memory and analytical skills improvement. It should be mentioned, however, that the range of its effect is a bit wider. There are two types of receptors in the cholinergic system – nicotinic and muscarinic receptors.

There are five types of muscarinic receptors, and they are localised, among other places, in the stomach, the heart, salivary glands, the bladder, and the bowel. With their help, acetylcholine affects digestion quality, the gastrointestinal tract peristalsis, and all the functions of the parasympathetic system.

The other type of receptors, nicotinic receptors, are active in a different way. Not very surprisingly, part of the beneficial effects of nicotine on cognitive functions stems from its ability to activate those receptors (most of them). Their activation is connected with the positive effect on memory processes and skeletal muscle contractions.

Acetylcholine’s general properties are as follows: it enhances short-and long-term memory, improves analytical skills and concentration, initiates the contractions of skeletal muscles, bronchial smooth muscles, and the urethral and intestinal sphincters, reduces blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, regulating the constriction of the pupil, stimulating the secretory function of some glands, slowing down heart rate.

Neuroprotective properties of huperzine
The alkaloid can not only support the functioning of the brain, but also protect it from degeneration to some extent, which allows us to enjoy its high performance for longer. Huperzine can potentially protect neurons from the excitotoxicity of glutamate, from the toxicity caused by hydrogen peroxide, and from beta-amyloids, as well as reduce inflammations by inhibiting NF-kB. The last property is one of the reasons why huperzine A is commonly used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, which is associated with low acetylcholine levels and very characteristic memory loss.

A beneficial effect has been reported of using supplements with the alkaloid on the cognitive functions of people struggling with depression. That can be particularly helpful during therapy, as supporting cognitive functions and improving the processes of creating memories can efficiently aid the therapy by allowing the sick person to develop new, better habits. Scientists have also noted beneficial effects of huperzine in treating rats with epilepsy, in which the frequency of attacks decreased. Another interesting fact is that it can help to repair brain damage induced by sepsis.

Some scientific reports suggest huperzine’s potential influence on supporting the process of neurogenesis by stimulating the proliferation of stem cells in the hippocampus, which is especially active in creating memories.

Performance-enhancing potential
In this area, the afore-mentioned influence of activated nicotinic receptors on the strength of muscle contractions is very significant, as it makes it possible to manage weights during training more efficiently. That is why huperzine can be found in the content of many pre-workout supplements on the American market.

Secondary mechanism
Apart from its effect on the cholinergic system, huperzine A (as well as its isomer huperzine B and other acetylcholinesterase inhibitors) exhibits the ability to inhibit the NMDA receptors of the glutamatergic system as well. NMDA inhibitors have a very interesting property, that is the ability to support the fight against various addictions and to restore the sensitivity of the nervous system to the activity of stimulants.

Huperzine A is recommended particularly for people who are forced to assimilate large amounts of information, for example during an exam session. Its activity is the most tangible in people who struggle with the symptoms of low acetylcholine levels. Sportspeople can also experience some benefits when using it before workout thanks to the substance’s influence on the process of muscle contraction and the improvement of some blood test parameters.