Huperzine A is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alkaloid isolated from the Chinese club moss Huperzia serrata (Qian Ceng Ta). It is extracted using acidic aqueous methods and purified to high purity by column chromatography.
Huperzine A is one of the most potent natural reversible inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the enzyme that degrades the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. By inhibiting AChE, it enhances cholinergic neurotransmission and supports memory, learning, and cognitive function. Commercially, huperzine A is used in cognitive health supplements, nootropic formulations, and pharmaceutical research for Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline.