HUPERZINE A FROM HUPERZIA SERRATA - A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Huperzine A is an alkaloid isolated originally from a traditional Chinese plant of Huperzia serrata. Huperzia serrata belongs to family Huperziaceae. Several members of the Huperziaceae (Huperzia and Phlegmariurus species) have been used as medicines in China form thousands of years for the treatment of contusions, strains, swellings, schizophrenia and myasthenia gravis. Huperzine A has attracted intense attention since its marked anticholinesterase activity was discovered by Chinese scientists. Huperzine A has been marketed in China as a new drug for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This review attempts to bring together all aspects related to Huperzine A with respect to its source, discovery, chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology.