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| Huperzine A |
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Review
Summary |
There are many reasons why consumers start looking for cognitive enhancers, ranging from preemptively staving off problems, to wanting to address initial slips in memory, alertness or focus. Whatever the reason, the holistic market has many options available, and as is the case in any segment of the market, some products and elements are far more effective than others.
As its name suggests, Life Enhancement Huperzine A is a supplement that relies solely upon Huperzine A to help users get their cognitive and brain health up to speed. While many people are well versed in the cognitive enhancing abilities of elements like Alpha GPC and Phosphatidylserine, they may not be as familiar with Huperzine A, which is why we are going to take a look at it now.
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| Ingredient at a Glance |
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Huperzine A is a sesquiterpene alkaloidm derived from the Huperzia Serrata plant. This plant has been used widely in Asia, and specifically in China to help alleviate fever and swelling, as well as ease certain blood illnesses.
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| Ingredient in Focus |
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Huperzine A is a botanical that has not been traditionally used to increase cognitive function, but it is appearing more and more often in holistic supplements geared toward brain health. Its appearance in these formulas is partially due to some initial studies conducted in China, which suggest that it has some neuro protective effects. These studies have also drawn the attention of some pharmaceuticals and researchers who wonder if it may have some ability to stave off the progression of some neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
This speculation is due to the belief that this extract may help inhibit acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme. This mechanism is the same one that pharmaceutical drugs that are used to control Alzheimer’s Disease employ. Also, there’s some speculations that it is a NMDA receptor antagonist, as well, which if true would mean that it may protect the brain from damage by glutamate and help increase nerve growth.
Huperzine A does have side effects, however, that consumers should be aware of including the following: skin hives, rashes, breathing issues, throat or chest tightness, chest pain, itchy or swollen skin, upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, hyperactivity and insomnia.
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| Lifestyle |
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Interestingly enough, the bulk of the studies conducted on this element have been conducted in China, where the standards are much different, but clinical trials are underway here in the US to verify its effectiveness in addressing dementia related illnesses. That said, it has not been shown to be the best cognitive enhancer for those who do not have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
In fact, there are other extracts that have faired much better in this realm. For instance, Alpha GPC, has been shown to be able to dramatically increase the body’s production of Choline, and in clinical trials it has shown an innate ability to increase user’s memory and help reverse memory damage in some instances.
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| Positives |
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• May eventually be shown to have some ability to ease Alzheimer’s Disease
• Supplement appears to be on sale at some retailers
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| Negatives |
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• Has not been shown to be the best choice for increase cognitive function
• May not increase Choline levels
• Does not appear to contain the most proven and effective cognitive enhancers available
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| Final Thoughts |
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Huperzine A is a natural extract that is often found alone or used with other memory boosters in holistic formulas. The fact that it is currently being studied as a way to help address dementia related illnesses, such as Alzheimer's disease, has made it popular with some consumers. But unless you know you are at risk for this ailment, it has not been shown to be the best bet for increasing overall cognitive health. In fact, according to our research, extracts like Alpha GPC have been shown to be far more effective when it comes to augmenting memory, learning, focus and alertness in clinical studies.
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| Our
Editors Choice:
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Week
of: Tue Mar 09th, 2010 |
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Neurostin® -
Neurostin™ is a blend of non-prescription ingredients that were carefully formulated to reverse and prevent the depletion of the nutrients your brain needs to perform optimally. This is a very well received product that customers speak highly of. The unique formula of Neurostin™ provides your body with all the necessary building blocks to make choline which is the most vital component needed by the cells that comprise both short and long term memory. The formula has also been proven to produce both oxygen and blood flow to the brain which decrease and reverse the effects of deterioration. Neurostin is one of the few formulas that regulates the levels of homocysteine which is key in preventing both long term memory loss and Alzheimer’s. This is an awesome overall formula that enhances overall brain function, sharpness and clarity Click Here to read our full review. |
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