Huperzine A is a naturally occurring alkaloid isolated from species of Huperzia, particularly Huperzia serrata. It is a potent and selective acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor that increases the availability of acetylcholine in the nervous system.
Huperzine A has been investigated extensively for its potential applications in neurological and cognitive disorders, particularly conditions associated with impaired cholinergic neurotransmission.
Huperzine A is a specialized natural-product pharmaceutical ingredient. Production may involve extraction and purification from botanical sources or controlled synthesis, followed by extensive chromatographic and spectroscopic characterization.
Because Huperzine A is a naturally occurring alkaloid, quality control focuses on identity, assay, chromatographic purity, residual solvents, moisture and control of related alkaloids and other impurities.
CAS Number: 102518-79-6
Molecular Formula: C15H18N2O
Molecular Weight: 242.32 g/mol
Chemical Class: Lycopodium Alkaloid
Drug/Pharmacological Class: Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor
Therapeutic Area: Neurology / Cognitive Research
Huperzine A reversibly inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for hydrolyzing acetylcholine in synaptic spaces.
Inhibition of AChE increases acetylcholine availability and prolongs cholinergic neurotransmission. This mechanism has made Huperzine A an important research compound in studies of memory, learning and neurodegenerative disorders.
Huperzine A has been investigated for:
The regulatory status and approved medical uses of Huperzine A vary by country and product.
The cholinergic system plays an important role in memory, attention and learning. By inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, Huperzine A increases the concentration and duration of action of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses.
Its relatively selective AChE inhibition has made it a useful compound for pharmacological and neurobiological research.
Huperzine A is a small, nitrogen-containing alkaloid with a molecular weight of approximately 242.32 g/mol. It is generally obtained as a white to off-white crystalline material and exhibits limited water solubility.
It contains a characteristic bicyclic alkaloid structure and an α,β-unsaturated lactone functionality.
Huperzine A API quality evaluation may include:
Huperzine A should be stored in a tightly closed container, protected from excessive heat, moisture and direct light. Botanical or natural-product materials should be stored under validated conditions established through stability studies.
Huperzine A is particularly relevant to research involving acetylcholinesterase inhibition, cholinergic signaling, memory mechanisms and neurodegenerative disorders.
Huperzine A is a naturally occurring Lycopodium alkaloid with CAS Number 102518-79-6, molecular formula C15H18N2O, and molecular weight 242.32 g/mol. It acts primarily as a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and is widely studied in neurological and cognitive research.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Identification | IR & HPLC compliant |
| Assay (HPLC) | 98.0% – 102.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 2.0% |
| Heavy Metals | NMT 20 ppm |
| pH (1% Solution) | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Water Content | NMT 2.0% |