(-)-Huperzine A

Huperzine A is a natural sesquiterpene alkaloid. It showns neuroprotective activity. It is a potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor and displays oral AChE inhibitory activity in animals. Huperzine A has potential applications in a variety of neuroprotective roles, including protection against organophosphate nerve agents and ameliorating symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. It has been shown to reduce neuronal cell death caused by glutamate and to have anti-inflammatory effects. It also has been shown to be an antagonist of NMDA receptor in cerebral cortex. It has been shown to ameliorate cognitive deficits.