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Dietary supplement

Huperzine A 1% Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nootropics Depot

Powder Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Huperzine A 1% is a dietary supplement by Nootropics Depot with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for memory and cognitive support, alzheimer's disease and dementia, age-related memory decline.Based on those ingredients, 219 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Huperzine A. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Huperzine A 1% by Nootropics Depot

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Huperzine A 1% is a single-ingredient supplement: huperzine A, the active compound, at 1% concentration in a powder form. The powder also contains maltodextrin as an inactive ingredient to standardize the product.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Memory and cognitive support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Alzheimer disease, Cognitive impairment, Memory, Myasthenia gravis, Vascular dementia, Age-related cognitive decline — and 1 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Huperzine A is rated "Possibly Effective" for Alzheimer disease (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Huperzine A is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Cognitive impairment, Vascular dementia, Memory, Myasthenia gravis.

The evidence for huperzine A is mixed and limited. It's rated possibly effective for Alzheimer disease — meaning there's some promise, but the data isn't conclusive.

For athletic performance, cognitive impairment, vascular dementia, depression, and memory, the evidence available to us isn't strong enough to rate it reliably one way or the other. If you're considering it for any of these uses, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what the research actually shows for your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Huperzine A

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Huperzine A is a pharmacologically active compound — it works on your body, so it can cause real side effects. Taken by mouth, it's generally well tolerated, but it can trigger dose-dependent cholinergic side effects like blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, sweating, and vomiting.

Decreased heart rate has also been reported. There isn't enough safety data to use it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — the safety notes advise against it in both situations.

Because of how it works in your body and the side effect profile, use it only under medical guidance.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Huperzine A

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Huperzine A.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 219 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you use anticholinergic drugs (for overactive bladder, Parkinson's disease, or motion sickness) or cholinergic drugs (for myasthenia gravis, glaucoma, or memory issues). Both interactions are Moderate severity and could change how your medications work.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Huperzine A may interest people exploring options for Alzheimer disease, though the evidence is still developing. It's not for anyone taking anticholinergic or cholinergic medications without checking first — the interactions are real.

Pregnant people and those breastfeeding should avoid it. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially if you're on any prescription medications.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 23, 2021.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Huperzine A 1%, straight from the product label.

Brand Nootropics Depot
Net contents 0.35 Ounce(s); 10 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 23, 2021
DSLD ID 251104
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Huperzine A 1% by Nootropics Depot, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
20 mg
Maximum serving Sizes:
20 mg
Servings per container
500
IngredientAmount% DV
Huperzine A200 mcg--

Other ingredients: Maltodextrin

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Disclaimer: Transfer scoops are not accurate. A mg scale is needed to measure dosages.

Precautions

Always consult with a qualified health physician before taking any new dietary supplement.

Warning: Keep out of reach of children. Do not take if under 18, pregnant/nursing, have any medical conditions or taking Rx/OTC drugs.

Do not take if under 18, pregnant/nursing, have any medical conditions or taking Rx/OTC drugs.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Storage

Storage: Store in a cool and dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Take 20mg once daily.

See for yourself

Huperzine A 1% by Nootropics Depot label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Huperzine A 1% by Nootropics Depot

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size20 mg Dosage formPowder Servings per container500 Amounts shown are per serving.

Huperzine A

Interacts with
219 drugs
200 mcg per serving

Huperzine A is a purified compound from a Chinese clubmoss that acts like a mild cholinesterase inhibitor, similar in mechanism to some prescription A...

Huperzine A monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Maltodextrin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Huperzine A 1% by Nootropics Depot Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Huperzine A 1%?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
219Drugs
219 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Huperzine A 1% with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Huperzine A2 drug types · 219 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, huperzine A might decrease the effects of anticholinergic drugs.
Huperzine A has acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibiting effects. In animal models, huperzine A reversed cognitive deficits induced by scopolamine, an anticholinergic drug.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use of huperzine A with cholinergic drugs might increase the effects and side effects of these medications.
Huperzine A can inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and might cause cumulative effects if used with cholinergic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Huperzine A 1%, from the product label.

Nootropics Depot

See all Nootropics Depot products
Name
Nootropics Depot
Street Address
8380 S. Kyrene Rd. Ste. 110
City
Tempe
State
AZ
ZipCode
85284
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Huperzine A 1% by Nootropics Depot: Common Questions

Does Huperzine A 1% by Nootropics Depot interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Huperzine A 1% has a known interaction with 219 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Huperzine A 1% contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take huperzine A if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — the safety data advises against it in both pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you.
What side effects can huperzine A cause?
Common ones include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, insomnia, and sweating. You might also experience decreased heart rate. Side effects tend to depend on the dose you take.
Does huperzine A actually work for memory and brain health?
It's rated possibly effective for Alzheimer disease, which means there's some evidence but it's not definitive. For memory, cognitive impairment, and other brain-related uses, we don't have strong enough evidence in our data to say either way.
What exactly is huperzine A and how does it work?
Huperzine A is a compound that blocks an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, which normally breaks down acetylcholine — a chemical messenger in your brain. By slowing that breakdown, huperzine A increases acetylcholine levels, which theoretically supports memory and cognition.
Is this powder just huperzine A, or does it have fillers?
It contains huperzine A as the active ingredient plus maltodextrin as an inactive ingredient to standardize the powder form.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Huperzine A 1% is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Huperzine A 1% label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Huperzine A 1%'s label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 13 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Huperzine A 13 references
  1. Skolnick AA. Old Chinese herbal medicine used for fever yields possible new Alzheimer Disease therapy. JAMA 1997;277:776. DOI
  2. Ye JW, Cai JX, Wang LM, Tang XC. Improving effects of huperzine A on spatial working memory in aged monkeys and young adult monkeys with experimental cognitive impairment. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1999;288:814-9.. DOI
  3. Wang T, Tang XC. Reversal of scopolamine-induced deficits in radial maze performance by (-)-huperzine A: comparison with E2020 and tacrine. Eur J Pharmacol 1998;349:137-42. PubMed
  4. Xu SS, Gao ZX, Weng Z, et al. Efficacy of tablet huperzine-A on memory, cognition, and behavior in Alzheimer's disease. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao 1995;16:391-5.
  5. Zhang RW, Tang XC, Han YY, et al. [Drug evaluation of huperzine A in the treatment of senile memory disorders]. Chung Kuo Yao Li Hsueh Pao 1991;12:250-2.
  6. Xu SS, Cai ZY, Qu ZW, et al. Huperzine-A in capsules and tablets for treating patients with Alzheimer disease. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao 1999;20:486-90.
  7. Felgenhauer N, Zilker T, Worek F, Eyer P. Intoxication with huperzine A, a potent anticholinesterase found in the fir club moss. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 2000;38:803-8.. PubMed
  8. Zhang, Z., Wang, X., Chen, Q., Shu, L., Wang, J., and Shan, G. [Clinical efficacy and safety of huperzine Alpha in treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer disease, a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial]. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 7-25-2002;82
  9. Cheng, D. H., Ren, H., and Tang, X. C. Huperzine A, a novel promising acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Neuroreport 12-20-1996;8(1):97-101. PubMed
  10. Wang BS, Wang H, Wei ZH, Song YY, Zhang L, Chen HZ. Efficacy and safety of natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor huperzine A in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: an updated meta-analysis. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2009;116(4):457-65. PubMed
  11. Xu ZQ, Liang XM, Juan-Wu, Zhang YF, Zhu CX, Jiang XJ. Treatment with Huperzine A improves cognition in vascular dementia patients. Cell Biochem Biophys 2012;62(1):55-8. PubMed
  12. Yang G, Wang Y, Tian J, Liu JP. Huperzine A for Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. PLoS One 2013;8(9):e74916. PubMed
  13. Xing SH, Zhu CX, Zhang R, An L. Huperzine a in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia: a meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2014;2014:363985. PubMed

See these in context on the Huperzine A monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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