Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Huperzine A 200 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Source Naturals

Tablet Or Pill Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Huperzine A 200 mg is a dietary supplement by Source Naturals 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 200 mg by Source Naturals

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.

This product contains one active ingredient: huperzine A at 200 mg per dose. Huperzine A is a naturally occurring alkaloid — a plant-derived compound with pharmacological activity.

The tablet also contains microcrystalline cellulose and stearic acid as inactive ingredients (standard fillers and binders).

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: learning and memory support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Memory, Cognitive impairment, Alzheimer disease, Vascular dementia, Age-related memory decline, Focus and mental clarity.
  • 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.

Huperzine A is possibly effective for Alzheimer disease based on the evidence we hold. For athletic performance, cognitive impairment, vascular dementia, depression, and memory, the evidence isn't established in our data — there's insufficient reliable evidence to rate it either way for those uses.

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.

Taken by mouth, huperzine A is generally well tolerated, though it is a pharmacologically active compound and does carry real side effects. The most common ones are dose-dependent cholinergic effects: blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, sweating, vomiting, and anorexia.

A decreased heart rate has also been reported. There isn't enough safety data for pregnancy, so the safety data advises against it.

Safety while breastfeeding is unknown — avoid it during breastfeeding. Because huperzine A is pharmacologically active, use it with care and 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.

Before you start huperzine A, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take cholinergic drugs (medications that increase acetylcholine activity — common examples include certain dementia drugs and some eye medications) or anticholinergic drugs (medications that block acetylcholine — used for conditions like overactive bladder, Parkinson disease, and some types of poisoning). Both types have documented interactions at Moderate severity.

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 might be worth considering if you're dealing with Alzheimer disease, though you'll want to discuss it with your doctor first. The main caution is if you take cholinergic drugs or anticholinergic drugs — you'll need to check those combinations before starting.

It's not for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product fits your situation.

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 Dec 22, 2017.

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 200 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Source Naturals
Barcode (UPC) 021078019305
Net contents 60 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 22, 2017
DSLD ID 82158
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
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 200 mg by Source Naturals, 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:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
UPC/BARCODE
021078019305
IngredientAmount% DV
Huperzine A200 mcg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid

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

For learning and memory

Worldwide studies have shown that Huperzine A supports learning and memory by protecting acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that acts as a messenger molecule in the brain. Huperzine A may be used for both short-term "brain boost" needs, such as preparing for a test, as well as more long-term needs, such as reducing the mild memory loss associated with normal aging.

Formula

Huperzine A is a natural compound extracted from the Chinese club moss Huperzia serrata.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 1 tablet 1 to 2 times daily.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Precautions

Do not use if either tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Warning: Do not use this product if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before using if you are currently taking any anticholinergic drugs, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, or cholinergic drugs.

Discontinue Use Or Reduce Dosage And Consult Your Health Care Professional If The Following Symptoms Develop: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, incontinence, or muscle twitches.

Formulation

Suitable For Vegetarians And Hypoallergenic: Contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, corn, soy or wheat. Contains no sugar, starch, salt, preservative, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance.

Suitable For Vegetarians And Hypoallergenic: Contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, corn, soy or wheat. Contains no sugar, starch, salt, preservative, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Source Naturals, Inc.

General

SN1930 REV F111

See for yourself

Huperzine A 200 mg by Source Naturals label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Huperzine A 200 mg by Source Naturals

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

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Amounts shown are per serving.

Huperzine A

Interacts with
219 drugs
200 mcg per serving Form: Huperzia serrata leaf standardized extract

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: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Huperzine A 200 mg by Source Naturals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Huperzine A 200 mg?

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 200 mg 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 200 mg, from the product label.

Source Naturals

Name
Source Naturals, Inc.
Street Address
P. O. Box 2118
City
Santa Cruz
State
CA
ZipCode
95062
Web Address
www.sourcenaturals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Huperzine A 200 mg by Source Naturals: Common Questions

Does Huperzine A 200 mg by Source Naturals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Huperzine A 200 mg 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 200 mg 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.
What does huperzine A actually do?
Huperzine A works by blocking an enzyme that normally breaks down acetylcholine, a chemical messenger in your brain. That means acetylcholine levels build up. It's possibly effective for Alzheimer disease; for other uses like memory or depression, the evidence isn't solid enough yet.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common ones are dose-dependent and cholinergic in nature: blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, sweating, vomiting, and reduced appetite. A slower heart rate has also been reported. These tend to happen more at higher doses.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — there isn't enough safety data for pregnancy, so it's best avoided. Safety while breastfeeding is unknown, so avoid it then too. Talk with your doctor if you're planning pregnancy or are breastfeeding and curious about brain-health supplements.
Is huperzine A safe to use long term?
Huperzine A is pharmacologically active and carries real side effects, so it needs to be used with care and under medical guidance. We don't have extensive long-term safety data on file, so this is a question for your doctor or pharmacist based on your individual situation.
What are the inactive ingredients?
The tablet contains microcrystalline cellulose and stearic acid — standard binders and fillers used to hold the tablet together.

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

Not sure if Huperzine A 200 mg is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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 200 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Huperzine A 200 mg'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

Keep exploring