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Dietary supplement

Huperzine A 50 mcg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Herbal Plus

Huperzine A 50 mcg label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Huperzine A 50 mcg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Huperzine A 50 mcg is a dietary supplement by GNC Herbal Plus 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.

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Check Your Meds Against Huperzine A 50 mcg by GNC Herbal Plus

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Huperzine A 50 mcg by GNC Herbal Plus — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Huperzine A 50 mcg by GNC Herbal Plus

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

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, a compound extracted from club moss plants. It works by blocking an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, which normally breaks down acetylcholine, a chemical messenger in your brain.

The capsule also contains several inactive ingredients—dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, vegetable cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide—that help deliver the dose but don't contribute to its effects.

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: Supports memory retention and function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Memory, Alzheimer disease, Cognitive impairment, Vascular dementia, Myasthenia gravis, focus — 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. For Alzheimer disease it's rated possibly effective, meaning there's some supporting evidence but it's not conclusive.

For memory, cognitive impairment, vascular dementia, depression, and athletic performance, the data we hold shows insufficient reliable evidence to make a rating—meaning we don't have enough solid studies to say whether it works 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's a pharmacologically active compound and you should use it with care and medical guidance. The most common side effects are dose-dependent cholinergic effects: blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, sweating, and vomiting.

There are rare case reports of decreased heart rate and high blood pressure tied to very high intakes. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

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 your medications against this product if you take cholinergic drugs (medications that boost acetylcholine activity) or anticholinergic drugs (medications that block it)—both categories have Moderate-severity interactions with huperzine A. Use the search tool on this page with your exact drug names.

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 be worth considering if you're exploring options for Alzheimer disease under medical supervision, but it's a genuine pharmaceutical-level compound—not a gentle herbal supplement. If you take heart medications, drugs for urinary issues, or anything involving muscle tone or acetylcholine, check with your pharmacist before adding this.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are contraindications.

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 Feb 25, 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 50 mcg, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC Herbal Plus
Barcode (UPC) 048107128920
Net contents 50 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2021
DSLD ID 243149
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy 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 50 mcg by GNC Herbal Plus, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
048107128920
IngredientAmount% DV
Huperzine-A50 mcg--

Other ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Cellulose Capsule, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide

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

Herbal Supplement

Formulation

Supports memory retention and function

Vegetarian

Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration. Potency verified by GNC procedure #5449.

No artificial colors, no artificial flavors, no wheat, gluten free, no soy, no dairy, yeast free.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one to two capsules daily.

Precautions

Warning: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, have high blood pressure or heart problems, or are taking prescription drugs.

Do not exceed recommended intake.

Keep out of reach of children

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Huperzine A 50 mcg by GNC Herbal Plus label

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

Huperzine A 50 mcg label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Huperzine A 50 mcg by GNC Herbal Plus

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Huperzine-A

Interacts with
219 drugs
50 mcg per serving Form: Huperzia serrata

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: Dicalcium Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Cellulose Capsule, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Huperzine A 50 mcg by GNC Herbal Plus Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Huperzine A 50 mcg?

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

Huperzine-A 219

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Huperzine A 50 mcg interact with 219 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Huperzine A 50 mcg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Huperzine-A

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Huperzine A 50 mcg 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
Huperzine-A full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Huperzine A 50 mcg, from the product label.

GNC Herbal Plus

See all GNC Herbal Plus products
Name
General Nutrition Corporation
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15222
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Web Address
www.gnc.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Huperzine A 50 mcg by GNC Herbal Plus: Common Questions

Does Huperzine A 50 mcg by GNC Herbal Plus interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Huperzine A 50 mcg 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 50 mcg 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 this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The safety data advises against huperzine A during pregnancy. Safety while breastfeeding is also unknown, so it should be avoided then too. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before considering this supplement.
What side effects might I notice?
The most common ones are dose-dependent and tied to how the supplement works: blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, sweating, and vomiting. Very rarely, it may cause a slower heart rate or high blood pressure. Start low and watch for any changes.
Does it actually help with memory?
For Alzheimer disease there's some evidence it may help, which is why it's rated possibly effective for that condition. For general memory and other cognitive uses, we don't have enough reliable studies yet to say whether it works.
Is this the same thing as the huperzine A used in prescription drugs in China?
Huperzine A is the same compound, yes—it's a pharmacologically active ingredient. This 50 mcg capsule is a supplement dose, not a prescription strength, but it still needs care in use and medical oversight.
What's inside the capsule besides huperzine A?
The inactive ingredients are dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, vegetable cellulose (the capsule itself), magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide. These are fillers and binders that help deliver the dose.

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

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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 50 mcg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Huperzine A 50 mcg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Huperzine A

Interacts with 219 drugs

Huperzine A is a purified compound from a Chinese clubmoss that acts like a mild cholinesterase inhibitor, similar in mechanism to some prescription Alzheimer's drugs. Some small studies sug...

Read the full Huperzine A monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Huperzine A 50 mcg'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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