Is standardized extract containing huperizine A the same as HupA?
No. While biochemically, the huperzine A molecule is the same, the question remains as to whether our body processes HupA within the context of a complex matrix of naturally occurring Chinese club moss molecules in the same way as it processes the purified HupA. The fact is that there is no traditional precedent concerning safety or efficacy of this standardized extract on neuroprotection to refer to. If safety, predictability, dose response, and positive clinical outcome are valued, incorporating a standardized extract of Chinese club moss into a neuroprotection program is without scientific basis. It is important to note that the mosses are extremely complex chemically and contain numerous active ingredients, including other huperzine alkaloids, and naturally occurring substances not all of which may be beneficial and safe. (Nat. Prod. Rep 2004;21;752-72). Simply put, a standardized extract is not preferred in this case.
