The effects of Huperzine A on dementia and mild cognitive impairment: An overview of systematic reviews

Abstract

Cognitive impairments are a part of the neurocognitive disorders which deteriorate the normal cognitive function. An overview of systematic reviews (SRs) was conducted to summarize the findings of SRs and meta‐analyses on the effectiveness of Huperzine A (Hup A) in dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A literature search was conducted since inception to December 2020. We used the AMSTAR tool to assess the methodological quality of SRs. The quality of evidence of primary studies was evaluated according to the SRs authors' assessment. Six SRs met our inclusion criteria. The results showed that Hup A has beneficial effects on cognitive function and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in Alzheimer's disease, but in vascular dementia and MCI, there was little or no evidence to conclusion. There is insufficient evidence of the effectiveness of Hup A on the quality of life and global clinical assessment. None of the SRs reported any serious side effects. Despite the promising effects of Hup A on cognition and ADLs, there is insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of Hup A in cognitive impairments due to the high heterogeneity of SRs and the low quality of primary studies. High‐quality, large multicenter RCTs with long‐term follow‐up in different settings are warranted.

Huperzine A and Its Neuroprotective Molecular Signaling in Alzheimer’s Disease

“…Remarkably, this dose was well tolerated for 24 weeks even though most AD patients reported being unable to tolerate currently marketed AChEIs for a long period of time [40,44]. A more recent analysis concludes that HupA improves cognition in AD patients, and that its effects are dose and duration-dependent [45].…”

Disease-Modifying Activity of Huperzine A on Alzheimer’s Disease: Evidence from Preclinical Studies on Rodent Models

“…A multicenter trial with 210 individuals showed 200 μg BID of Huperzine A had no benefit in ADAS-Cog at 16 weeks [ 43 ]. Clinical trial meta-analyses revealed some improvements in cognitive function during 8 to 16 weeks by Huperzine A treatment but no significant change in the activity of daily living [ 44 , 45 , 46 ]. Due to the poor methodological quality of the clinical trials, the results were in doubt.…”

“…Due to the poor methodological quality of the clinical trials, the results were in doubt. N. Ghassab-Abdollahi et.al [ 46 ] used the AMSTAR tool to assess the methodological quality of six systematic reviews. They found that Huperzine A had positive effects on activities of daily living, but little evidence in vascular dementia and mild cognitive impairment.…”

Screening of active ingredients in Kaixin Powder for Alzheimer’s disease based on molecular docking

“…Huperzine A is an AchI developed by Chinese scholars to improve cognition and memory 22 . Memantine, as a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist with low-moderate a nity and voltage-dependent properties, is approved for moderate to severe dementia [23][24] .…”