- Improves cognitive performance.
- May help with age-related memory disorders.
- Studies show significant improvements in memory, concentration and learning capacity.
Huperzine-A is a natural alkaloid extract of Huperzia serrata, a Chinese plant. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for treating senile dementia. You can now enjoy its benefits in a supplement form with vegetarian capsules, available to buy in Supersmart's online catalogue.
Just like certain drugs, huperzine-A inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase which breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for optimal cognitive function. The amount of acetylcholine available in the brain is therefore greater. Unlike drugs, huperzine-A:
Huperzine-A's unique properties make it a potential treatment for many age-related cognitive deficits, now available in vegetarian capsules. Healthy individuals may buy this supplement for preventive purposes, choosing to take a reduced dose or to improve their cognitive performance. Huperzine was isolated for the first time in 1948 by Chinese scientists.
Daily serving: 2 capsules Number of servings per bottle : 60 |
Quantity |
Huperzia serrata extract | 10 mg |
standardised to 1% Huperzine-A | 100 mcg |
Other ingredients: Acacia gum, rice bran. |
Hericium erinaceus, also known as Lion’s Mane, is an edible mushroom which has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. It is rich in exceptional compounds such as β-glucans, polysaccharides associated with lowering blood cholesterol, as well as hericenones which support neuron function.
In China, where it originated, it’s called "hóu tóu gū" and in Japan, "yamabushitake". A highly unusual mushroom that resembles a long white beard or lion’s mane, its use in Chinese medicine dates back to the Han dynasty, 200 years BC, a period when it was already considered to have extraordinary medicinal properties.
In recent years, as interest in traditional remedies has grown, a number of scientific studies have confirmed its traditionally-recognised therapeutic benefits and have highlighted a remarkable physiological property: Lion’s Mane protects, optimises and repairs the nervous system.
The most exciting potential offered by H. erinaceus relates to neuron activity. Studies show that extracts of Hericium erinaceus mushrooms are able to increase the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) (6), a neuropeptide known for its key role in neuron growth and survival (7-9), particularly in the part of the brain responsible for memory-processing called the hippocampus. This effect is due to the properties of hericenones of which Lion’s Mane has a guaranteed content.
NGF is a protein involved in regulating the growth, proliferation and survival of central and peripheral neurons. It plays a role in numerous mechanisms:
NGF is a peptide produced by a large number of cells such as those of the immune system, but production declines with age and in the presence of certain disease states. Unfortunately, NGF cannot be used in a treatment or preventative capacity as it is unable to cross the blood-brain barrier. We therefore have to rely on natural compounds with a lower molecular weight (which can cross this barrier) that promote NGF synthesis within the body. That’s exactly what the hericenones in Lion’s Mane do.
Several studies have demonstrated the effects of H. erinaceus on mental efficacy in people with cognitive problems (33) and its use in dementia, cognitive dysfunction and memory problems (10). It seems that it acts primarily as a nootropic and that it’s necessary to take a supplement in order to maintain the effect.
1) Cardioprotective effects. As indicated by traditional Chinese medicine, H. erinaceus offers benefits for cardiovascular health. Its lipid-lowering effect is due to the action of the polymers it produces. When administered orally, these natural compounds are able to reduce blood levels of LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, and increase those of HDL-cholesterol. It’s thought that polymers may also play a role in modulating the expression of a gene involved in lipid metabolism (5).
2) Antioxidant effects. Oxidative stress plays a key role in many pathologies including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases (12). Oxidative stress is the result of an imbalance in pro-oxidative and antioxidant agents but can be inhibited, thus helping to prevent irreparable damage to the body, by consuming plenty of antioxidant-rich foods or by taking supplements. Extract of Hericium erinaceus is one such supplement, as it can neutralise free radicals and prevent cell membrane peroxidation (13), a process involved in ageing. These effects are due to its phenolic compounds (14) and polysaccharides (15).
3) Support for stomach health. Several years ago, a study demonstrated the benefits of Hericium erinaceus in relieving stomach ache (16), an effect believed to be related to its saponin content.
Daily dose: 3 capsules Number of doses per pack: 30 |
Amount |
Extract of Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) 8:1 standardised to 30% polysaccharides | 1500 mg |
Other ingredients: Acacia gum, rice flour. |
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