Huperzine A (CAS 120786-18-7) AChE Inhibitor | Reversible Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor, Nootropic & Alzheimer's Research Compound

Huperzine A CAS 120786-18-7
Selective, Reversible Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) Inhibitor & Nootropic Alkaloid

Name: Huperzine A
Brand: Nutrabiotech Chem
SKU: HUPA-120786
Price: Inquiry USD
Availability: InStock

Huperzine A (CAS 120786-18-7) is a selective, reversible acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor (IC50 ~65 nM) and NMDA-receptor antagonist isolated from Huperzia serrata, used for cognition and Alzheimer's research. Molecular formula C15H18N2O, MW 242.32. Research-grade with COA.

AChE Inhibitor Huperzine A Nootropic Alzheimer's Cholinergic NMDA Antagonist Cognition Lycopodium Alkaloid

Request a Quote Technical Specs

242.32

MW (C15H18N2O)

~65 nM

AChE IC50

Reversible

AChE inhibition

Molecular Information

Name: Huperzine A
CAS: 120786-18-7
Formula: C15H18N2O
MW: 242.32 g/mol
Class: Lycopodium (club-moss) alkaloid
Core: (5R,9R,E)-5-amino-11-ethylidene-7-methyl-5,6,9,10-tetrahydro-5,9-methanocycloocta[b]pyridin-2(1H)-one
Target: Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
IC50: ~65 nM (AChE)
Appearance: White to off-white powder
Synonyms: HupA
Storage: -20 C

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CAS Number

120786-18-7

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Molecular Weight

242.32

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Primary Activity

AChE Inhibitor

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Purity

≥98%

Product Technical Specifications

Complete physicochemical properties and QC parameters for Huperzine A (CAS 120786-18-7)

📋 Physicochemical Properties

Product NameHuperzine A
IUPAC Core(5R,9R,E)-5-amino-11-ethylidene-7-methyl-5,6,9,10-tetrahydro-5,9-methanocycloocta[b]pyridin-2(1H)-one
CAS Number120786-18-7
SynonymsHupA; (±)-Huperzine A
Molecular FormulaC15H18N2O
Molecular Weight242.32 g/mol
SourceNatural product (Huperzia serrata club moss)
AppearanceWhite to off-white powder
Melting PointNot reported
Water SolubilityLow; solubilize in DMSO/acid
Organic SolubilityDMSO >=50 mg/mL
Compound ClassLycopodium alkaloid / AChE inhibitor
HS Code2939.90

🔬 Quality Control & Handling

Purity (HPLC)≥98%
FormSolid powder
Primary TargetAcetylcholinesterase (AChE)
Pathway ReadoutElevated synaptic ACh; ↑ cholinergic tone; NMDA current inhibition
SelectivitySelective, reversible AChE; also NMDA antagonist
Storage Condition-20 C, sealed, protect from light
Solution StabilityAliquot DMSO stocks; avoid freeze-thaw
ShippingBlue ice / cold chain recommended
QC DocumentationCOA / HPLC / NMR / MS / MSDS
Pack Sizes1g / 5g / 10g / 100g / 1KG
Stock StatusIn Stock
Use StatementResearch use only; not for human/clinical use

Key Molecular Targets & Pathway Nodes

Huperzine A's primary molecular target is acetylcholinesterase; it also antagonizes NMDA receptors, giving it a dual cholinergic-plus-neuroprotective profile.

🧬 Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) 🧬 Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE, weaker) 🔗 Acetylcholine (ACh) 🧠 Cholinergic Neurons 🧠 NMDA Receptor 🧱 Hippocampus / Cortex 🧱 Synaptic ACh 🧱 Neurotrophic Factors (NGF) 🧪 Muscarinic / Nicotinic (indirect) 🔬 Cognitive Circuits 🧬 GSK-3 (downstream crosstalk) ⚡ Excitotoxicity (NMDA)

How Huperzine A Works: Boosting Acetylcholine by Blocking AChE

Huperzine A reversibly inhibits acetylcholinesterase, raising synaptic acetylcholine, and also dampens NMDA-mediated excitotoxicity

Reversible AChE Inhibition

Huperzine A is a selective, reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE, IC50 ~65 nM) — more potent and longer-acting than many classical AChE inhibitors. It blocks the enzyme that degrades acetylcholine, so ACh accumulates in the synaptic cleft.

Elevated Cholinergic Tone

Higher synaptic ACh enhances muscarinic and nicotinic signaling in hippocampus and cortex, supporting attention, learning and memory. This cholinergic augmentation is the basis of its nootropic and Alzheimer's research interest.

NMDA-Receptor Antagonism & Neuroprotection

Beyond AChE, huperzine A is an NMDA-receptor antagonist (~0.5 µM) that inhibits NMDA-induced currents, protecting neurons from glutamate excitotoxicity. It also raises nerve-growth-factor levels, adding a neuroprotective dimension.

⚖️ Huperzine A vs Donepezil vs Galantamine

Huperzine A (this product)Reversible AChE IC50 ~65 nM; also NMDA antagonist
DonepezilReversible AChE inhibitor; no NMDA activity
GalantamineAChE inhibitor + nicotinic allosteric modulation
Shared TargetAcetylcholinesterase
Key DistinctionHuperzine A adds NMDA antagonism
SourceNatural Lycopodium alkaloid vs synthetic

♻️ Downstream Biological Consequences

EnzymeAChE inhibited (reversible)
NeurotransmitterSynaptic ACh ↑
CircuitCholinergic tone ↑ (hippocampus/cortex)
ExcitabilityNMDA currents ↓ (neuroprotection)
TrophicNerve growth factor ↑
BehaviorLearning / memory support

Research Applications & Models

A dual-action cholinergic/neuroprotective tool spanning nootropic, Alzheimer's and neuroprotection research.

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Alzheimer's & Dementia Models

The flagship use: huperzine A raises central ACh and is studied for cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer's and vascular-dementia models.

AChE / Cognition

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Cognition & Memory Research

A nootropic probe for learning, memory and attention via cholinergic augmentation in rodent tasks.

Cholinergic

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Neuroprotection & Excitotoxicity

Studied for NMDA-antagonist neuroprotection against glutamate toxicity and ischemia.

NMDA / Neuroprotect

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AChE / Cholinesterase Research

A fiducial reversible AChE inhibitor for enzyme kinetics, binding and counter-screening vs BChE.

AChE / BChE

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Nerve Growth & Plasticity

Investigated for NGF elevation and synaptic/neurite-outgrowth effects.

NGF / Plasticity

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AChE-Inhibitor Panel

Benchmarked against donepezil/galantamine to separate AChE blockade from NMDA activity.

AChEI panel

Key Literature & Landmark Publications

The pharmacology and clinical evidence for huperzine A.

Zhang HY. New insights into huperzine A for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2012;33(9):1170-5.

doi: 10.1038/aps.2012.108

Wang J, et al. Huperzine a improves chronic inflammation and cognitive decline in rats with cerebral hypoperfusion. J Neurosci Res. 2010;88(4):807-15.

doi: 10.1002/jnr.22237

Burshtein G, et al. Transepithelial transport of huperzine A along the GI tract. Planta Med. 2013;79(1):23-9.

doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1327882

Yang G, et al. Huperzine A for Alzheimer's disease (trials overview). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;(2):CD010639.

doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010639.pub2

Available Sizes & Ordering

Research-grade Huperzine A (CAS 120786-18-7) with full QC documentation; standard packs and bulk custom quantities supported.

Tier	Pack Size	Stock Status	Suitable For	Lead Time
Standard	1g	In Stock	AChE & cognition assays	Cool, dry
Medium	5g	In Stock	Neuroprotection & memory models	Cool, dry
Large	10g	In Stock	Long-term in vivo & formulation studies	Cool, dry
Bulk	100g	In Stock	Formulation & process development	Quote to confirm
Industrial	1KG	Made to order	Pilot/production scale, CMO supply	Batch delivery

💡 Reference sizes shown above; for exact pricing and availability please contact us for a quote. Bulk orders qualify for tiered discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Huperzine A and what does it do?

Huperzine A (CAS 120786-18-7) is a selective, reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE, IC50 ~65 nM) and an NMDA-receptor antagonist, isolated from the club moss Huperzia serrata. It raises central acetylcholine and is widely studied for Alzheimer's disease and cognition. Formula C15H18N2O, MW 242.32.

How is Huperzine A different from donepezil or galantamine?

All three raise acetylcholine by blocking AChE, but huperzine A also antagonizes NMDA receptors (~0.5 µM), adding a neuroprotective, anti-excitotoxic dimension that donepezil and galantamine lack. It is also notably potent (AChE IC50 ~65 nM) and long-acting.

What is the mechanism in Alzheimer's / cognition research?

By inhibiting AChE, huperzine A increases synaptic acetylcholine, supporting cholinergic signaling that underlies learning and memory. Its NMDA antagonism dampens glutamate excitotoxicity, and it also elevates nerve-growth factor (NGF), giving a multi-target cognitive profile.

What are the key experimental readouts?

Readouts include AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibition (kinetic/ELISA), acetylcholine levels, NMDA-receptor current, NGF expression, and cognitive-behavior endpoints in rodent models (Morris water maze, passive avoidance).

How soluble is Huperzine A and how prepared?

Huperzine A is soluble in water, DMSO and ethanol; prepare DMSO or aqueous stock and dilute into medium (final DMSO ≤0.1% v/v) for cell work. Store the solid sealed, cool and protected from light; aliquot stocks to avoid freeze-thaw. For in vivo use validated vehicles/suspensions.

Is QC documentation provided?

Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) including HPLC purity, structural confirmation and MS data. MSDS/SDS and Certificates of Origin are available on request. Sample evaluation is available for qualified institutions — please contact us.

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Research-grade Huperzine A (CAS 120786-18-7) — purity ≥98% HPLC, COA included
The club-moss alkaloid that boosts acetylcholine by blocking AChE — request a quote today

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Huperzine A CAS 120786-18-7 99% High-Purity Powder Natural Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor Neuroprotective Cognitive Enhancement Alzheimer’s Disease Research Reagent