Praktické lekárnictvo 2/2011

Huperzine A and other natural substances in treating Alzheimer's disease

alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative process which affects a significant proportion of the population, particularly those over 65 years of age. The disease is associated with deficits and disorders of a number of neurotransmitter systems, in particular the cholinergic one. currently, acetylcholinesterase (ache) and butyrylcholinesterase (bche) inhibitors appear to be the most promising therapeutic agents. even among naturally occurring compounds, there are inhibitors of these enzymes and many of them are more effective than those used in the medical practice. For instance, huperzine a has more profound effects and exhibits more beneficial pharmacokinetic properties than current medications.

Keywords: alzheimer's disease, acetylcholinesterase, alkaloids, huperzine a.