Finding the right pre-workout that’ll help you achieve your fitness goals is important, and with modern technology, we have so much to choose from. For that reason, it’s important to find out what each ingredient does to set yourself up with the right dietary supplement. In this article, we’re going to give you an overview of this lovely brain juice known as Huperzine A and how it works in a pre-workout supplement.
What Is Huperzine-A?
Huperzine A is a natural chemical that comes from the Chinese Club Moss plants. It’s often used in China to treat fever and inflammation but has several other benefits. Huperzine A works as a natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that breaks down a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine (ACH).
ACH is a neurotransmitter that is in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It has various vital roles in our bodies, including sending signals to muscles; this helps with enhancing cognitive function and improving your memory and learning performance. Because Huperzine A blocks acetylcholinesterase, it limits the degradation of ACH and, in turn, allows it to increase instead.
With higher ACH levels in the brain, Huperzine A is said to have a nootropic effect that promotes and supports brain health. It’s often used to treat people with Alzheimer’s disease for this reason.
Most Pre-workouts include ingredients that aid or boost physical performance during vigorous-intensity endurance exercise. That said, Huperzine A doesn’t have many physical benefits like improved muscular strength and performance during an endurance exercise task. However, it has been known to improve cognitive function, which can help athletes maintain focus while performing. Because it supports the increase of ACH levels, Huperzine A also indirectly increases the efficiency of muscle contractions, which could help with reaction time and alertness.
What Are The Benefits Of Huperzine-A In Pre-workout Supplements?
Enhance Cognitive Function and Memory: By blocking acetylcholinesterase, more ACH is created in the brain. With an excess of ACH, the brain’s ability to recall, retain and process information becomes easier. This results in an overall improvement of cognitive functions.
Nerve Stimulation: Because ACH is one of the neurotransmitters responsible for muscle contractions, having higher levels of it allows the brain to transmit commands to the muscles faster, which could lead to a faster reaction. This is a result of an overall alertness due to nerves stimulated by high levels of ACH.
What Is The Recommended Dosage Of Huperzine-A?
Huperzine A is used to treat various health conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Myasthenia Gravis. For this reason, it’s important that you consult with a health professional before you take it.
The usual dosage for adults is around 200-500 mcg taken orally for a duration of six months. If your pre-supplement has Huperzine A added to the ingredients already, then follow the instructions for the supplement.
How Should You Take Huperzine-A?
Huperzine A usually comes in pill form and is taken orally with some water or your favourite beverage, and you can have it on an empty or full stomach.
When Should You Take Huperzine-A?
The best time to take Huperzine A will depend on why you’re taking it. It’s often taken in the mornings to improve alertness and cognitive performance throughout the day. But as a pre-workout, you might want to consider taking it 30 minutes to an hour before your session to get your mind in the “zone”.
Where Can I Buy Pre-Workout Supplements With Huperzine-A In?
Huperzine A can be bought on its own in pill form or in a pre-workout as an ingredient. Take a look at the Power Supps store to find out more.
What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Huperzine-A Supplementation?
Huperzine A has several great nootropic benefits. Unfortunately, it also has a few potential side effects that we need to consider before taking it. Potential side effects of Huperzine A include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Restlessness
- Loss of appetite
- Twitching muscle fibres
- Cramping
- Increased Saliva or Urine
- Difficult controlling bladder
- Bradycardia
- High blood pressure
Final Thoughts On Huperzine-A Do in Pre-workout Supplements
Huperzine A is added to pre-workout supplements to improve mental function, alertness and muscle reaction time. You might even get a better memory from it. That said, it’s important to weigh up the potential side effects and follow dosage instructions to the “T” if you’re considering taking Huperzine A.