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01-04-2009 | Dementias - Original Article

Efficacy and safety of natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor huperzine A in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: an updated meta-analysis

Authors: Bai-song Wang, Hao Wang, Zhao-hui Wei, Yan-yan Song, Lu Zhang, Hong-zhuan Chen

Published in: Journal of Neural Transmission | Issue 4/2009

Abstract

The objective of this study was to provide an updated meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of huperzine A (HupA) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We searched for randomized trials comparing HupA with placebo in the treatment of AD. The primary outcome measures were mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and activities of daily living scale (ADL). Data were extracted from four randomized clinical trials and analyzed using standard meta-analysis and meta-regression methods. Oral administration of HupA for 8–24 weeks (300–500 μg daily) led to significant improvements in MMSE and ADL. The results of meta-regression showed that the estimated effect size of MMSE and ADL was increased over the treatment time. Most adverse events were cholinergic in nature and no serious adverse events occurred. Huperzine A is a well-tolerated drug that could significantly improve cognitive performance and ADL in patients with AD.

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Title: Efficacy and safety of natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor huperzine A in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Bai-song Wang
Hao Wang
Zhao-hui Wei
Yan-yan Song
Lu Zhang
Hong-zhuan Chen
Publication date: 01-04-2009
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Published in: Journal of Neural Transmission / Issue 4/2009
Print ISSN: 0300-9564
Electronic ISSN: 1435-1463
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-009-0189-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Efficacy and safety of natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor huperzine A in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: an updated meta-analysis

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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