Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical that carries messages between nerve cells. Its main task in your peripheral nervous system is to activate contractions in your skeletal muscles. In your central nervous system, acetylcholine affects learning ability and memory. Conventional therapies use drugs to increase acetylcholine for treating diseases such as glaucoma, Alzheimer's or myasthenia gravis. Some herbs can increase levels of acetylcholine naturally. Consult your health-care provider before using herbs for acetylcholine.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for acetylcholine work in several ways. Some adhere to acetylcholine receptors and stimulate the neurotransmitter, thus increasing its activity. Others inhibit an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down acetylcholine. By stopping the breakdown of acetylcholine, more of it is left between nerve cells, increasing its levels and duration of action. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice about usage, dosage and preparation of herbs for acetylcholine.
Club Moss
Club moss, or Huperzia serrata, is a native Asian plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. The active ingredient is an alkaloid called huperzine A, which inhibits acetylcholinesterase and increases levels of acetylcholine. A report published in the April 2009 issue of the "Journal of Neural Transmission" found that Alzheimer's patients taking huperzine A had significant improvement in their cognitive ability and in their ability to perform everyday tasks, such as eating, bathing, dressing and working. Club moss may cause breathing difficulties, chest pain, rashes and gastrointestinal problems.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, or Melissa officinalis, is an aromatic herb in the mint family. Herbalists use the leaves to treat insomnia, anxiety and herpes infections. Lemon balm is rich in essential oil and has sedative, carminative, antiviral and antispasmodic actions. In her 2005 book, "Herbs Demystified," biochemist Holly Phaneuf, Ph.D., states that lemon balm does not prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, but works in a different way: it enhances acetylcholine action by activating its receptors, thus allowing the neurotransmitter to be more effective. A study published in the June 2011 issue of "Drugs and Aging" notes that lemon balm may be potentially useful for improving cognition in dementia patients. Possible side effects with the long-term use of this herb are not known.
Snowdrop
Snowdrop, or Galanthus nivalis and G. woronowii, are small plants with drooping white flowers. Traditional healers use the bulbs to treat neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis and polio. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink state that the active ingredient is an alkaloid called galanthamine, which inhibits acetylcholinesterase and increases acetylcholine concentration in the brain. Galanthamine is also available in synthetic form and is used to treat Alzheimer's disease. This herb may cause dizziness and gastrointestinal problems.
References
- "Journal of Neural Transmission"; Efficacy and safety of natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor huperzine A in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: an updated meta-analysis; B.S. Wang, et al.; April 2009
- "Herbs Demystified"; Holly Phaneuf; 2005
- "Drugs and Aging"; The role of phytochemicals in the treatment and prevention of dementia; M.J. Howes and E. Perry; June 2011
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
