Huperzine A from Huperzia species--an ethnopharmacolgical review

Huperzine A (HupA), isolated originally from a traditional Chinese medicine Qiang Ceng Ta, whole plant of Huperzia serrata (Thunb. ex Murray) Trev., a member of the Huperziaceae family, has attracted intense attention since its marked anticholinesterase activity was discovered by Chinese scientists. Several members of the Huperziaceae (Huperzia and Phlegmariurus species) have been used as medicines in China for contusions, strains, swellings, schizophrenia, myasthenia gravis and organophosphate poisoning. HupA has been marketed in China as a new drug for Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment and its derivative ZT-1 is being developed as anti-AD new drug candidate both in China and in Europe. A review of the chemistry, bioactivities, toxicology, clinical trials and natural resources of HupA source plants is presented.     

Follow-up in patients with aspartylglucosaminuria. Part II. Adaptive skills

Aspartylglucosaminuria is a lysosomal storage disorder inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Progressive mental retardation is the main symptom, and the lifespan of the patient is abnormlly short. The adaptive skills and maladaptive behaviour of 110 patients aged from 7 to 56 years were analysed using the Portage scale and the AAMD Adaptive Behaviour Scale Part two. The sample was divided into four groups; school-aged, young adults, adults and middle-aged. All patients needed help in the household and transactions outside the home. The school-aged turned out to be superior and middle-aged inferior to other groups concerning adaptive skills. The school-aged and young adults were quite independent in dressing, toileting, bathing and walking alone near the home. Out-of-home replacement became necessary in the majority in adulthood. Twenty-eight patients (25%) were regarded as having behavioural disturbances and the amount of personal disturbances increased significantly with age.