Moss could help Alzheimer's sufferers

Healthcare News
16/05/2008
An extract from a species of moss could be used to treat people with Alzheimer's disease, a report has suggested.

An extract from a species of moss could be used to treat people with Alzheimer's disease, a report has suggested.

Researchers in China conducted trials using Chinese club moss, which contains Huperzine A, an extract that could be useful in fighting the disease, reports Reuters.

Tests carried out by scientists at Sichuan University in Chengdu, China found that the substance may improve memory and thinking and the performance of daily functions in Alzheimer's patients.

However, they claim there is currently insufficient evidence to advocate regular use of Huperzine A as the trials were of low quality.

Hongmei Wu, who worked on the trials, said: "These findings are based on a small number of trials, but the data indicate that it would be well worth setting up some more high quality assessments of this interesting drug."

According to the Alzheimer's Society, the disease is the most common form of dementia and affects around 417,000 people in the UK.