Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Huperzine A

Identification

Product Name: Huperzine A
Chemical Formula: C15H18N2O
Synonyms: Huperzia Serrata Extract, Selagine
CAS Number: 102518-79-6
Recommended Use: Cognitive enhancement ingredient, laboratory use, research chemical
Supplier Details: Name, address, phone number, and emergency contact of manufacturer or distributor
Emergency Contact: Chemtrec, company on-call numbers, poison control

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute toxicity (oral) category 4, specific target organ toxicity
Hazard Symbols: Exclamation mark (irritant, harmful)
Warning Words: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, may cause disturbances in neurotransmitter levels
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with eyes or skin, swallow only small recommended amounts as directed, avoid inhalation of dust
Routes of Exposure: Ingestion, inhalation, skin, eyes
Acute Effects: Nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching, bradycardia, sweating, blurred vision
Chronic Effects: Possible adverse neurological impacts, gastrointestinal issues

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Ingredient: Huperzine A
Chemical Formula: C15H18N2O
Molecular Weight: 242.32 g/mol
Concentration: >95% (purified material); trace plant matrix components may be present for extract forms
Impurities: No more than 5% related substances; typical extract contains minor unidentified alkaloids

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, give artificial respiration if breathing stops, consult healthcare right away
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with plenty of soap and water, get medical advice if irritation or symptoms develop
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids, get medical attention
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water, seek medical attention, show product label to responders

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: Avoid direct water jets on powdered material to prevent spreading
Fire Hazards: Combustion releases nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear
Special Procedures: Move containers out of fire zone if possible, prevent runoff from entering waterways

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Wear gloves, dust mask, eye protection, long sleeves
Spill Handling: Avoid dust formation, sweep up dry material, avoid creating airborne particles
Cleanup: Collect with clean tools and transfer to labeled waste containers, wash area with water
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry to drains or natural water sources

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas, minimize dust generation, avoid ingestion and contact with skin or eyes, follow good hygiene practices, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers, away from light, moisture, heat, and incompatible substances, keep dry and cool, label containers clearly
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Operate in fume hood or well-ventilated workspace, use local exhaust ventilation, maintain negative pressure
Personal Protection: Nitrile gloves, chemical safety goggles, lab coat, avoid direct skin contact
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask or particulate respirator if dusting is likely
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, dispose of contaminated gloves properly, do not reuse personal protective equipment
Exposure Limits: No formal occupational exposure limits established; minimize exposure where possible

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to pale yellow crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
pH: Not available
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Melting Point: 217–220°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in methanol and ethanol
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Density: Approximately 1.3 g/cm³

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and storage as recommended
Reactivity: No hazardous reactions expected under normal use
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide upon combustion
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to excessive heat, sunlight, and moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 for rodents reported as approximately 3–7 mg/kg; toxicity in humans may vary based on dose
Symptoms of Exposure: Sweating, muscle twitching, gastrointestinal disturbance, headache, nausea, bradycardia, slurred speech
Chronic Effects: Neurotoxicity at high doses; evidence remains limited in long-term human trials
Skin Sensitization: Not classified as a skin sensitizer
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: No mutagenicity reported from available data
Reproductive Toxicity: Insufficient data for assessment

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Limited data on aquatic toxicity; potential risk to aquatic organisms at high concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Degradation data incomplete; assumed biodegradable over soil and water exposure
Bioaccumulation: Potential for bioaccumulation remains unstudied
Mobility in Soil: Not determined; avoid emissions into the environment
Other Adverse Effects: No ozone depletion or VOC risk identified

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment: Dispose of according to federal, state, and local regulations
Material Disposal: Incinerate material in licensed facility; do not discharge into drains or waterways
Container Disposal: Triple rinse and dispose of in approved waste facility
Precautions: Wear recommended personal protection during handling and disposal
Special Instructions: Consult waste contractor for possible recycling or destruction; always label and seal waste containers

Transport Information

UN Number: Not assigned for Huperzine A
Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Hazard Class: Non-hazardous for transport
Packing Group: Not assigned
Marine Pollution: Not marine pollutant
Special Transport Precautions: Avoid extreme temperatures, shock, moisture during transit; use appropriate packaging

Regulatory Information

Safety, Health, and Environmental Regulations: Huperzine A is not specifically regulated as a hazardous chemical under OSHA, SARA Title III or CERCLA in the United States
International Inventories: Not listed on TSCA, DSL/NDSL, EINECS/ELINCS
Other Regulations: May be subject to food supplement, pharmaceutical, or import regulations in some countries
Labeling Requirements: Signal word, hazard statements, precautionary statements, manufacturer information required on label for laboratory supply
Reporting Requirements: Environmental release reporting may be required in some jurisdictions