Club-moss
Huperzia
Huperzia is a genus of plants traditionally not associated with any specific medicinal uses. Research on Huperzia serrata, a species within this genus, has focused on its microbial and genetic aspects rather than traditional applications. Scientific studies have explored the impact of rhizospheric soil on the plant's root characteristics and identified new compounds such as C-23-methylated steroids with potential biological activities. Additionally, terpene synthase enzymes were characterized, producing various diterpenes, and moderate genetic diversity was noted among Huperzia spp., particularly in accessions from Guizhou and Yunnan. While the current evidence is limited, no significant safety concerns or drug interactions have been reported for Huperzia serrata.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study found that rhizospheric soil alters the size, density, and miRNA content of extracellular vesicles in the roots of Huperzia serrata.
- A new C-23-methylated steroid was isolated from an endophyte of Huperzia serrata, with one compound showing inhibition of nitric oxide production in macrophages.
- This study identified moderate genetic diversity in Huperzia spp. using EST-SSR markers, with accessions from Guizhou and Yunnan showing high similarity.
- The study identified and characterized a microbial-like terpene synthase from Huperzia serrata that produces multiple diterpene compounds.
Frequently asked questions
What is Club-moss?
Club-moss (Huperzia) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Club-moss?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Club-moss; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that rhizospheric soil alters the size, density, and miRNA content of extracellular vesicles in the roots of Huperzia serrata.
How strong is the evidence for Club-moss?
The strongest finding for Club-moss carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Club-moss safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Club-moss in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Club-moss interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Club-moss in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Club-moss?
Club-moss is also known as: Баранец (растение), Huperzie.
Is Club-moss a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Functional Characterization and Mutagenesis Studies of a Microbial-like Diterpene Synthase from Huperzia serrata. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Evaluation of genetic diversity and structure of the endangered medicinal plant genus Huperzia (Lycopodiaceae) in China based on EST-SSR markers. literature abstract metadata
- T2 A new C-23-methylated steroid from Penicillium herquei WY-25, an endophyte of Huperzia serrata. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Rhizospheric soil alter extracellular vesicles in the roots of Huperzia serrata and their carried miRNA. literature abstract metadata