Club-moss
Huperzia
Huperzia is a plant traditionally associated with East Asian medicine, particularly in China. It has been used for various purposes such as treating memory loss and improving cognitive function, but specific traditional uses are not well-documented. Scientific evidence regarding Huperzia is limited; one study noted that rhizospheric soil influences the size, density, and miRNA content of extracellular vesicles in its roots, while another isolated a new C-23-methylated steroid showing potential inhibition of nitric oxide production in macrophages. Another study identified genetic diversity among Huperzia spp., with high similarity observed between accessions from Guizhou and Yunnan. A microbial-like terpene synthase was also characterized, producing multiple diterpene compounds. There are currently no major safety concerns or recorded drug interactions associated with Huperzia.
- 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