Common Club Moss
Lycopodium clavatum
Lycopodium clavatum, commonly known as ground pine or clubmoss, is a traditional plant used primarily for its ornamental and ceremonial purposes in some cultures. While it has no specific traditional medicinal uses documented, studies have shown that encapsulated fragrance from this plant can enhance perceived intensity without cytotoxicity. Scientific evidence indicates the presence of bioactive compounds with various pharmacological effects, supporting potential applications in modern therapeutics, though clinical translation faces challenges. Sporopollenin capsules derived from Lycopodium clavatum showed promise in oral drug delivery systems but require further research for broader application. No major safety issues or known drug interactions have been recorded to date.
- Best evidence
- A
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Fragrance encapsulated in SpECs was associated with significantly higher perceived intensity compared to fragrance alone, without evidence of cytotoxicity.
- The study found that while some SpEC preparations showed in vitro cytotoxicity, they were safe in vivo without inducing an immune response.
- The study found that Lycopodium clavatum contains bioactive compounds with various pharmacological effects, supporting its traditional uses and suggesting potential for modern therapeutics.
- The systematic review found that sporopollenin capsules derived from various plants, including Lycopodium clavatum, showed promise in oral drug delivery and advanced targeting but faced challenges in clinical translation.
Frequently asked questions
What is Common Club Moss?
Common Club Moss (Lycopodium clavatum) 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 Common Club Moss?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Common Club Moss; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: Fragrance encapsulated in SpECs was associated with significantly higher perceived intensity compared to fragrance alone, without evidence of cytotoxicity.
How strong is the evidence for Common Club Moss?
The strongest finding for Common Club Moss carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Common Club Moss safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Common Club Moss in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Common Club Moss interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Common Club Moss in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Common Club Moss?
Common Club Moss is also known as: плаун булавовидный, Lycopodium clavatum subsp. clavatum.
Is Common 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 The natural biological macromolecule sporopollenin capsules in biomedical applications: A systematic review (2015-2025). literature abstract metadata
- T2 From traditional medicine to modern therapeutics: phytochemistry, pharmacology, and innovative sporopollenin-based drug delivery systems of Lycopodium clavatum L. literature abstract metadata
- T2 In vitro and in vivo assessment of sporopollenin exine capsule preparations (SpECs) from Lycopodium clavatum spores. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Study of Sporopollenin Exine (SpEC) Fragrance Encapsulation. literature abstract metadata