FolkKB

Common Club Moss

Lycopodium clavatum

Lycopodium clavatum is a clubmoss species utilized within various traditional medicinal systems. It has been historically applied to address rheumatism, skin complaints, digestive issues like dyspepsia, respiratory concerns, and nervous complaints. Scientific research suggests the plant contains bioactive compounds with pharmacological effects that may support these traditional uses, though clinical translation remains a challenge. Studies on its sporopollenin capsules indicate potential for oral drug delivery and advanced targeting, with some in vitro cytotoxicity noted but in vivo safety observed. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded.

At a glance
Traditionally for
diuretic · skin complaints
Traditions
traditional · Western phytotherapy
Best evidence
A
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

  • diuretic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • skin complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • spasms traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • aperitif traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • carminative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • catarrh Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • chest complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diarrhea traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • dyspepsia traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • fever traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • headache traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • laxative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • nervous complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • pressor traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • rheumatism traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • Fragrance encapsulated in SpECs was associated with significantly higher perceived intensity compared to fragrance alone, without evidence of cytotoxicity. D PMID
  • The study found that while some SpEC preparations showed in vitro cytotoxicity, they were safe in vivo without inducing an immune response. D PMID
  • The study found that Lycopodium clavatum contains bioactive compounds with various pharmacological effects, supporting its traditional uses and suggesting potential for modern therapeutics. D PMID
  • 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. A PMID

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 is Common Club Moss traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Common Club Moss for: diuretic, skin complaints, spasms, aperitif, carminative, catarrh. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Common Club Moss?

Common Club Moss appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional, Western phytotherapy.

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

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 The natural biological macromolecule sporopollenin capsules in biomedical applications: A systematic review (2015-2025). literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 From traditional medicine to modern therapeutics: phytochemistry, pharmacology, and innovative sporopollenin-based drug delivery systems of Lycopodium clavatum L. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 In vitro and in vivo assessment of sporopollenin exine capsule preparations (SpECs) from Lycopodium clavatum spores. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Study of Sporopollenin Exine (SpEC) Fragrance Encapsulation. literature abstract metadata

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