SafePlants

Toothed Clubmoss: A Botanical Overview

Toothed Clubmoss, scientifically known as Huperzia serrata, is a fascinating plant with a history of traditional use and increasing popularity as a dietary supplement.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the plant contains chemicals that can affect the brain and heart.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions the plant contains chemicals that can affect the brain and heart.

Scientific Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Huperzia serrata (Thunb.) Trevis.
• Common Names: Toothed Clubmoss, Chinese Club Moss, Ground Pine.
• Family: Lycopodiaceae (club mosses, club-moss family)
• Genus: Huperzia Bernh.
• Synonyms:
  • Lycopodium serratum
  • Lycopodium Chinois
  • Licopodio Chino
  • Lycopode Chinois
  • Huperzia erosa
  • Lycopodium clavatum (in some contexts, although primarily associated with another species)
  • The genus *Lycopodium* is synonymous with *Huperzia* in reference to Huperzine-A.
• Other Names: Qian Ceng Ta, Jin Bu Huan (TCM).

Distribution and Habitat

• Huperzia serrata naturally occurs in southeastern Asia and India.

Morphological Characteristics

• Referred to as a firmoss.

Traditional and Modern Uses

• Traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
• Contains huperzine A, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.
• Widely distributed as a nootropic and dietary supplement.
• Some sources indicate possible uses for relieving muscle cramping, as a diuretic, and as an analgesic and antiseptic.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text lists the plant's extract as being a buying and selling lead on 21FOOD.COM, which indicates it's actively traded.

Chemical Components

• Contains chemicals that can affect the brain and heart.
• The main bioactive component is Huperzine A (also known as shuangyiping).

Further Resources

• Encyclopedia of Life
• WebMD
• Discover Life
• Dave's Garden
• BioLib.cz