Huperzia brevifolia
Huperzia brevifolia, commonly known as the short-leaf clubmoss, is a significant medicinal plant native to specific subtropical regions. Renowned for its neuroprotective properties, it contains potent alkaloids like huperzine A. This compound is widely studied for its ability to enhance cognitive function and treat various neurodegenerative disorders.
- Scientific name: Huperzia brevifolia
- Family: Lycopodiaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Lycopodiidae. It is classified within the order Lycopodiales and the family Lycopodiaceae. Finally, the species is identified by its genus, Huperzia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Lycopodiidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lycopodiales | WCVP |
| Family | Lycopodiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Huperzia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Huperzia brevifolia, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is commonly referred to as short-leaf clubmoss, while in Chinese, it is known as qiǎoshù (巧树).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several regions of the Americas. In Central America, its presence can be documented within the country of Costa Rica. Moving into Northern South America, it is also found growing in Venezuela. The species extends further south into Western South America, specifically inhabiting the territories of Colombia and Ecuador. Finally, its geographical range reaches into the western part of the continent within Peru.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Central America | Costa Rica | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Venezuela | WCVP |
| Western South America | Colombia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Ecuador | WCVP |
| Western South America | Peru | WCVP |
Chemicals
Huperzia brevifolia has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include tricin, selgin.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| tricin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| selgin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Huperzia brevifolia has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include purgatives.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| purgatives | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |