Huperzia crassa
Huperzia crassa, commonly known as a species of clubmoss, is a primitive vascular plant found primarily in tropical regions. Renowned for its medicinal potential, it contains unique alkaloids that act as potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, making it a subject of significant interest in neuroprotective and cognitive enhancement research.
- Scientific name: Huperzia crassa
- Family: Lycopodiaceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Lycopodiidae and order Lycopodiales, it is a member of the family Lycopodiaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the 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, known scientifically as Huperzia crassa, is identified by several regional common names depending on the linguistic context. In the Quechua language, it is referred to as both Purwa and Lycopodium crassum.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| qu | Purwa | Wikidata |
| qu | Lycopodium crassum | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Huperzia crassa, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across parts of North and Central America. In the northernmost extent of its range, it can be found within the Southwest region of Mexico. Moving southward into Central America, the species is documented in the country of Guatemala. Its presence continues through the region, with established populations located in Honduras. Finally, the geographical range extends further south to include the nation of Costa Rica and the country of Panamá.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Mexico Southwest | WCVP |
| Central America | Costa Rica | WCVP |
| Central America | Guatemala | WCVP |
| Central America | Honduras | WCVP |
| Central America | Panamá | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Venezuela | WCVP |
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Colombia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Ecuador | WCVP |
| Western South America | Peru | WCVP |
Chemicals
Huperzia crassa has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 21-episerratenediol, serratenediol.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 21-episerratenediol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| serratenediol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Huperzia crassa 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 | ★☆☆☆☆ |