Huperzia crispata

Huperzia crispata, commonly known as the spiked firmoss, is a primitive clubmoss valued in traditional medicine. Renowned for its high concentration of huperzine A, this plant serves as a potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It is widely studied for its neuroprotective properties and potential in treating cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.

  • Scientific name: Huperzia crispata
  • Family: Lycopodiaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Lycopodiidae. Within the order Lycopodiales, it is classified under the family Lycopodiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Huperzia, specifically as the species Huperzia crispata.

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 crispata, is recognized by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Chinese, it is referred to as 皱边石杉 (zh), 皱边石杉 (zh-cn), or 皺邉石杉 (zh-tw), while it is also commonly called 皱边石松 (zh) and 岩石松 (zh).
Language Common Name Source
zh 皱边石杉 Wikidata
zh-cn 皱边石杉 Wikidata
zh-tw 皺邉石杉 Wikidata
zh 皱边石松 Wikidata
zh 岩石松 Wikidata
zh 皱边石杉 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific regional presence within the territory of China. Its geographical distribution is primarily concentrated in the South-Central regions of the country. Additionally, it can be found growing across various parts of China Southeast. These two distinct areas define the known natural range of the species. Therefore, its habitat is limited to these particular southern and central provinces.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP

Chemicals

Huperzia crispata has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Hup A, huperzine A.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Hup A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
huperzine A 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Huperzia crispata has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alzheimer's diseases.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Alzheimer's diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆