Huperzia reflexa

Huperzia reflexa, commonly known as a species of clubmoss, is a fascinating medicinal plant native to specific forest ecosystems. Renowned for its bioactive alkaloids, it holds significant pharmacological potential, particularly in neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement research. Understanding its chemical properties offers promising insights into treating various neurological disorders.

  • Scientific name: Huperzia reflexa
  • Family: Lycopodiaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Lycopodiidae and the order Lycopodiales. Finally, it falls into the family Lycopodiaceae and 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, Huperzia reflexa, is known by various names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the reflexed firmoss, while in Chinese, it is known as zhì lóng (zhì lóng).
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across various regions of Mexico. Its distribution is notably extensive, covering the central parts of the country in Mexico Central. Furthermore, it can be found stretching toward the eastern coast within Mexico Northeast and Mexico Gulf. The species also inhabits the rugged terrain of Mexico Southwest. Finally, its range extends into the tropical areas of Mexico Southeast.

Region Area Source
Mexico Mexico Central WCVP
Mexico Mexico Northeast WCVP
Mexico Mexico Gulf WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southwest WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southeast WCVP
Central America Costa Rica WCVP
Central America El Salvador WCVP
Central America Guatemala WCVP
Central America Honduras WCVP
Central America Nicaragua WCVP

Activities

Huperzia reflexa has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

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

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

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