Huperzia serrata
Huperzia serrata, commonly known as Toothed Clubmoss, is a medicinal fern highly valued for its neuroprotective properties. It is the primary natural source of huperzine A, a potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. This alkaloid is widely researched for its ability to enhance cognitive function and treat various neurodegenerative disorders.
- Scientific name: Huperzia serrata
- Family: Lycopodiaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Lycopodiidae. Within the order Lycopodiales and the family Lycopodiaceae, it is classified under the genus Huperzia. This taxonomic lineage identifies Huperzia serrata as a distinct member of the clubmoss group.
| 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 serrata, is referred to by various regional common names depending on the language and location. In Japan, it is called トウゲシバ, while in Korea, it is known as 뱀톱. In Russia, the species is called Баранец пильчатый. Within Chinese-speaking regions, it is identified as 蛇足石杉 in simplified Chinese and as 千層塔 in traditional Chinese.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ja | トウゲシバ | Wikidata |
| ko | 뱀톱 | Wikidata |
| ru | Баранец пильчатый | Wikidata |
| zh | 蛇足石杉 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 千層塔 | Wikidata |
| arz | هوبرزيا سيراتا | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 蛇足石杉 | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 蛇足石杉 | Wikidata |
| ru | Плаун пильчатый | Wikidata |
| ru | Hupersia serrata | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical range spread across several key regions of East Asia. Within the Russian Far East, its distribution includes the areas of Khabarovsk and Primorye. It can also be found inhabiting the islands of the Kuril chain and the territory of Sakhalin. Moving into mainland Asia, the species is documented within the Manchuria region. Collectively, these locations define the natural habitat where this medicinal plant thrives.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Russian Far East | Khabarovsk | WCVP |
| Russian Far East | Kuril Is. | WCVP |
| Russian Far East | Primorye | WCVP |
| Russian Far East | Sakhalin | WCVP |
| China | Manchuria | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Korea | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Nansei-shoto | WCVP |
| North-Central Pacific | Hawaii | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northeast | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Huperzia serrata, is a lycophyte where the medicinal properties are often derived from the whole plant, though specific components are frequently utilized in pharmacological studies. The structure is characterized by upright, dichotomously branching stems that support the foliage. The leaves are small, scale-like, and arranged densely along these stems, while the young leaves at the growing tips are particularly significant due to their high metabolic activity. Below the ground, the plant develops a rhizomatous system that functions as the roots, anchoring the species within its forest habitat.- Total parts
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 18
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| whole plant | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| stems | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| young leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| whole plants | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| thallus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| belowground part | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aboveground part | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Huperzia serrata has 39 reported phytochemicals identified across 63 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Huperzine A, huperzine A, HupA, Hup A, (-)-Huperzine A.
- Total chemicals
- 39
- Scientific sources
- 63
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Huperzine A | 11 | ★★★★★ |
| huperzine A | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| HupA | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Hup A | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (-)-Huperzine A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 11,12-dihydroxy-1-tremulen-5-one | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 21alpha-hydroxyserrat-14-en-3beta-yl p-dihydrocoumarate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 21alpha-hydroxyserrat-14-en-3beta-yl propanedioic acid monoester | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3beta-hydroxysandaracopimaric acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Ceriponol A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Huperzia serrata has 6 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Analgesic, Anticancer, Cardioprotective, Hepatoprotective.
- Total activities
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cardioprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Huperzia serrata has 22 reported medicinal uses identified across 47 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alzheimer's disease, contusions, strains, schizophrenia, myasthenia gravis.
- Total uses
- 22
- Scientific sources
- 47
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's disease | 16 | ★★★★★ |
| contusions | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| strains | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| schizophrenia | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| myasthenia gravis | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| organophosphate poisoning | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| AChE | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Alzheimer disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| HIV-1 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |