Lycopodium clavatum
Lycopodium clavatum, commonly known as clubmoss, is a perennial herbaceous plant prized in traditional medicine. Historically used to treat digestive issues and respiratory ailments, its spores have also played a role in various topical applications. This ancient botanical holds significant interest for its unique chemical properties and historical therapeutic uses.
- Scientific name: Lycopodium clavatum
- Family: Lycopodiaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Lycopodiidae and order Lycopodiales, it is classified under the family Lycopodiaceae. Finally, its specific biological identification is within the genus Lycopodium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Lycopodiidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lycopodiales | WCVP |
| Family | Lycopodiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Lycopodium | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across various regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing naturally within the coastal and inland landscapes of Denmark. The species is also documented throughout the diverse terrains of Finland. Furthermore, its presence extends to the islands of Iceland and the United Kingdom, specifically Great Britain. Finally, this medicinal plant is well-established within the natural environment of Ireland.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
Chemicals
Lycopodium clavatum has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include HupA, Coumarins, HupB, Huperzine A, lycopodine.
- Total chemicals
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| HupA | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Coumarins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| HupB | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Huperzine A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lycopodine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| methyl lycernuate-A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Lycopodium clavatum has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Lycopodium clavatum has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Alzheimer's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |