Lycopodiaceae
Club Moss
Lycopodium clavatum
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Worldwide (boreal and montane regions)
Also known as: Common Club Moss, Wolf's Claw, Running Cedar
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Parts Used
SporeHerb
Therapeutic Uses
Alzheimer's disease (huperzine A from H. serrata — multiple RCTs showing cognitive improvement), myasthenia gravis, memory enhancement. Note: huperzine A from Huperzia serrata, not Lycopodium itself.
Herbal Actions
Cholinesterase inhibitor (huperzine A in Huperzia serrata — related species), anti-inflammatory, haemostatic
Active Constituents
Alkaloids (huperzine A — cholinesterase inhibitor found in related species, serratinine, lycodine), flavonoids, triterpenoids
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | NOT recommended — cholinesterase inhibition requires careful dosing |
| Tincture | Huperzine A: 200–400mcg daily (from Huperzia serrata extract) |
| Notes | Lycopodium club moss primarily homeopathic use. Huperzine A (from H. serrata) is the active compound for Alzheimer's — RCTs demonstrate cognitive improvement. Standard pharmaceutical form or standardized extract. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
⚠ Known interactions
Contraindications: Huperzine A: avoid with cholinergic medications, anticholinergics. Avoid in cardiovascular disease. Avoid in epilepsy. Pregnancy — avoid.
Side Effects: Cholinergic effects (nausea, vomiting, salivation, bradycardia). Muscle cramps. Dizziness.