Botanical Overview
Clubmoss (Lycopodium carolinianum) is a species in the Lycopodiaceae family. The clubmoss family (Lycopodiaceae) includes evergreen, moss-like plants with creeping stems and upright branches covered in small, scale-like leaves. These ancient plants reproduce by spores rather than seeds. Several species produce alkaloids used in traditional medicine and as sources of clubmoss powder. Phytochemical data for this species are limited at present.
General Description
The genus Pseudolycopodiella is accepted in the Flora of North America and the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016, but not in other classifications, which submerge the genus in Lycopodiella. The species has a discontinuous distribution, being native to the eastern United States and to parts of eastern Asia.
Family Context
The Lycopodiaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Antler Herb — 24 documented uses
- clubmoss — 19 documented uses
- Clubmoss — 1 documented uses
- Clubmoss — 1 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Clubmoss has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Brazil, Belize, Congo (DRC), Cuba, Sri Lanka, and others.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 4 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).
The identified compounds include the following categories:
- Alkaloid: nitrogenous compounds with diverse pharmacological activities
Research Status
Although this species has documented phytochemical constituents, its ethnobotanical and clinical documentation remains incomplete. Additional phytochemical investigation could identify novel bioactive compounds in this plant.