Clubmoss
OTHER NAME(S): Club Moss, Common Clubmoss, Common Club Moss, Lycopode en Massue, Lycopodium, Running Clubmoss, Running Pine, Shen Jin Cao, Stags Horn, Vegetable Sulfur, Witch Meal, Wolfs Claw, Lycopodium clavatum, Clubmoss, Stag's Horn, Wolf's Claw, Licopodio, Lycopode
Overview
Clubmoss is an herb. People use the whole plant to make medicine.
People use clubmoss for bladder and kidney disorders, and as a diuretic to increase urine, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using clubmoss might also be unsafe.
Don't confuse clubmoss with Chinese club moss or fir club moss. Chinese club moss and fir club moss contain a chemical called huperzine A. Clubmoss does not contain this chemical.
There isn't enough information available to know how clubmoss works.
There isn't enough information available to know how clubmoss works.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Bladder disorders.
- Kidney disorders.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of clubmoss for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Clubmoss is POSSIBLY UNSAFE because it contains several poisonous chemicals. However, so far, no poisonings have been reported.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Clubmoss is POSSIBLY UNSAFE because it contains several poisonous chemicals. However, so far, no poisonings have been reported.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Clubmoss is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for anyone, including pregnant and breast-feeding women. Don't use it.
Slow heart rate (bradycardia): Clubmoss might slow down the heartbeat. This could be a problem in people who already have a slow heart rate.
Gastrointestinal tract blockage: Clubmoss might cause "congestion" in the intestines. This might cause problems in people who have a blockage in their intestines.
Ulcers: Clubmoss might increase secretions in the stomach and intestines. There is concern that this could worsen ulcers.
Lung conditions: Clubmoss might increase fluid secretions in the lung. There is concern that this could worsen lung conditions such as asthma or emphysema.
Seizures: There is concern that clubmoss might increase the risk of seizures.
Urinary tract obstruction: Clubmoss might increase secretions in the urinary tract. There is concern that this could worsen urinary obstruction.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs) interacts with ClubmossClubmoss might increase levels of certain chemicals in the body that work in the brain, heart, and elsewhere. Some drying medications called "anticholinergic drugs" can decrease levels of these same chemicals. These drying medications might decrease the effects of clubmoss, and clubmoss might decrease the effects of drying medications. Some of these drying medications include atropine, scopolamine, some medications used for allergies (antihistamines), and some medications used for depression (antidepressants).
- Various medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions (Cholinergic drugs) interacts with ClubmossClubmoss might increase certain chemicals in the brain, heart, and elsewhere in the body. Some medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions also affect these chemicals. Taking clubmoss with these medications might increase the chance of side effects. Some of these medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions include pilocarpine (Pilocar and others), donepezil (Aricept), tacrine (Cognex), and others.
- Medications for Alzheimer disease (Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors) interacts with ClubmossClubmoss might increase certain chemicals in the brain, heart, and elsewhere in the body. Some medications used for Alzheimer disease also affect these chemicals. Taking clubmoss along with medications for Alzheimer disease might increase effects and side effects of medications used for Alzheimer disease.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of clubmoss depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for clubmoss. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Felgenhauer N, Zilker T, Worek F, Eyer P. Intoxication with huperzine A, a potent anticholinesterase found in the fir club moss. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 2000;38:803-8..
- Orhan, I., Terzioglu, S., and Sener, B. Alpha-onocerin: an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor from Lycopodium clavatum. Planta Med. 2003;69(3):265-267.
- Rollinger, J. M., Ewelt, J., Seger, C., Sturm, S., Ellmerer, E. P., and Stuppner, H. New insights into the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of Lycopodium clavatum. Planta Med 2005;71(11):1040-1043.
- Orhan, I., Kupeli, E., Sener, B., and Yesilada, E. Appraisal of anti-inflammatory potential of the clubmoss, Lycopodium clavatum L. J Ethnopharmacol 1-3-2007;109(1):146-150.
- Cullinan, P., Cannon, J., Sheril, D., and Newman, Taylor A. Asthma following occupational exposure to Lycopodium clavatum in condom manufacturers. Thorax 1993;48(7):774-775.