Little Club Moss

botanical
Best with a meal

What is it

Little club moss refers to Selaginella tamariscina, a small spike moss-type plant used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine. Whole-plant extracts are sold in supplements and skin products.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Anti-aging and antioxidant claims

Mixed

Antioxidant and skin protective effects are reported in cell and animal studies but lack human clinical confirmation.

How it works

Selaginella tamariscina contains biflavonoids such as amentoflavone and several lignans. Preclinical work shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-glycation activity in cell and animal models, with interest in skin aging, blood sugar, and tumor cell biology. Human trial data are very limited. Most commercial claims rest on traditional use plus laboratory studies of isolated compounds.

Dosage

There is no established human dose. The DSLD does not list a standardized median dose. Commercial extracts typically supply 100-300 mg per day inside blended products.

When and how to take it

No specific timing has been established. Most products are taken with food.

1 commercial form

Whole-plant extract

Biflavonoid content varies by product

Dry powdered extract used in oral supplements and topical products.

Safety

Short-term use of Selaginella tamariscina extract has not been associated with major adverse events in available studies, but human safety data are sparse. Long-term safety is unknown.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Use with caution if taking diabetes medications, anticoagulants, or immunosuppressants.

Interactions

No well-characterized human drug interactions. Theoretical caution with diabetes and anticoagulant medications based on preclinical activity.

Frequently asked questions

Is Selaginella tamariscina the same as common club moss?⌄

No. It is a Selaginella (spike moss), distinct from Lycopodium (true club moss).

Does it help skin aging?⌄

Some lab studies are promising, but there are no robust human trials.

References

  • Little Club Moss on Wikidata — Wikidata link
  • Little Club Moss on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link
  • Research on Little Club Moss (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.