Willdenow's Spikemoss

ancient vascular plant (Selaginellaceae) — a lycopsid, not a true moss or fern. one of approximately 700–750 species in the genus Selaginella, one of the oldest plant lineages on Earth — closely related to species that dominated Carboniferous forests 350 million years ago.

across Selaginella species, amentoflavone and isocryptomerin are primarily responsible for antitumor activity against lung, leukemia, gastric, and breast cancer. antimetastatic activity in osteosarcoma documented through downregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9.

biflavonoids from Selaginella — particularly amentoflavone — show antiviral activity including inhibition of HIV-1 protease and broad antiviral effects documented across the genus.

across the Selaginella genus: amentoflavone is a potent PTP1B inhibitor (insulin signaling target) and PDE4 inhibitor (anti-inflammatory target). multi-target screening validated natural products from Selaginella against Alzheimer's disease.

traditionally used in Indonesian medicine for wound healing, bloody stools, internal hemorrhage, menstrual and uterine disorders, blood circulation, longevity, headache, and body endurance.