In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers from the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have identified a new firmoss species, Huperzia crassifolia, in southwest China's Guizhou Province.
The newly discovered species stands out with its thicker texture and distinctive round-lanceolate pinnae, differentiating it from other members of the Huperzia genus, which comprises around 25 species typically found in temperate and boreal regions.
What makes Huperzia crassifolia particularly noteworthy is its potential application in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Early studies have shown that extracts from this firmoss species may offer effective therapeutic benefits, marking a significant advancement in the search for Alzheimer's treatments.
Liu Hongmei, an associate researcher at XTBG, emphasized the significance of this discovery, stating that it could pave the way for new medical interventions and enhance our understanding of medicinal plants.
This finding not only contributes to the rich biodiversity of the region but also underscores the importance of ongoing research in botanical sciences for addressing critical health challenges worldwide.
Reference(s):
New firmoss species with potential to treat Alzheimer's discovered
cgtn.com