Production of huperzine A and other Lycopodium alkaloids in Huperzia species grown under controlled conditions and in vitro

► Huperzia species vary greatly in Lycopodium alkaloid composition and content. ► Controlled growth conditions are important for evaluating alkaloid variation. ► Genetics and the environment play important roles in controlling HupA production. ► H. pinifolia switched from HupA to nankakurine production when callus was induced. ► UPLC-IMS-TOFMS is ideally suited for rapid quantification of Lycopodium alkaloids.