Fresh Horsetail
Also known as: Equisetum arvense, common horsetail, horsetail, scouring rush, Equisetum hyemale
Overview
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a perennial plant with a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. It is recognized for its high silica content, along with flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants. These components are believed to contribute to various health benefits, including support for hair, skin, and nail health, as well as potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Horsetail is often used to address urinary tract issues, promote wound healing, and support connective tissue. While research on horsetail is ongoing, much of the evidence comes from animal studies and small human trials, often involving horsetail in combination with other ingredients. This makes it challenging to isolate the specific effects of horsetail alone. The plant is available in various forms, including dried extracts, capsules, and teas.
Benefits
Horsetail has several potential benefits, though the strength of evidence varies. Some studies suggest it can improve hair growth and strength, particularly when combined with other ingredients. Animal studies indicate that horsetail extract may increase bone density. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have been demonstrated in vitro, and essential oils from horsetail show antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi. Additionally, some research suggests potential antidiabetic effects, though human evidence is lacking. A 3-month RCT in women with self-perceived hair thinning showed increased hair growth and strength after taking capsules containing horsetail plus other ingredients compared to controls. An animal study using flavonoid-rich extract of Equisetum hyemale demonstrated significant increases in hair weight and tensile strength in rats, comparable to minoxidil.
How it works
The purported benefits of horsetail are largely attributed to its high silica content, which is believed to support collagen synthesis and maintain the integrity of connective tissues. This may contribute to improvements in hair, skin, nails, and bone health. The flavonoids and phenolic compounds present in horsetail act as antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. These compounds also exhibit anti-inflammatory effects by modulating immune cell activity. The antimicrobial properties of horsetail are thought to stem from its essential oils and phenolic constituents, which can disrupt microbial cell membranes. The bioavailability of silica and flavonoids can vary depending on the extraction method and formulation of the supplement.
Side effects
Horsetail is generally considered safe for short-term use in typical doses. However, it contains thiaminase, an enzyme that can deplete vitamin B1 (thiamine) if consumed in excessive amounts or over extended periods. Common side effects are rare but may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. While significant drug interactions are not well-documented, caution is advised when using horsetail with diuretics or anticoagulants due to potential additive effects. Horsetail is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data. Individuals with thiamine deficiency or those at risk should avoid horsetail supplements. It's important to monitor for any adverse reactions and discontinue use if they occur. Long-term use should be approached with caution, and thiamine supplementation may be considered.
Dosage
Due to limited research on horsetail alone, effective doses in humans are not well-established. Animal studies have used doses around 120 mg/kg. Human supplements typically provide 300-600 mg of dried extract daily, often in combination with other ingredients. The optimal dosage for specific benefits, such as hair or bone health, remains unclear. The timing of administration and the formulation of the supplement (e.g., extract standardized for silica or flavonoids) may influence absorption and efficacy. It is advisable to start with a lower dose and gradually increase as tolerated. Given the presence of thiaminase, prolonged use at higher doses should be approached with caution to avoid potential vitamin B1 deficiency.
FAQs
Is horsetail effective alone for hair growth?
Evidence is limited; most positive human studies involve blends. Animal data suggest potential, but human RCTs on horsetail alone are needed to confirm its efficacy for hair growth.
Are there safety concerns with long-term use?
Prolonged use may risk vitamin B1 deficiency due to thiaminase; supplementation or cycling use is advisable to mitigate this risk.
Can horsetail improve bone density in humans?
Animal studies are promising, but human clinical trials are lacking to confirm whether horsetail can improve bone density in humans.
How quickly do benefits appear?
Hair growth studies show effects over 3 months; other benefits have not been well time-characterized in humans, so the timeline for other benefits is uncertain.
Research Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK583202/ – This source provides general information about herbal supplements, including horsetail. It discusses the traditional uses of horsetail and highlights the importance of understanding potential risks and benefits associated with herbal remedies.
- https://www.casi.org/horsetail-extract – This source discusses horsetail extract, its uses, and potential benefits. It may provide information on the chemical composition of horsetail and its traditional applications in herbal medicine.
- https://jppres.com/jppres/pdf/vol7/jppres19.557_7.5.323.pdf – This research article investigates the hair regenerative activity of flavonoid-rich extract of Equisetum hyemale in rats with chemically-induced alopecia. The study found that the extract significantly increased hair weight and tensile strength, comparable to minoxidil, suggesting potential for hair growth promotion. However, the small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/horsetail – This article summarizes the nutritional benefits of horsetail, including its potential to promote hair growth and bone health. It references a 3-month RCT in women with hair thinning, which showed increased hair growth and strength with a supplement containing horsetail plus other compounds versus placebo. The specific effect size and confidence intervals were not detailed, and horsetail’s isolated effect remains uncertain.
- https://www.signos.com/blog/horsetail-herb – This blog post discusses the potential benefits of horsetail, including its impact on bone density. It references a study in rats where administration of 120 mg/kg horsetail extract showed increased bone density compared to controls, suggesting potential osteogenic effects. However, it notes that no human trials are available to confirm these findings.
