Horsetail Herbal Extract
Also known as: Equisetum arvense, Equisetum hyemale, Equisetum debile, Horsetail, Common horsetail, Shavegrass
Overview
Horsetail herbal extract is derived from the plant *Equisetum arvense*, a fern-like perennial with a history of use in traditional medicine for urinary tract conditions, wound healing, and bone health. It contains flavonoids, silica, and other bioactive compounds. Research suggests potential benefits in hair growth stimulation and cosmeceutical applications such as anti-hyperpigmentation. The evidence base is still developing, with animal studies and limited human clinical trials. More high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in humans. Evidence quality is generally low to moderate, with more preclinical and observational data than rigorous clinical trials. Horsetail extracts are available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and topical applications.
Benefits
Animal studies suggest that horsetail extract may increase bone density, with one study showing increased bone density in rats given 120 mg/kg of the extract. Flavonoid-rich extracts of *Equisetum* species have demonstrated hair regenerative activity in animal models of alopecia. *Equisetum debile* extracts have shown potential anti-hyperpigmentation and antioxidant effects in vitro, suggesting skin benefits. Traditionally, horsetail has been used for bladder and kidney conditions and wound healing, but systematic clinical evidence supporting these uses is limited. Overall, the evidence for these benefits is preliminary and requires further investigation in human clinical trials.
How it works
Horsetail's potential benefits are attributed to its bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, silica, and antioxidants. The hair growth effect is hypothesized to be due to flavonoid-induced stimulation of hair follicles and antioxidant protection. Bone density improvement may relate to silica content, which is involved in bone mineralization. Anti-hyperpigmentation effects are likely mediated by inhibition of tyrosinase enzyme activity, reducing melanin synthesis. Absorption and bioavailability data are limited; flavonoids and silica are poorly absorbed but may exert local or systemic effects.
Side effects
Horsetail is generally considered safe when used short-term in traditional doses, but comprehensive safety data are lacking. Common side effects are not well documented, and no high-frequency adverse effects (>5%) have been reported in the literature. Rare reports of liver injury are more commonly associated with other herbs rather than horsetail itself. Potential drug interactions and contraindications are not well studied, so caution is advised in patients with liver disease or on hepatotoxic drugs. Safety data are lacking for special populations, including pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children. Due to the limited safety data, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using horsetail extract, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Dosage
No standardized dosing has been established for horsetail extract due to the lack of clinical trials. Animal studies have used doses around 120 mg/kg, but human equivalent doses are not defined. Traditional herbal preparations vary widely in concentration. Optimal dose, timing, and formulation require further research. Due to the lack of established dosing guidelines, it is important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it as tolerated, while monitoring for any adverse effects. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for your individual needs.
FAQs
Is horsetail extract effective for hair growth?
Animal studies show promise, but human evidence is insufficient to confirm its effectiveness for hair growth. More research is needed.
Is horsetail safe for long-term use?
Safety data are limited; short-term use appears safe, but caution is warranted regarding long-term use due to the lack of comprehensive studies.
Can horsetail improve bone health?
Animal data suggest potential benefits, but human trials are needed to confirm whether horsetail can improve bone health in humans.
Are there risks of liver injury?
Horsetail is not a common cause of herb-induced liver injury, but monitoring is prudent, especially with pre-existing liver conditions or concurrent use of hepatotoxic substances.
Research Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK583202/ – This LiverTox article provides information on herbal and dietary supplements and their potential for causing liver injury. While it mentions horsetail's traditional use, it does not highlight significant hepatotoxicity associated with horsetail itself. The database serves as a resource for understanding the potential liver-related risks of various supplements.
- https://www.signos.com/blog/horsetail-herb – This blog post cites research indicating that rats receiving 120 mg/kg horsetail extract showed increased bone density compared to controls. This suggests potential osteogenic effects of horsetail. However, the findings are limited by the animal model and the lack of human data.
- https://jppres.com/jppres/pdf/vol7/jppres19.557_7.5.323.pdf – A study published in the Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacognosy Research found that a flavonoid-rich ethyl acetate extract of *Equisetum hyemale* demonstrated hair regenerative effects in a rat alopecia model over 28 days. Histopathological confirmation supported these findings. This preclinical study suggests the potential for horsetail to promote hair growth, but human trials are needed to confirm these effects.
- https://www.wjgnet.com/2307-8960/full/v9/i20/5490.htm – This article discusses herb-induced liver injury (HILI) and provides an overview of various herbs associated with liver damage. While it mentions the potential for herbal supplements to cause liver injury, it does not specifically highlight horsetail as a prominent hepatotoxic agent. The article emphasizes the importance of considering HILI in patients presenting with liver abnormalities.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/3/1336 – A study published in *Plants* found that *Equisetum debile* extracts showed anti-hyperpigmentation and antioxidant activities in vitro, suggesting potential skin benefits. This study is preliminary and requires clinical validation to confirm these effects in humans. The findings suggest that horsetail extracts may have potential applications in cosmeceuticals.
