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Horsetail is derived from fresh or dried, green shoots of the plant Equisetum arvense, a fern-like, non-flowering weed found in low lying wetland areas in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Extracts contain multiple flavonoids, flavone glycosides, caffeic acid ester, silicic acid and pyridine alkaloids. In animal models, horsetail has been shown to have diuretic and antispasmodic activities, and it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries for edema, bladder and renal conditions and to promote healing of wounds and burns. More recently, horsetail has been purported to have beneficial effects on arthritis, osteoporosis, asthma, chronic fatigue, dyspepsia, constipation, aging, well-being and various skin ailments. The bases of these claims have not been substantiated in controlled trials in humans, but laboratory studies suggest that components of horsetail have antioxidant, antiinflammatory and hepato-protective properties. Horsetail is found in multiple commercial forms, the recommended daily dose ranging widely to as high as several grams daily. Horsetail is generally well tolerated without adverse events; minor side effects may include diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and nausea. Rare instances of hypersensitivity reactions, skin rash and allergic dermatitis have been described.
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is an herbal remedy that dates back to ancient Roman and Greek times. It was used traditionally to stop bleeding, heal ulcers and wounds, and treat tuberculosis and kidney problems. The name Equisetum is derived from the Latin roots equus, meaning "horse," and seta, meaning "bristle."Horsetail contains silicon, which helps strengthen bone. For that reason, some practitioners recommend horsetail as a treatment for osteoporosis. It is also used as a diuretic, and as an ingredient in some cosmetics. However, few studies have investigated horsetail's effect in humans.
The anti-inflammatory effect of horsetail has also been shown in an in vitro (test-tube) study on human primary lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).
Of note, as the study was conducted in rats, it is unclear if the results can be applied to humans with diabetes.
Horsetail has traditionally been used as a diuretic (helps rid the body of excess fluid by increasing urine output). One study examined the use of horsetail by people who had a history of uric acid kidney stones. The people who took horsetail experienced an increase in diuresis (urine output). Other studies suggest horsetail has antioxidant properties and may inhibit cancer cell growth.
Osteoporosis: Horsetail has been suggested as a treatment for osteoporosis (thinning bone), because it contains silicon, a mineral needed for bone health. In one study, 122 Italian women took horsetail dry extract or Osteosil calcium 270 mg twice daily (a horsetail/calcium combination used in Italy for osteoporosis and fractures). Both groups who took horsetail experienced improved bone density, however the study was poorly designed. More research is needed to determine whether horsetail has any effect on bone density.