Horsetail Extract Powder

Horsetail extract powder is derived from the horsetail plant (Equisetum arvense), also known as mare's tail or shavegrass. This plant is characterized by its hollow, jointed stems and its historical use in traditional medicine for various purposes. Horsetail extract contains high levels of silica, along with other compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Silica is believed to be the primary active ingredient responsible for many of the purported health benefits associated with horsetail extract.

What Is Horsetail

Horsetail is a perennial fern. It grows widely in northern Europe and the Americas, as well as other humid areas with mild climates. It has a long, green, densely branched stem that grows from spring to fall. This plant contains many beneficial compounds that give it a variety of health-promoting effects.

Among them, antioxidants and silica are particularly prominent. Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals in the body to prevent cell damage. Meanwhile, silica is a compound composed of silicon and oxygen. They are thought to be responsible for horsetail’s potential benefits for skin, nails, hair and bones.

Basic Information of Horsetail Extract

Horsetail Extract Benefits

Support bone health

Silicon, an essential element, is present in extremely high amounts in horsetail. Silicon is necessary for the body to properly utilize calcium. Many people diagnosed with calcium deficiency are not actually calcium deficient, they are actually deficient in silicon in their daily diet so the calcium is not properly utilized by the body and forms deposits. That's why some experts suggest silicon is an essential ingredient for bone and cartilage formation. This suggests that horsetail may be effective in preventing osteoporosis.

Researchers believe that horsetail's bone-remodeling effects are primarily due to its high silica content. Silica is also found in bones and improves the formation, density and consistency of bone and cartilage tissue by promoting collagen synthesis and improving calcium absorption and utilization.

Natural Diuretic

Diuretics are substances that increase the flow of urine out of your body. The diuretic effect of horsetail is one of the most popular properties of this fern in folk medicine.

Treat Wounds

Horsetail can be used internally or externally to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing. It is very effective in treating wounds and strengthening connective tissue, and it also helps heal bleeding ulcers due to its astringent and hemostatic properties. However, taking it with antihypertensive drugs should be avoided.

Brittle Nails

Anecdotal reports suggest that horsetail may have applications in treating brittle nails. This may be due to the high content of silicic acid and silicates in horsetail, which provide approximately 2 to 3% of elemental silicon.

Promote Hair Growth

Research suggests horsetail may also be beneficial to your hair, possibly due to its silicon and antioxidant content.

First, Antioxidants help reduce inflammation and aging of hair fibers caused by free radicals.

Secondly, the higher the silicon content in the hair fiber, the lower the hair loss rate and the higher the brightness of the hair.

Other Potential Benefits

Anti-inflammatory Activity

Test-tube studies indicate that horsetail extract powder may inhibit lymphocytes, the primary defense cell type involved in inflammatory immune diseases.

Antibacterial Activity

Horsetail essential oil appears to have strong inhibitory effects against bacteria and fungi, including Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans.

Antioxidant Activity

Research shows that horsetail is rich in phenolic compounds, a class of powerful antioxidants that can inhibit oxidative damage to cell membranes.

Antidiabetic Effects

Animal and test-tube studies suggest horsetail extract may help lower blood sugar levels and regenerate damaged pancreatic tissue.

Purpose and Horsetail Extract Dosage

Most available horsetail products are marketed as skin, hair, and nail repair agents.

As for its dosage, one human study showed that taking 900 mg horsetail extract capsules (the maximum daily dose for dry extract recommended by the European Medicines Agency (EMA)) for 4 days may produce a diuretic effect.

However, current scientific evidence has not determined the appropriate dose.

Horsetail Extract Side Effects

Horsetail Extract powder is a dietary supplement derived from horsetail plants, which is often used to improve joint health, support hair and nail growth, and promote skin health. However, like any other supplement, Horsetail Extract powder may have some side effects if taken improperly or in excessive amounts.

Common side effects of Horsetail Extract powder may includeGastrointestinal discomfort: Horsetail Extract powder may cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting if taken in excessive amounts.

Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to Horsetail Extract powder and may experience symptoms such as skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Interaction with other medications: Horsetail Extract powder may interact with certain medications, such as diuretics or lithium, and may affect their efficacy or increase the risk of side effects. If you are taking any medications, consult with your healthcare provider before taking Horsetail Extract powder.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women because its safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established.

Kidney stones: It contains high amounts of silica, which may increase the risk of kidney stones in some individuals.

It is important to note that these side effects are relatively uncommon and may vary depending on individual factors such as age, health status, and dosage. If you experience any side effects after taking horsetail extract powder, stop use immediately and consult with your healthcare provider. Additionally, always follow the recommended dosage instructions on the product label and consult with your healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplements.