Horsetail Extract
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Horsetail Extract (Equisetum arvense L. (Field Horsetail)) is a dietary supplement with 4 published peer-reviewed studies involving 480 participants, researched for Diuretic Effect, Wound Healing, Anti-inflammatory Activity.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Diuretic Effect
ModerateWound Healing
ModerateAnti-inflammatory Activity
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Diuretic Effect
To assess the acute diuretic effect of standardised Equisetum arvense extract vs placebo and hydrochlorothiazide.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind crossover clinical trial
Purpose
To assess the acute diuretic effect of standardised Equisetum arvense extract vs placebo and hydrochlorothiazide.
Dose
900 mg/day standardised dried E. arvense extract
Participants
36 healthy male volunteers
Duration
4 days per treatment arm (10-day washout)
Results
E. arvense extract produced a significant diuretic effect comparable to hydrochlorothiazide. Urine volume increased significantly without significant electrolyte loss. No adverse effects recorded.
How They Measured It
24-hour urine volume, urinary creatinine, electrolytes, blood pressure
Wound Healing
To examine the effectiveness of topical Equisetum arvense ointment in wound healing and pain relief after episiotomy.
Study Type
Randomised, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To examine the effectiveness of topical Equisetum arvense ointment in wound healing and pain relief after episiotomy.
Dose
Topical E. arvense ointment 3x daily
Participants
108 postpartum women (54 per group)
Duration
10 days
Results
E. arvense ointment significantly improved wound healing (REEDA scale) and reduced pain intensity vs placebo. Wound closure was faster and complication rates lower in the horsetail group.
How They Measured It
REEDA scale (redness, oedema, ecchymosis, discharge, approximation), VAS pain
To evaluate Equisetum hyemale extract in wound healing in diabetic rats, examining inflammatory mediators and collagen synthesis.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To evaluate Equisetum hyemale extract in wound healing in diabetic rats, examining inflammatory mediators and collagen synthesis.
Dose
Topical 40% ethanolic extract of E. hyemale
Participants
Diabetic rat model
Duration
21 days
Results
Horsetail extract significantly accelerated wound healing in diabetic rats. IL-10 increased and MCP-1 decreased. Collagen deposition was significantly enhanced in treated wounds vs controls.
How They Measured It
Wound healing rate, IL-10, MCP-1 levels, collagen content histology
Anti-inflammatory Activity
To investigate whether E. arvense's anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by silica alone or by additional phytochemicals.
Study Type
In vitro mechanistic study
Purpose
To investigate whether E. arvense's anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by silica alone or by additional phytochemicals.
Dose
E. arvense extract at various concentrations
Participants
Human lymphocyte cultures (in vitro)
Duration
Laboratory
Results
Both silica and isoquercitrin (a quercetin glycoside in horsetail) contribute to its anti-inflammatory activity. IFN-γ and T-lymphocyte activity were downregulated. Anti-inflammatory action is multi-component.
How They Measured It
Lymphocyte polyfunctionality assay, HPLC-UV-MS profiling, IFN-γ measurement
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Horsetail Extract research
There are currently 9 peer-reviewed studies on Horsetail Extract (Equisetum arvense L. (Field Horsetail)), involving 480 total participants. Research covers Diuretic effect, Wound healing, Anti-inflammatory activity and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (2 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Horsetail Extract has been researched for: Diuretic effect, Wound healing, Anti-inflammatory activity, Silica for hair & nails. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 2 out of 9 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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