Horsetail
Equisetum
Equisetum, commonly known as horsetail, is a traditional plant used in various herbal medicine practices. While its specific uses are not extensively documented in historical traditions, it has been utilized for centuries for its purported benefits such as strengthening bones and treating urinary issues. Scientific evidence suggests that Equisetum extracts can enhance wastewater treatment processes by improving anionic surfactant removal. Additionally, studies indicate potential biostimulant effects on soybean growth and defense responses. Luteolin-5-O-glucoside from Equisetum arvense has shown promise in virtual screening as a lead compound for targeting VCX2 in hepatocellular carcinoma research. Extracts of Equisetum have also demonstrated varying levels of antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities, particularly those obtained through acetone and ethanol methods. No major safety concerns or known drug interactions have been recorded, though further research is warranted to fully understand its potential applications and effects.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The addition of highly biodegradable wastewater enhanced anionic surfactant removal in the UASB process without significant ammonia inhibition.
- The study found that plasma-treated plant-based biostimulants enhanced soybean growth and defense responses compared to untreated biostimulants.
- Virtual screening identified luteolin-5-O-glucoside from Equisetum arvense as a potential lead scaffold for targeting VCX2 in hepatocellular carcinoma.
- The study found that different extracts of Equisetum arvense showed varying levels of antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities, with acetone and ethanol extracts performing particularly well.
- Equisetum debile contains organic acids, flavonoids, amino acids, and glycosides, with organic acids and flavonoid glycosides showing high systemic exposure.
Frequently asked questions
What is Horsetail?
Horsetail (Equisetum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Horsetail?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Horsetail; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The addition of highly biodegradable wastewater enhanced anionic surfactant removal in the UASB process without significant ammonia inhibition.
How strong is the evidence for Horsetail?
The strongest finding for Horsetail carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Horsetail safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Horsetail in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Horsetail interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Horsetail in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Horsetail?
Horsetail is also known as: Хвощ.
Is Horsetail a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Plasma activation of plant-based biostimulants enhances growth and defense responses in soybean (Glycine max (L.)). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Experimental and theoretical exploration of biological activities of different extracts of Equisetum arvense: Enzyme inhibition, DFT, molecular docking and molecular dynamics analyses. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Highly biodegradable wastewater as a co-substrate-enhances anionic surfactant removal in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket coupled with constructed wetlands in a full-scale system. literature abstract metadata
- T2 An integrative omics-guided druggability analysis of VCX2 in hepatocellular carcinoma using Peruvian natural products. literature abstract metadata
- T2 In Vivo Metabolic Profiling of Equisetum debile Roxb. in Rats Based on High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry. literature abstract metadata