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Equisetum arvense

Equisetum arvense

Equisetum arvense is a plant utilized across various traditional medicine systems. It has been historically applied as a diuretic and astringent for conditions including edema, kidney complaints, bladder issues, diabetes, and gout, as well as for tuberculosis, bleeding, and digestive concerns. Scientific evidence regarding its efficacy is limited but shows potential, as certain extracts exhibit antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities. Some studies suggest a possible reduction in chronic pain intensity when combined with other substances, and specific compounds may act as scaffolds for targeting certain cancer proteins. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded.

At a glance
Traditionally for
diuretic · dropsy (edema)
Traditions
Western phytotherapy · traditional · Unani · TCM
Best evidence
B
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

  • diuretic Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • dropsy (edema) traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • kidney complaints Unani T3 DRDUKE
  • tuberculosis traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bleeding traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • carminative TCM T3 DRDUKE
  • infections traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • albuminuria traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • anodyne TCM T3 DRDUKE
  • astringent traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bladder complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diabetes Unani T3 DRDUKE
  • diarrhea traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • dyspepsia traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • gout traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • 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. D PMID
  • This study found a significant reduction in pain intensity among patients with chronic pain after using a supplement combining PEA and Equisetum arvense for eight weeks. B PMID
  • Virtual screening identified luteolin-5-O-glucoside from Equisetum arvense as a potential lead scaffold for targeting VCX2 in hepatocellular carcinoma. D PMID
  • The study found that plasma-treated plant-based biostimulants enhanced soybean growth and defense responses compared to untreated biostimulants. D PMID
  • The study found that metronidazole induced testicular toxicity in rats, but treatments with olive leaf and horsetail extracts mitigated some of the adverse effects. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Equisetum arvense?

Equisetum arvense (Equisetum arvense) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Equisetum arvense traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Equisetum arvense for: diuretic, dropsy (edema), kidney complaints, tuberculosis, bleeding, carminative. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Equisetum arvense?

Equisetum arvense appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy, traditional, Unani, TCM.

What does the scientific evidence say about Equisetum arvense?

5 sourced findings are recorded for Equisetum arvense; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: 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.

How strong is the evidence for Equisetum arvense?

The strongest finding for Equisetum arvense carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Equisetum arvense safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Equisetum arvense in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Equisetum arvense interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Equisetum arvense in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Equisetum arvense?

Equisetum arvense is also known as: Хвощ полевой, Prêle des champs.

Is Equisetum arvense 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

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of a Novel Palmitoylethanolamide-Equisetum arvense Supplement for the Management of Chronic Pain: Findings from a Prospective Clinical Trial. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Protective Effects of Olea europaea L. Leaves and Equisetum arvense L. Extracts Against Testicular Toxicity Induced by Metronidazole Through Reducing Oxidative Stress and Regulating NBN, INSL-3, STAR, HSD-3β, and CYP11A1 Signaling Pathways. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Plasma activation of plant-based biostimulants enhances growth and defense responses in soybean (Glycine max (L.)). literature abstract metadata
  5. 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
  6. T2 An integrative omics-guided druggability analysis of VCX2 in hepatocellular carcinoma using Peruvian natural products. literature abstract metadata

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