Overview
Silica-rich herb traditionally used for hair, nail, and connective tissue support.
- Whole dried plant material (root, leaf, flower, or aerial parts depending on the species)
- Standardized hydroethanolic or aqueous extract (capsule, tincture, or tea)
- Powdered traditional preparation used in Ayurvedic, TCM, or Western herbal practice
- Standardized extract capsule
- Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
- Powdered whole herb
- Traditional decoction or tea
Mechanism of action
High orthosilicic acid content may support collagen and keratin matrix.
- · High orthosilicic acid content may support collagen
- · keratin matrix
Effects on the body
Organ system effects
Horsetail Extract supports collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, or barrier function in skin and integumentary tissues.
Horsetail Extract contributes to bone mineralization, osteoblast activity, or calcium-phosphate homeostasis.
Evidence-based benefits
Improved hair thickness in small trials with combined silica products
Limited evidencePotential side effects
- · Thiamine depletion at high doses
Drug interactions
Safety & non-supplemental interactions
Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.
- ·Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
- ·Children under 18 (unless directed by a clinician)
Supplement interactions
- Collagen peptidesProvides amino acid substrate for connective tissue synthesis.
- Vitamin CRequired cofactor for collagen hydroxylation.
No specific avoidances listed.
Dosing & bioavailability
Where to buy
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Third-party testedIndependently verified Horsetail Extract — look for USP, NSF, or Informed Sport seals on the label for purity and dose accuracy.Horsetail Extract third party tested NSF
CapsulesPre-measured Horsetail Extract capsules — easiest for travel and consistent daily dosing without scoops or scales.Horsetail Extract capsules
PowderBulk unflavored Horsetail Extract powder — best cost-per-gram and flexible dosing for stacking or mixing into drinks.Horsetail Extract powder unflavored
Best sellersMost-purchased Horsetail Extract products on Amazon — a quick way to see what's reviewed widely before you commit.Horsetail Extract best sellerScientific evidence8Show studiesHide studies
Equisetum arvense and hair/nail health
Araújo LU, et al.
Review of horsetail's silica content and clinical use.
Limited evidence for hair/nail support; mechanistically plausible.
PubMed: Horsetail Extract — Improved hair thickness in small trials with combined silica products
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PubMed: Horsetail Extract — randomized controlled trial
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PubMed: Horsetail Extract — dose response
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Google Scholar: Horsetail Extract — clinical evidence
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