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Herb

Horsetail Extract

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Horsetail Extract. Silica-rich herb traditionally used for hair, nail, and connective tissue support.

How it works. High orthosilicic acid content may support collagen and keratin matrix.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Improved hair thickness in small trials with combined silica products (limited).

How much to take. Typical dose: 300–900 mg standardized.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Collagen peptides, Vitamin C.

Common forms. Available as Standardized extract capsule, Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin), Powdered whole herb, Traditional decoction or tea.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Horsetail Extract. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Horsetail Extract. Silica-rich herb traditionally used for hair, nail, and connective tissue support.

Key compound: orthosilicic acidH4O4Si · 96.11 g/mol

What it is

Silica-rich herb traditionally used for hair, nail, and connective tissue support.

Also called

Equisetum arvense

Food sources

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

Goals

Hair SupportSkin, Hair & NailsBone Health

How it works

High orthosilicic acid content may support collagen and keratin matrix.

Pathways

  • High orthosilicic acid content may support collagen
  • keratin matrix

Effects

  • +Improved hair thickness in small trials with combined silica products supports

What the research supports

Improved hair thickness in small trials with combined silica productslimited

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
300–900 mg standardized
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith food
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized extract capsule form.
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Side effects & interactions

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Horsetail Extract use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Collagen peptidesProvides amino acid substrate for connective tissue synthesis.
  • Vitamin CRequired cofactor for collagen hydroxylation.

Common forms

  • Standardized extract capsule
  • Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
  • Powdered whole herb
  • Traditional decoction or tea

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Horsetail Extract — Improved hair thickness in small trials with combined silica products ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Horsetail Extract and "Improved hair thickness in small trials with combined silica products". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Horsetail Extract — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Horsetail Extract and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Horsetail Extract — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Horsetail Extract and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

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