Evidence supporting the use of: Horsetail
For the health condition: Osteoporosis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe, where it has been valued for its diuretic and purported bone-strengthening properties. The rationale for its use in supporting or treating osteoporosis is primarily based on its high silica content, as silica is thought to play a role in bone formation and health. Historical texts and folk practices suggest horsetail tea or extracts were consumed to "strengthen bones," particularly in elderly populations or individuals with bone weakness.

However, the scientific evidence supporting horsetail's efficacy for osteoporosis is limited and mostly preclinical. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that silica may stimulate osteoblast activity (bone-forming cells) and enhance collagen synthesis, but these findings have not been robustly demonstrated in well-designed human clinical trials. A few small studies and case reports indicate potential benefits, but the evidence is weak and insufficient for medical recommendation.

In summary, horsetail's use for osteoporosis is justified by tradition rather than solid scientific validation. Anyone considering horsetail supplements should be aware of possible toxicity (especially if not properly prepared), interactions, and lack of proven effectiveness for osteoporosis in humans.

More about horsetail
More about Osteoporosis

Other ingredients used for Osteoporosis

7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)
8-Prenylnaringenin
Abalone
Acacetin
Alfalfa
algal oil
Algal protein
Algalin
Algas calcareas
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ampelopsin
animal protein
animal Tissue
anthocyanins
antler
apigenin
arctiin
ashwagandha
astragalin
astragaloside
astragalus
barrenwort
beta caryophyllene
biochanin
blueberry
bok choy
bone protein
boron
bovine
bovine protein
broccoli
calcium
calycosin
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Cissus quadrangularis
cistanche
cod liver oil
collagen
collard
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
curcumin
cyanidin
daidzein
DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
dioscorea
diosgenin
diosmetin
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
Drynaria
ecdysteroids
eicosapentaenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epicatechin
equol (proprietary)
estrogen
Eucommia ulmoides
fern
fish
fish protein
flavanols
flavanones
flavans
flavones
fo-ti
formononetin
genistein
genistin
glycitin
goji berry
gooseberry
haliotis
hesperetin
hesperidin
horsetail
Hyperoside
icariin
ipriflavone
isoflavones
Kaempferol
kale
knotweed
Legume protein
Lentinula edodes mycelia
lignans
Lithothamnion
Lycium
maca
magnesium
manganese
Marine protein
Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC)
Milk Protein
Mineral blend
Naringenin
Neoeriocitrin
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
paeoniflorin
Phaeophyceae
phosphorus
Phytoecdysteroid
Phytoestrogens
polymethoxylated flavones
polysaccharides
polyunsaturated fat
pomegranate
proanthocyanidins
procyanidin
prune
Puerarin
quercetin
red clover
Rehmannia
rehmannia glutinosa
resveratrol
royal jelly
rutin
seaweed
sesame
Shilajit
silica
silicon
Soy
soy isoflavones
Soy Protein
soybean
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
Stilbenoid
strontium
tocotrienols
Ursolic Acid
Vegetable Protein
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin K
Wakame
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Xanthophyll
Zinc