What is horsetail(Equisetum arvense (L)) and it's super function?

Therapeutics and Pharmacology of horsetail.

Horsetail Extract.CAS.NO.071011-23-9.Silica,Vegetal Silica 7%Equisetum arvense extract,Equiseti herba,CAS.NO:1343-98-2;7631-86-9.Horsetail Grass Extract,Equisetum hyemale;Shavegrass.Equisetum arvense, extract;Horsetail equisetium arvense extract photo picture image Equisetum is an excellent genito-urinary system astringent. It may be applied to such conditions as urethritis or cystitis with haematuria, reducing haemorrhage and healing wounds thanks to the high silica content. Whilst it acts as a mild diuretic, its toning and astringent action make it of value in the treatment of incontinence and bed-wetting in children. As a diuretic it is particularly suited to metabolic or hormonal oedema during the menopause. The diuretic action is thought to be due partly to the flavonoids and saponins. It is generally accepted that water diuresis takes place without increase in the excretion of electrolytes. Sitz baths with equisetum extract are indicated for functional pelvic disease in women where there is no inflammation, but primarily muscular tensions and changes in muscle tone in the small pelvis that are autonomous in origin. It is considered a specific remedy in cases of inflammation or benign enlargement of the prostate gland. Equisetum is restorative to damaged pulmonary tissue after pulmonary tuberculosis and other lung disease, as the silicic acid is said to stabilise the scar tissue.

Enthusiasts call horsetail a valuable diuretic and astringent for treating various kidney and bladder ailments, ranging from kidney stones to cystic ulceration, and also recommend it as a rapid-acting remedy for dropsy. Horsetail is also called effective in treating tuberculosis, especially when accompanied by the "spitting of blood." External application is supposed to stop the bleeding of wounds and promote rapid healing. In addition to the silica compounds, horsetail contains about 5 percent of a saponin, designated equisetonin, and several flavone glycosides including isoquercitrin, galuteolin, and equisetrin. A very small amount of nicotine (0.00004 percent) is also present. The flavone glycosides and the saponin probably combine to account for the diuretic action of horsetail, which has been demonstrated experimentally but which is very slight. There is no valid experimental evidence to support the hypothesis that the silica and silicic acid derivatives in the drug promote the healing of bleeding tubercular lesions in the lung.

A caveat regarding safety is that several species of Equisetum have been implicated in livestock poisoning, particularly of horses. Known as equisetosis, a thiaminase (thiamine-destroying) activity has been confirmed in horses. Treatment involves massive doses of thiamine and, of course, removing the horsetail-containing hay from the diet. Health and Welfare Canada has required manufacturers to prove that E. arvense is free from thiaminase-like activity. A European species, Equisetum palustre L., is known to contain a toxic alkaloid, palustrine. The German Pharmacopoeia suggests that commercial supplies of E. arvense be examined for adulteration with other Equisetum species, notably, E. palustre. Even vigorous pleading does not produce much scientific support for the healing virtues of horsetail. Horsetail is a weak diuretic and little else.

Horsetail is a descendant of prehistoric plants which grew as high as trees, and is a rich source of silica and other minerals, making it a valuable remedy for healing and a nutritious tonic. It has an affinity for the urinary system where it acts as a mild diuretic, soothing and healing irritation and infection of the urinary tract. Its tolling and astringent properties make it a very useful herb for frequency of urination, incontinence and bed-wetting in children. Horsetail is frequently used to treat inflammation or benign enlargement of the prostate gland. Horsetail acts as a tonic to the kidneys and urinary system. Horsetail also acts on the reproductive system, reducing hemorrhage and heavy bleeding, which it also does in the digestive tract, healing inflammation and ulcers, and in the respiratory tract where it was a traditional remedy for TB and coughing of blood. Horsetail can be used for brittle nails and lustreless hair, for debility and anemia. The silica helps absorption of calcium so it may help guard against osteoporosis and cramp, and has been shown to help prevent atherosclerosis. A lotion of horsetail can be used for irritated skin conditions such as eczema, to heal cuts and wounds, sores and ulcers, and to apply to chilblains. A mouthwash and gargle can be used for mouth ulcers, bleeding gums and sore throats.

The juice of the plant is good for anaemia resulting from internal bleeding such as stomach ulcers, since it promotes the coagulation of blood. Externally it is a vulnerary and may also be applied as a compress to fractures and sprains. The effect of strengthening and regenerating connective tissues has been ascribed to the silicic acid content. The local astringent and antihaemorrhagic effect explains the application of horsetail to such conditions as bleeding from the mouth, nose and vagina, its use to check diarrhoea, dysentery and bleeding from the bowel, and for slow-healing wounds, chilblains and conjunctivitis. The fresh, crushed stems may be used to alleviate nosebleeds. The juice increases blood clotting, in spite of it containing haemolytic saponins.The tea makes a good wash for wounds, sores, skin problems and a gargle for mouth and gum inflammations.

Medicinal virtues:Horsetail stays laxes or fluxes in man or woman and heals inward ulcers and excoriation of the entrails and bladder. It solders together fresh wounds and cures ruptures in children. The decoction, taken in wine, provokes urine and helps the stone and strangury.
The distilled water taken two or three times a day,a small quantity at a time,also eases the guts and is effectual for coughs.Used as a warm fomentation,the juice or distilled water is of service in inflammations,pustules,or red wheals,and eases the swelling heat and inflammation of the fundament,or privy parts,in men or women.

Modern uses: Equisetum is an astringent diuretic used for acute inflammation of the urinary tract and incontinence. It is given as a decoction, 1/2 oz (1 4 9) of the dried herb being added to 1 Pt (568 ml) of cold water and allowed to soak for a few hours. It is then brought to the boil, simmered for 2o minutes and cooled. The dose is 2 fl OZ (56 mi) three or four times a day.
This preparation is also used as a gargle for oral infections. Equisetum is rich in silica, a mineral constituent of skin and nails, and will often help skin complaints such as eczema and acne, if used internally and externally.
And approved internal use of horsetail herb in irrigation therapy for post-traumatic and static edema and for bacterial infections and inflammation of the lower urinary tract and renal gravel. Externally, horsetail is indicated as supportive to poorly healing wounds.

In France, Horsetail is indicated for use to promote renal and digestive elimination functions and as an adjuvant in slimming diets
The British Herbal Compendium indicates its internal use for inflammation or mild infections of the genito-urinary tract and external use for poorly healing wounds

Reference:

1.What is horsetail(Equisetum arvense (L)) and it's super function?

last edit date:25th,Feb.2010.

Available Product

Name:Horsetail Extract
Serie No:S-013.
Specifications:Organic Silica 7~8%HPLC.
INCI Name:EQUISETUM ARVENSE EXTRACT
EINECS/ELINCS No.:275-123-8
CAS:71011-23-9
Chem/IUPAC Name:Equisetum Arvense Extract is an extract of the sterile caules of the horsetail,Equisetum arvense,Equisetaceae.

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