Plant Comparison
Field Horsetail vs Dog-rose
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Field Horsetail and Dog-rose: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cancer (anticancer research), inflammation (general), …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Field Horsetail | Dog-rose | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 5/10 | 10/10 | Stronger for Dog-rose |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 5/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Dog-rose |
| Skin irritation | 5/10 | 7/10 | Stronger for Dog-rose |
| Urinary tract infection (UTI) | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Field horsetail is exceptionally rich in silica, concentrated in the stem, and is a signature source of this mineral in Western herbal medicine.
Antioxidant flavonoids contributing to the plant's anti-inflammatory activity.
An enzyme that degrades vitamin B1 (thiamine); the basis of the caution against prolonged or excessive use.
The hip is exceptionally rich in vitamin C and carotenoids, underpinning its traditional tonic use. Quantified in commercial dried fruit at beta-carotene 7.25 mg/100 g and lycopene 2.34 mg/100 g fresh weight.
A specific galactolipid fraction studied as the likely active anti-inflammatory constituent in osteoarthritis trials of standardised rosehip powder.
Contribute to antioxidant activity. Leaves carry a higher total phenolic, flavonoid and phenolic-acid content than the hips, and leaf infusions were the only preparation to show antibacterial activity in vitro.
Cold-pressed rose hip seed oil is high in linolenic acid, with phytosterols up to 6485 mg/kg, tocopherols up to 1125 mg/kg and carotenoids up to 108 mg/kg; p-coumaric acid methyl ester predominates among its phenolics.
Pharmacological Actions
In vitro, the lipophilic (n-hexane and dichloromethane) rose hip extracts inhibited COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LOX-mediated leukotriene B4 formation; the aqueous and methanol extracts were inactive.
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-rheumatic action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
Two placebo-controlled crossover RCTs of standardised rosehip powder (5 g/day) report reduced WOMAC pain and reduced rescue-medication use in knee/hip osteoarthritis, consistent with the existing meta-analysis.
inferred from anticancer action
Animal evidence only. In high-fat-diet/streptozotocin diabetic rats, R. canina ethanol extract (250 mg/kg) improved recall and long-term memory and reduced hippocampal insulin resistance, amyloid-beta and acetylcholinesterase activity. No human data; the effect is reported in a diabetes model, not in healthy or cognitively impaired people.
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
One triple-blind placebo-controlled RCT (n=400) found that 500 mg R. canina fruit capsules twice daily for 20 days after caesarean section reduced the incidence of urinary tract infection. The incidence of cystitis specifically did not differ significantly between groups. Prevention in a post-surgical population; not evidence for treating an established UTI.
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Field horsetail contains thiaminase, an enzyme that degrades thiamine (vitamin B1); prolonged or excessive use can cause thiamine deficiency — symptoms include neurological problems and weight loss. This risk is greatest with repeated large doses or prolonged use. The plant also contains nicotine at low levels and silica compounds. Not recommended for children or during pregnancy and breastfeeding. People with impaired kidney function should avoid use, as diuretic effects may worsen fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Caution with concurrent diuretic medications. The EMA herbal monograph recognises traditional use at appropriate short-term doses in adults only (European Medicines Agency, 2016; Sandhu et al., 2010).
Duke (2002) rates horsetail as + (moderate caution) and notes clinical evidence (score 2) for its diuretic and wound-healing (vulnerary) activities, consistent with Commission E approval. High silica content may strengthen connective tissue, hair, and nails. Dose: 6 g dried herb daily as tea or in capsules. Horsetail contains thiaminase (breaks down vitamin B1) and an unidentified neurotoxin — it should not be taken long-term or in large quantities. Not for use in patients with edema due to cardiac or renal insufficiency, and avoid in children under 12 (Duke, 2002).
Rosa canina (dog rose) hips are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for consumption, widely used in teas, jams, and supplements. They are highly nutritious but may cause minor digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea) in some users. The small, irritating hairs around the seeds should be removed before consumption.
Duke (2002) rates dog rose hips as +++ with clinical evidence (score 2) for astringent activity and experimental support for antioxidant and diuretic effects. Dog rose hips are exceptionally rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids. They are traditionally used for cold and influenza prevention, urinary tract health, and mild diarrhea. Duke notes the diuretic (score 1) and lipoxygenase-inhibitory activities as experimentally documented. The fruit is considered food-grade safe (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Perennial, spore-bearing (non-flowering) plant with two distinct stem types arising from a deep, black, jointed rhizome. In early spring, unbranched, pale brownish fertile stems appear first, each topped with a spore-bearing cone, and die back once spores are shed; these are followed by the familiar green, hollow, jointed, ridged sterile stems bearing whorls of thin, needle-like branches at each node, giving a bottlebrush appearance.
Scrambling, thorny deciduous shrub (Rosaceae), 1-5 m, with arching, prickly stems bearing hooked thorns. Leaves are pinnate with 5-7 oval, toothed leaflets. Pale pink to white, five-petalled flowers are followed by bright red-orange, egg-shaped hips (the fleshy hip is an accessory fruit; the true fruits are small hairy achenes inside it) that ripen in autumn and often persist into winter.[2]
Habitat
Grows in damp grassland, waste ground, riverbanks, roadsides and disturbed soil on a wide range of soils; native and common across the temperate Northern Hemisphere (Europe, Asia, North America).
Native throughout Europe, north-west Africa and western Asia, common in hedgerows, woodland edges, scrub and roadside verges on a wide range of soils.[2]
Harvesting
The green sterile stems are cut in summer, at their most vigorous, and dried quickly in a warm, shaded, airy place; careful identification against the more toxic marsh horsetail (Equisetum palustre), which grows in similar damp ground, is essential before wild-harvesting.
Hips are picked in autumn once fully coloured, then dried for tea or powder, or processed fresh for syrup. The fine, irritant hairs surrounding the seeds inside the hip must be removed before consumption.[5]
Traditional Uses
Field horsetail has a long European folk history as a diuretic remedy for urinary gravel and mild fluid retention, as an astringent, anti-inflammatory and vulnerary herb for wounds and connective-tissue support, and, owing to its very high silica content, as a traditional tonic for hair, nails and skin.[11]
Rosehip has a long European folk tradition as a vitamin-C-rich tonic for colds and general immunity, and as a mild diuretic and astringent for urinary and digestive complaints. Modern clinical trials on standardised rosehip powder show a modest, reproducible benefit for osteoarthritis pain and stiffness.[1, 2]
Preparations
Dosage
The EU herbal monograph gives a single dose of 1-4 g of the comminuted herb in 150 mL of boiling water as an infusion or decoction (5-15 minutes), 3-4 times daily, for a daily dose of 3-12 g, in adolescents, adults and elderly; traditionally used over a period of 2 to 4 weeks. For cutaneous use, 10 g in 1 L of water as a decoction for impregnated dressings and irrigation. Not recommended under 12 years. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Clinical trials for osteoarthritis have most often used around 5 g/day of standardised rosehip powder. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Hegedus, C., Muresan, M., Badale, A., Bombicz, M. and others (2020) 'SIRT1 Activation by Equisetum arvense L. (Horsetail) Modulates Insulin Sensitivity in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats', Molecules, 25(11), pp. 2541. doi:10.3390/molecules25112541 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25112541 - Dragos, D., Gilca, M., Gaman, L., Vlad, A., Iosif, L. et al (2017) 'Phytomedicine in Joint Disorders', Nutrients, 9(1), pp. 70. doi:10.3390/nu9010070 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010070 - Grundemann, C., Lengen, K., Sauer, B., Garcia-Kaufer, M. and others (2014) 'Equisetum arvense (common horsetail) modulates the function of inflammatory immunocompetent cells', BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 14, pp. 283. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-283 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-14-283 - Wang, L., Zhang, L., Zheng, G. and Luo, H (2021) 'Equisetum arvense L aqueous extract: a novel chemotherapeutic supplement for treatment of human colon carcinoma', Archives of Medical Science, 19(5), pp. 1472-1478. doi:10.5114/aoms/138146 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.5114/aoms/138146 - Jeong, S.Y., Yu, H.S., Ra, M.J., Jung, S.M. and others (2023) 'Phytochemical Investigation of Equisetum arvense and Evaluation of Their Anti-Inflammatory Potential in TNFalpha/INFgamma-Stimulated Keratinocytes', Pharmaceuticals, 16(10), pp. 1478. doi:10.3390/ph16101478 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16101478 - Klncalp, S., Ekiz, F., Basar, O., Coban, S. and others (2012) 'Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail)-induced liver injury', European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 24(2), pp. 213-214. doi:10.1097/MEG.0b013e32834e7ff0 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEG.0b013e32834e7ff0 - Maeda, H., Miyamoto, K. and Sano, T (1997) 'Occurrence of dermatitis in rats fed a cholesterol diet containing field horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.)', Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, 43(5), pp. 553-563. doi:10.3177/jnsv.43.553 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3177/jnsv.43.553 - Saslis-Lagoudakis, C.H., Bruun-Lund, S., Iwanycki, N.E., Seberg, O. and others (2015) 'Identification of common horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.; Equisetaceae) using Thin Layer Chromatography versus DNA barcoding', Scientific Reports, 5, pp. 11942. doi:10.1038/srep11942 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1038/srep11942 - Mimica-Dukic, N., Simin, N., Cvejic, J., Jovin, E. and others (2008) 'Phenolic compounds in field horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.) as natural antioxidants', Molecules, 13(7), pp. 1455-1464. doi:10.3390/molecules13071455 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules13071455 - Tufarelli, V., Baghban-Kanani, P., Azimi-Youvalari, S., Hosseintabar-Ghasemabad, B. and others (2021) 'Effects of Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) and Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) Dietary Supplementation on Laying Hens Productivity and Oxidative Status', Animals, 11(2), pp. 335. doi:10.3390/ani11020335 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020335 - Carneiro, D.M., Marques, L.C., Velasques, L.O. et al (2016) 'Randomized, double-blind clinical trial to assess the acute diuretic effect of Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) in healthy volunteers'. doi:10.1155/2014/760683 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/760683 - European Medicines Agency (2016) 'European Union herbal monograph on Equisetum arvense L., herba'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-equisetum-arvense-l-herba_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-equisetum-arvense-l-herba_en.pdf - http://LatvijasDaba.lv (n.d.) 'tīruma kosa – Equisetum arvense L'. Available at: http://LatvijasDaba.lv Traditional / reference
http://LatvijasDaba.lv - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.) 'Equisetum arvense L'. Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:http://ipni.org:names:17003330-1 Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:http://ipni.org:names:17003330-1 - Sandhu, N.S., Kaur, S. and Chopra, D (2010) 'Equisetum arvense: pharmacology and phytochemistry — a review', 3(3), pp. 146--150. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Equisetum%20arvense%3A%20pharmacology%20and%20phytochemistry%20%E2%80%94%20a%20review - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - NatureSpot 'Marsh Horsetail - Equisetum palustre'. Available at: https://www.naturespot.org/species/marsh-horsetail Traditional / reference
https://www.naturespot.org/species/marsh-horsetail - Muller, J. and Puttich, P.M. and Beuerle, T (2020) 'Variation of the Main Alkaloid Content in Equisetum palustre L. in the Light of Its Ontogeny', Toxins, 12(11), pp. 710. doi:10.3390/toxins12110710 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins12110710 - Ibi, A. and Du, M. and Beuerle, T. and Melchert, D. and Solnier, J. and Chang, C (2022) 'A Multi-Pronged Technique for Identifying Equisetum palustre and Equisetum arvense - Combining HPTLC, HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and Optimized DNA Barcoding Techniques', Plants, 11(19), pp. 2562. doi:10.3390/plants11192562 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192562
- Christensen, R., Bartels, E.M., Altman, R.D., Astrup, A. and Bliddal, H (2008) 'Does the hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients? - a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials', Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 16(9), pp. 965-972. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2008.03.001 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2008.03.001 - Gruenwald, J., Uebelhack, R. and More, M.I (2019) 'Rosa canina - Rose hip pharmacological ingredients and molecular mechanics counteracting osteoarthritis - A systematic review', Phytomedicine, 60, pp. 152958. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152958 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152958 - Sanz-Lamora, H., Nicola-Llorente, M., Torres-Oteros, D., Perez-Marti, A. and others (2024) 'The Antiobesity Effects of Rosehip (Rosa canina) Flesh by Antagonizing the PPAR Gamma Activity in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice', Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 68(5), pp. e2300539. doi:10.1002/mnfr.202300539 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.202300539 - Tumbas, V.T., Canadanovic-Brunet, J.M., Cetojevic-Simin, D.D., Cetkovic, G.S. and others (2011) 'Effect of rosehip (Rosa canina L.) phytochemicals on stable free radicals and human cancer cells', Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 92(6), pp. 1273-1281. doi:10.1002/jsfa.4695 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.4695 - Pena, F., Valencia, S., Tereucan, G., Nahuelcura, J. and others (2023) 'Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in the Fruit of Rosehip (Rosa canina L. and Rosa rubiginosa L.)', Molecules, 28(8), pp. 3544. doi:10.3390/molecules28083544 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28083544 - Hendrysiak, A., Brzezowska, J., Nicolet, N., Bocquel, D. and others (2023) 'Juice Powders from Rosehip (Rosa canina L.): Physical, Chemical, and Antiglycation Properties', Molecules, 28(4), pp. 1674. doi:10.3390/molecules28041674 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041674 - Igual, M., Garcia-Herrera, P., Camara, R.M., Martinez-Monzo, J. and others (2022) 'Bioactive Compounds in Rosehip (Rosa canina) Powder with Encapsulating Agents', Molecules, 27(15), pp. 4737. doi:10.3390/molecules27154737 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154737 - Truong, V.L. and Jeong, W.S (2023) 'Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) Seed Oil in C57BL/6 Mice', Preventive Nutrition and Food Science, 28(4), pp. 411-417. doi:10.3746/pnf.2023.28.4.411 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3746/pnf.2023.28.4.411 - Michalska-Ciechanowska, A., Brzezowska, J., Nicolet, N., Haladyn, K. and others (2025) 'Valorization of Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) Pomace Using Unconventional Carbohydrate Carriers for Beverage Obtainment', Molecules, 30(1), pp. 141. doi:10.3390/molecules30010141 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30010141 - Vlaicu, P.A., Untea, A.E., Turcu, R.P., Panaite, T.D. and Saracila, M (2022) 'Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) Meal as a Natural Antioxidant on Lipid and Protein Quality and Shelf-Life of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Enriched Eggs', Antioxidants (Basel), 11(10), pp. 1948. doi:10.3390/antiox11101948 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11101948 - Phetcharat, L. and Wongsuphasawat, K. and Winther, K (2015) 'The effectiveness of a standardized rose hip powder, containing seeds and shells of Rosa canina, on cell longevity, skin wrinkles, moisture, and elasticity', Clinical Interventions in Aging, 10, pp. 1849--1856. doi:10.2147/CIA.S90092 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S90092 - Golsorkhi, H. and Montazerlotfelahi, H. and Abniki, E. and Vafaee-Shahi, M. and Kamalinejad, M. and Qorbani, M. and Bahrami, M. and Dadmehr, M (2025) 'Efficacy and safety of Rosa canina L. and a traditional polyherbal formulation syrup in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a factorial randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial', Phytotherapy Research, 39(9), pp. 4116--4125. doi:10.1002/ptr.70061 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.70061 - Miljkovi\'c, V. M. and Nikoli\'c, L. and Mrmo\v sanin, J. and Gaji\'c, I. and Mihajilov-Krstev, T. and Zvezdanovi\'c, J. and Miljkovi\'c, M (2024) 'Chemical profile and antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Rosa canina L. dried fruit commercially available in Serbia', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(5), pp. 2518. doi:10.3390/ijms25052518 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052518 - Polumackanycz, M. and Kaszuba, M. and Konopacka, A. and Marzec-Wr\'oblewska, U. and Wesolowski, M. and Waleron, K. and Buci\'nski, A. and Viapiana, A (2020) 'Phenolic composition and biological properties of wild and commercial dog rose (Rosa canina L.) fruits and leaves', Molecules, 25(22), pp. 5272. doi:10.3390/molecules25225272 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25225272 - Grajzer, M. and Prescha, A. and Korzonek, K. and Wojakowska, A. and Dziadas, M. and Kulma, A. and Grajeta, H (2015) 'Characteristics of rose hip (Rosa canina L.) cold-pressed oil and its oxidative stability studied by the differential scanning calorimetry method', Food Chemistry, 188, pp. 459--466. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.05.034 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.05.034 - Chrubasik, C., Roufogalis, B.D., Müller-Ladner, U. and Chrubasik, S (2008) 'A systematic review on the Rosa canina effect and efficacy profiles', 22(6), pp. 725--733. doi:10.1002/ptr.2400 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2400 - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Wenzig, E. M. and Widowitz, U. and Kunert, O. and Chrubasik, S. and Bucar, F. and Knauder, E. and Bauer, R (2008) 'Phytochemical composition and in vitro pharmacological activity of two rose hip (Rosa canina L.) preparations', Phytomedicine, 15(10), pp. 826--835. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2008.06.012 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2008.06.012 - Winther, K. and Apel, K. and Thamsborg, G (2005) 'A powder made from seeds and shells of a rose-hip subspecies (Rosa canina) reduces symptoms of knee and hip osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial', Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, 34(4), pp. 302--308. doi:10.1080/03009740510018624 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1080/03009740510018624 - Rein, E. and Kharazmi, A. and Winther, K (2004) 'A herbal remedy, Hyben Vital (stand. powder of a subspecies of Rosa canina fruits), reduces pain and improves general wellbeing in patients with osteoarthritis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial', Phytomedicine, 11(5), pp. 383--391. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2004.01.001 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2004.01.001 - Ertas, B. and Hazar-Yavuz, A. N. and Topal, F. and Keles-Kaya, R. and Karakus, \"O. and Ozcan, G. S. and Taskin, T. and Cam, M. E (2023) 'Rosa canina L. improves learning and memory-associated cognitive impairment by regulating glucose levels and reducing hippocampal insulin resistance in high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 313, pp. 116541. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.116541 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.116541 - Seifi, M. and Abbasalizadeh, S. and Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi, S. and Khodaie, L. and Mirghafourvand, M (2017) 'The effect of Rosa (L. Rosa canina) on the incidence of urinary tract infection in the puerperium: a randomized placebo-controlled trial', Phytotherapy Research, 32(1), pp. 76--83. doi:10.1002/ptr.5950 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5950 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.