Key Constituents

Phenolic acids and flavonoids (polyphenolic derivatives)^[1]

Pharmacological Actions

Antioxidant^{[1, 2]}

Ethanolic extracts of the sterile stems of Equisetum pratense show free-radical-scavenging activity attributed to their polyphenolic and flavonoid content.

Neuroprotective / cognition support^[1]

In zebrafish models, Equisetum extracts (including E. pratense) showed neuroprotective and anxiolytic/antidepressant-like effects.

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Cardiovascular / heart health^[3]Traditional · 2/10

An early animal pharmacology study reported that an Equisetum pratense extract improved tolerance to myocardial hypoxia.

Evidence: 2

Label: Cardiovascular / heart health

more plants for cardiovascular / heart health →detailed sources →

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety noteCaution

Shady horsetail (Equisetum pratense) shares the horsetail genus's traditional use as a diuretic, astringent and wound-healing herb, but it has been studied far less than field horsetail (E. arvense) and almost no clinical data exist. As with other horsetails, prolonged use is cautioned because the genus contains the enzyme thiaminase, which can degrade vitamin B1; products are best sourced as thiaminase-inactivated preparations. Not evaluated for safety in pregnancy or lactation.

References

REF-2360, REF-2361, REF-2362

Common Slug

shady-horsetail

References & Sources

Batir-Marin, D., Boev, M., Cioanca, O., Mircea, C., Burlec, A.F., Beppe, G.J., Spac, A., Corciova, A., Hritcu, L. and Hancianu, M (2021) 'Neuroprotective and antioxidant enhancing properties of selective Equisetum extracts', Molecules, 26(9), pp. 2565. doi:10.3390/molecules26092565 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092565
Batir-Marin, D., Mircea, C., Boev, M., Burlec, A.F., Corciova, A., Fifere, A., Iacobescu, A., Cioanca, O., Verestiuc, L. and Hancianu, M (2021) 'In vitro antioxidant, antitumor and photocatalytic activities of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Equisetum species: a green approach', Molecules, 26(23), pp. 7325. doi:10.3390/molecules26237325 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26237325
Chang, F.J. and Su, Y.M (1985) 'Pharmacological studies of the extract of Equisetum pratense on the tolerance to myocardial hypoxia in animals', Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi, 5(12), pp. 744-746. Preclinical
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