Bamboo Extract (Silica)
Also known as: bamboo silica, Bambusa vulgaris extract, bamboo stem extract 70% silica, organic silica from bamboo
An extract of bamboo stem and leaf standardized to a high silica content, typically about 70%, making it the most concentrated botanical silica source and a staple of hair, skin, and nail formulas. Silicon is proposed to support collagen formation and bone matrix mineralization, with the human evidence mostly observational or based on other silicon forms such as orthosilicic acid. Bioavailability of silica from bamboo has not been well characterized, so its ranges are market-derived.
Research summary
Provides silicon, which may participate in collagen synthesis and in the early mineralization of bone; absorption depends on release of soluble orthosilicic acid from the silica.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 100–500 mg | — | — |
Doses are milligrams of bamboo extract, not elemental silicon. At the common 70% standardization, 300 mg of extract supplies about 210 mg silica (SiO2), which is roughly 98 mg silicon (Si is 46.7% of SiO2). No RDA or UL exists for silicon. Human intervention trials specific to bamboo silica were not located; typical product servings of 100–500 mg reflect market use rather than trial evidence. Taken once daily with food.
Standardization: ≥ 70% silica (SiO2)
Source material: bamboo stem/leaf extract (Bambusa species)
As supplied: Usually 70% SiO2; 300 mg extract ≈ 210 mg silica
Forms of Silica
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bamboo Extract (Silica) | 100–500 mg | — | Capsule, Powder, Tablet | mid |
| Horsetail Extract (Silica) | 200–500 mg | — | Capsule, Powder, Tablet | low |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Light, fluffy powder with poor flow that benefits from granulation; small dose fits one capsule. Insoluble, so unsuited to liquids.
Formulation notes
Commonly stacked with biotin, collagen peptides, and MSM. Silica may modestly reduce aluminum absorption. No notable drug interactions documented.
Sources
Related ingredients
Collagen Peptides (Bovine, Type I/III)
ProteinEnzymatically hydrolyzed collagen from bovine hide or bone, delivering short peptides rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.
Typical: 2.5–15 g
Marine Collagen Peptides
ProteinHydrolyzed type I collagen from fish skin and scales, positioned as a pescatarian-friendly and lower-molecular-weight alternative to bovine collagen.
Typical: 2.5–10 g
Horsetail Extract (Silica)
BotanicalAn extract of the aerial parts of field horsetail, a plant that accumulates silica in its cell walls and has a long traditional use for hair, nails, and connective tissue.
Typical: 200–500 mg
Zinc Gluconate
MineralThe most common zinc salt in multivitamins, lozenges, and immune products, containing about 14.3% elemental zinc.
Typical: 10–25 mg
Zinc Picolinate
MineralZinc chelated with picolinic acid, a tryptophan metabolite that is proposed to aid mineral transport across the gut wall.
Typical: 10–25 mg