Horsetail Extract (Silica)
Also known as: Equisetum arvense, horsetail herb extract, shavegrass, horsetail 7% silica
An 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. Extracts are usually standardized to about 7% silica, far lower than bamboo, and also contain flavonoids and small amounts of other minerals. Human trials of horsetail itself are sparse; the silicon-and-bone literature reviewed by Jugdaohsingh provides the general rationale.
Research summary
Provides silicon, thought to support collagen cross-linking and bone matrix formation, plus flavonoids; the plant's mild diuretic reputation is traditional rather than well studied.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 200–500 mg | — | — |
Doses are milligrams of horsetail extract, not elemental silicon. At 7% silica, 300 mg of extract provides about 21 mg silica, roughly 10 mg silicon. No RDA or UL exists for silicon. Trial evidence specific to horsetail was not located; ranges reflect typical product servings. Raw horsetail contains thiaminase, so heat-processed or extracted material is standard; products intended for long-term use often add thiamin. Not commonly used in pregnancy formulas.
Standardization: ≥ 7% silica (SiO2); some grades 10%
Source material: dried aerial parts of Equisetum arvense, extracted
As supplied: Typically 7% SiO2; 300 mg extract ≈ 21 mg silica
Forms of Silica
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsetail Extract (Silica) | 200–500 mg | — | Capsule, Powder, Tablet | low |
| Bamboo Extract (Silica) | 100–500 mg | — | Capsule, Powder, Tablet | mid |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Green-brown, grassy powder; capsules and tablets only. Modest dose fits one size-0 capsule.
Formulation notes
Contains thiaminase unless processed; pair with thiamin in long-term products. Horsetail is traditionally regarded as a mild diuretic, which is worth noting when it is combined with potassium-lowering drugs or other diuretics. Equisetum palustre (marsh horsetail) is a toxic look-alike; specify E. arvense on the spec.
- Not for pregnancy
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
Bamboo Extract (Silica)
BotanicalAn 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.
Typical: 100–500 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
Biotin
VitaminBiotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that serves as the cofactor for five carboxylase enzymes in fatty acid, glucose, and amino acid metabolism.
Typical: 300–5,000 mcg