Evidence supporting the use of: Horsetail
For the body system: Skeletal System (Bones)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) has a long history of traditional use for supporting skeletal health, particularly bone strength and healing. This use is primarily based on its high silica content, as silica is a mineral thought to contribute to bone formation and connective tissue integrity. In folk medicine, horsetail teas and extracts have been used for centuries in Europe and other regions to aid in bone healing after fractures and to treat conditions like osteoporosis. However, scientific evidence to substantiate these traditional claims is limited and mostly preliminary. Some in vitro and animal studies have suggested that horsetail extracts may enhance bone regeneration and influence bone mineralization, likely due to their silica content and possible effects on collagen synthesis. Human clinical trials are scarce and generally of low methodological quality, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions about efficacy. Overall, while horsetail's use for bone health is well-rooted in tradition, there is insufficient robust scientific validation to fully support these claims at this time.

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