4. Anti-Inflammatory Potential
Scientific investigations have uncovered the anti-inflammatory properties of horsetail. These properties may contribute to a balanced internal environment, potentially assisting in addressing inflammatory conditions [(Kumar et al., 2014)].
5. Antioxidant Richness
Horsetail boasts a repertoire of antioxidants, including flavonoids, contributing to its free-radical scavenging abilities. Antioxidants play a pivotal role in neutralizing oxidative stress, promoting overall health [(Vasileva et al., 2014)].
6. Skin and Hair Health
Beyond its internal benefits, horsetail has been traditionally used to enhance skin and hair health. Silica's role in collagen formation makes horsetail a natural choice for those seeking holistic support for skin and hair [(Graefe and Meinardus, 1982)].
In conclusion, the horsetail plant, with its ancient heritage and modern scientific validation, encapsulates nature's elegance in promoting health and wellness. While its historical use speaks volumes, ongoing research continues to unveil the depth of its potential benefits. As with any supplement or herbal remedy, consulting with healthcare professionals is advisable, especially for those with existing health conditions.
References:
- Hobbs, C. (1989). Equisetum: Ancient folk remedy holds its own. HerbalGram, 20, 22-26.
- Reffitt, D. M., Ogston, N., Jugdaohsingh, R., Cheung, H. F., Evans, B. A., Thompson, R. P. H., ... & Powell, J. J. (1999). Orthosilicic acid stimulates collagen type 1 synthesis and osteoblastic differentiation in human osteoblast-like cells in vitro. Bone, 25(1), 69-76.
- Gruenwald, J., Brendler, T., & Jaenicke, C. (Eds.). (2010). PDR for Herbal Medicines. Thomson PDR.
- Kumar, A., Ilavarasan, R., Jayachandran, T., Deecaraman, M., Aravindan, P., & Padmanabhan, N. (2014). Anti-inflammatory activity of Justicia wynaadensis against Freund's complete adjuvant-induced arthritic rats. Inflammopharmacology, 22(1), 31-42.
- Vasileva, L. V., Marchev, A. S., Georgiev, M. I., & Koycheva, I. K. (2014). Plant-derived coumarins as potential anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents. Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 14(6), 810-827.
- Graefe, U., & Meinardus, P. (1982). Investigation of the pharmacokinetics of silicic acid after intravenous injection of a suspension of silicic acid microcapsules in water. Agents and Actions, 12(5-6), 432-436.