Equisetum arvense
Equisetum arvense, commonly known as field horsetail, is a resilient perennial plant belonging to the Equisetaceae family. Renowned for its high silica content, it has long been utilized in traditional medicine to support bone health, skin integrity, and kidney function, serving as a natural remedy for strengthening connective tissues.
- Scientific name: Equisetum arvense
- Family: Equisetaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the subclass Equisetidae and the order Equisetales, falling under the family Equisetaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Equisetum, specifically the species Equisetum arvense.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Equisetidae | WCVP |
| Order | Equisetales | WCVP |
| Family | Equisetaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Equisetum | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide distribution across the northern reaches of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence is well-documented throughout Denmark and Finland. It can also be found inhabiting the rugged landscapes of the Faroe Islands, known as Føroyar. Furthermore, the species is commonly distributed across the islands of Great Britain. Finally, its geographical range extends to the unique volcanic environments of Iceland.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Svalbard | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
Chemicals
Equisetum arvense has 42 reported phytochemicals identified across 52 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn.
- Total chemicals
- 42
- Scientific sources
- 52
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Cu | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Fe | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mn | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Zn | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hydroxycinnamic acids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isoquercitrin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3-O-caffeoylshikimic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 4-O-caffeoylshikimic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Acacetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Equisetum arvense has 8 reported activities identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antifungal.
- Total activities
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 11
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Equisetum arvense has 19 reported medicinal uses identified across 20 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include oxidative stress, Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, anxiety, anxiolytic effect.
- Total uses
- 19
- Scientific sources
- 20
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| oxidative stress | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Candida albicans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Streptococcus mutans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anxiety | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anxiolytic effect | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cardiovascular diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chronic pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dermatitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |