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Horsetail Extract for Age-Related Hair Thinning

D

Based on 1 study. Results are mixed across studies.

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The Bottom Line

            
            
There is essentially no reliable scientific evidence supporting horsetail extract for age-related hair thinning — its use is based on tradition rather than clinical research.

            
            
            
    
                
                
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                    Only 1 study exists, and it is a review of misinformation rather than a clinical trial
                
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                    No human clinical trials have tested horsetail extract specifically for hair thinning
                
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                    Horsetail contains silica, which is traditionally associated with hair and nail health
                
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                    Claims about horsetail for hair loss may be overstated relative to the actual evidence
                
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Key Study Findings





    

        
        

            

                
                    Review
                
                
                
                
            

            
                A Qualitative Review of Misinformation on Alopecia.
            
            

                
                Dose: None
                
                
                vs: Placebo
                
                
                
                Effect: None
                
                
                None
                
            

            
        

        
    







    
    

        
        

            

  
Key Statistics





            


    

        
1

        
Studies

    

    

        
--

        
Participants

    

    

        
            
            ↔
            
        
        
Mixed

    

    

        D

        
Grade

    




        


        
        
        

            

  
Referenced Papers





            

                
                

                    

                        
                            A Qualitative Review of Misinformation on Alopecia.
                        
                        
                            
                                Review
                            
                            
                            
                        
                    

                    

                        Skin appendage disorders
                        2025
                        
                        2 citations
                        
                    

                

                
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Dosage & Usage





            
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units


            
            

                
Commonly Used Dosages

                

                    
                    

                        
hairloss:

                        
300-900 mg/day standardized extract

                    

                    
                

                
                

                    Upper limit: Not established
                

                
            

            

            
            

                
Dosages Studied in Research

                

                    

                        
                            

                                Dosage
                                Duration
                                Effect
                                N
                            

                        
                        
                            
                            

                                None
                                --
                                
                                    
                                    Neutral
                                    
                                
                                --
                            

                            
                        
                    

                

            

            

            
            

                Best taken: With meals; ensure adequate B1 intake with long-term use
            

            
        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Safety & Side Effects





            

                
                

                    
Reported Side Effects

                    
    
                        
                        
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                            ⚠
                            Contains thiaminase (may deplete vitamin B1 with long-term use)
                        
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                            Digestive upset
                        
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                            Potential potassium depletion
                        
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                            Not recommended during pregnancy
                        
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Known Interactions

                    
    
                        
                        
  • 
                            ●
                            Diuretics (additive potassium depletion risk)
                        
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                            ●
                            Lithium (horsetail's diuretic effect may increase lithium levels)
                        
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                            Antiretroviral medications (may reduce absorption)
                        
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                        Tolerable upper intake: Not established
                    

                

                
            

            

                Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Frequently Asked Questions





            




    
    

        
            Does Horsetail Extract help with Age-Related Hair Thinning?
            
        
        

            Based on 1 studies with 0 participants, there is preliminary evidence that needs more research that Horsetail Extract may support Age-Related Hair Thinning management. Our evidence grade is D (Very Early Research).
        

    

    
    

        
            How much Horsetail Extract should I take for Age-Related Hair Thinning?
            
        
        

            Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 300-900 mg/day standardized extract. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
        

    

    
    

        
            Are there side effects of Horsetail Extract?
            
        
        

            Reported side effects may include Contains thiaminase (may deplete vitamin B1 with long-term use), Digestive upset, Potential potassium depletion, Not recommended during pregnancy. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
        

    

    
    

        
            How strong is the evidence for Horsetail Extract and Age-Related Hair Thinning?
            
        
        

            We rate the evidence as Grade D (Very Early Research). This rating is based on 1 peer-reviewed studies with 0 total participants. The overall direction of effect is mixed.
        

    

    




        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Related Evidence





            

                
                
                

                
            

        

        

    


    
    












    

        FDA Disclaimer:
        These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.