Phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Equisetum arvense L.

Abstract

Equisetum arvense L. is known as Horsetail. E. arvense extracts are important areas in drug development with numerous pharmacological activities in many countries. For a long time, E. arvense has been used in traditional medicines for the treatment of brittle fingernails, loss of hair and for rheumatic diseases. E. arvense has recently been shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antitumor, cytotoxic and anticonvulsant activities. Apigenin, luteolin, equisetumoside A, equisetumoside B and equisetumoside C, nicotine, palustrine and palustrinine are phytochemical compounds which are reported from this plant. Due to the easy collection of the plant and being widespread and also remarkable biological activities, this plant has become medicine in many countries. This article presents comprehensive analyzed information on the botanical, chemical and pharmacological aspects of E. arvense.   Key words: Equisetum arvense, Equisetaceae, pharmacology, phytochemistry.