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Dietary supplement

Horsetail 20:1 Concentrated Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Samsara Herbs

Powder Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Horsetail 20:1 Concentrated Extract is a dietary supplement by Samsara Herbs with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for fluid retention (mild diuretic), urinary and bladder concerns, hair, skin, and nail support.Based on those ingredients, 188 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Horsetail. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Horsetail 20:1 Concentrated Extract by Samsara Herbs

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This is a 20:1 concentrated horsetail extract — meaning the powder is made by condensing the plant material to deliver more of its active compounds per dose. Horsetail is a plant traditionally used to support urinary and bone health.

The product contains one active ingredient: horsetail. There are no inactive fillers or other ingredients listed.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Horsetail's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: bone joint hair skin nail health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Osteoporosis, Androgenic alopecia, connective tissue strength, collagen synthesis.
  • The closest evidence on file: Horsetail is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Androgenic alopecia (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Horsetail is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Osteoporosis.

The evidence we hold does not establish that horsetail works for any of the conditions listed — urinary incontinence, obesity, tonsillitis, and androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) all carry a rating of insufficient reliable evidence to rate. That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means the clinical research to prove it isn't strong enough yet.

If you're considering this for one of these uses, it's worth discussing with your doctor or pharmacist what the current evidence really shows.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Horsetail

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Horsetail is generally well tolerated short-term in healthy adults, but long-term use carries real risks that aren't fully understood. The most common side effects reported are abdominal bloating, increased bowel movements, and nausea.

One concern is that crude horsetail contains thiaminase, an enzyme that can deplete thiamine (vitamin B1) with prolonged use — though products certified free from thiaminase-like activity (required in Canada) avoid this risk. There is also one case report of a rash after applying horsetail to skin, thought to be caused by its nicotine component.

The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding — not enough is known about potential harms, including a reported case of thiamine deficiency in a child exposed to horsetail during pregnancy. Do not use it if you're pregnant or nursing unless your doctor has cleared it.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Horsetail

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Horsetail.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 188 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) or efavirenz — horsetail may lower their levels and reduce antiviral effect. Also double-check if you take antidiabetes drugs, diuretics, or lithium, where Moderate interactions are documented and dose adjustments may be needed.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Horsetail extract may be worth a short-term trial if you're exploring it for urinary or other concerns, but the evidence for its benefits isn't established yet. It carries real risks if you take blood sugar or blood pressure medications, diuretics, lithium, or HIV antiretrovirals — and it's not safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before you start, especially if you take any of those medication types or have plans to become pregnant.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 24, 2021.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Horsetail 20:1 Concentrated Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand Samsara Herbs
Barcode (UPC) X000WS6W7B
Net contents 4 oz; 114 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 24, 2021
DSLD ID 255450
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Horsetail 20:1 Concentrated Extract by Samsara Herbs, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Scoop(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Scoop(s)
Servings per container
45
UPC/BARCODE
X000WS6W7B
IngredientAmount% DV
Horsetail2500 mg--

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Full Spectrum

Full Spectrum herbal extracts are made by concentrating the herb into an extract form, while maintaining all of its original compounds. The ideal choice for those wanting a more potent version of a complete herbal powder.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

About Us At Samsara Herbs, we believe that all positive change in the world must first begin with positive change from within. We invite you to tap into your own infinite power through the use of our potent herbal extracts! We seek out only quality herbs from our trusted sources from around the world for use in our herbal extracts. Samsara Herbs, dedicated to empowering your life force!

Formula

Description With a history dating back to ancient Greece, Horsetail descends from a species of plant that is over 300 million years old! An excellent source of silica, it is believed to support bone, joint, hair, skin and nail health. Traditionally, it has been considered the perfect anti-aging herb! Our water soluble, grade herbal extracts, are best mixed in juice or a smoothie, although mixing in water is perfectly fine if you can tolerate the taste.

Storage

Storage Cool dry place, out of direct sunlight.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Take 1 scoop 1-3 times per day or as recommended by your health care professional.

Precautions

Caution: Persons with a known medical condition should consult a health care practitioner before using any dietary supplement.

Keep out of reach of children.

See for yourself

Horsetail 20:1 Concentrated Extract by Samsara Herbs label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Horsetail 20:1 Concentrated Extract by Samsara Herbs

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Scoop(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container45 Amounts shown are per serving.

Horsetail

Interacts with
188 drugs
2500 mg per serving

Horsetail is a traditional herb most often used as a mild diuretic and for hair, nail, and bone support, but high-quality human evidence is limited. I...

Horsetail monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Horsetail 20:1 Concentrated Extract by Samsara Herbs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Horsetail 20:1 Concentrated Extract?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
188Drugs
188 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Horsetail 188

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Horsetail 20:1 Concentrated Extract with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Horsetail5 drug types · 188 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking horsetail with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Equisetum myriochaetum has demonstrated hypoglycemic activity in clinical research. In an animal diabetic model, Equisetum giganteum had hypoglycemic effects. It is unclear whether other horsetail species have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, taking horsetail with diuretic drugs might increase potassium loss and the risk of hypokalemia.
Laboratory research shows that various species of horsetail have diuretic properties. Due to its diuretic effects, there has been concern that taking horsetail along with potassium-depleting diuretics might increase the risk for hypokalemia. However, pharmacokinetic research in humans shows that taking horsetail 900 mg daily for 4 days does not affect urinary excretion of electrolytes, including potassium and sodium, despite having a diuretic effect similar to taking hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg daily. It is unclear if taking horsetail for a longer duration would affect electrolyte levels. Until more is known, use with caution.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Efavirenz (Sustiva)

Theoretically, horsetail might decrease the levels and clinical effects of efavirenz.
In two case reports, patients were found to have detectable viral loads when taking horsetail-containing supplements along with an antiretroviral regimen that included efavirenz. In one case, the antiretroviral regimen included zidovudine, lamivudine, and efavirenz; in the other case, the regimen consisted of emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, and efavirenz. One month after discontinuing horsetail, the viral loads became undetectable in both cases. The exact mechanism of this interaction is unknown. It is also unclear if this interaction is specific to efavirenz or if it is related to various components of antiretroviral therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, horsetail might increase the levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Animal research suggests that horsetail has diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, horsetail might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (Nrtis)

Theoretically, horsetail might decrease the levels and clinical effects of NRTIs.
In two case reports, patients were found to have detectable viral loads when taking horsetail-containing supplements along with an antiretroviral therapy. In one case, the antiretroviral regimen included zidovudine, lamivudine, and efavirenz; in the other case, the regimen consisted of emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, and efavirenz. One month after discontinuing the supplement, the viral loads became undetectable in both cases. The exact mechanism of these interactions is unknown. It is also unclear if these interactions are specific to NRTIs or if they are related to various components of antiretroviral therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Horsetail 20:1 Concentrated Extract, from the product label.

Samsara Herbs

See all Samsara Herbs products
Name
Samsara Herbs Inc. by Aspen Copacking
Street Address
810 North 2800 West
City
Lindon
State
Utah
ZipCode
84042
Phone Number
1-844-972-6727
Web Address
www.SamaraHerbs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Horsetail 20:1 Concentrated Extract by Samsara Herbs: Common Questions

Does Horsetail 20:1 Concentrated Extract by Samsara Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Horsetail 20:1 Concentrated Extract has a known interaction with 188 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Horsetail 20:1 Concentrated Extract contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take horsetail if I'm pregnant or trying to get pregnant?
The safety data advises against it. There isn't enough information to know it's safe, and one case report raised concern about thiamine deficiency when horsetail was used in pregnancy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What are the most common side effects?
Abdominal bloating, increased bowel movements, and nausea are the most common ones reported. Research on horsetail safety is limited, so other effects may not yet be well documented.
Is this product effective for urinary incontinence, hair loss, or the other uses listed?
The evidence we hold isn't strong enough yet to say yes or no for any of those uses. If you're considering it for one of them, ask your doctor or pharmacist what the current research really shows and whether it's worth trying for your situation.
Why is long-term use risky if I'm not pregnant?
The safety data isn't complete for long-term use in anyone. One concern is that crude horsetail can contain thiaminase, which depletes thiamine over time — though certified products avoid this. The bigger issue is that we just don't have enough long-term research yet.
Will horsetail interact with my blood pressure or diabetes medication?
Possibly. Horsetail has a Moderate interaction with antidiabetes drugs (may raise low blood sugar risk) and with diuretics often used for blood pressure (may increase potassium loss). Check your exact medications with the tool on this page and talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Horsetail 20:1 Concentrated Extract label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Horsetail 20:1 Concentrated Extract’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Horsetail 20:1 Concentrated Extract's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 14 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Horsetail 14 references
  1. Sudan BJ. Seborrhoeic dermatitis induced by nicotine of horsetails (Equisetum arvense L.). Contact Dermatitis 1985;13:201-2.
  2. Perez Gutierrez RM, Laguna GY, Walkowski A. Diuretic activity of Mexican equisetum. J Ethnopharmacol 1985;14:269-72. PubMed
  3. Lemus I, Garcia R, Erazo S, et al. Diuretic activity of an Equisetum bogotense tea (Platero herb): evaluation in healthy volunteers. J Ethnopharmacol 1996;54:55-8. PubMed
  4. Revilla MC, Andrade-Cetto A, Islas S, Wiedenfeld H. Hypoglycemic effect of Equisetum myriochaetum aerial parts on type 2 diabetic patients. J Ethnopharmacol 2002;81:117-20. PubMed
  5. Tiktinskii, O. L. and Bablumian, I. A. [Therapeutic action of Java tea and field horsetail in uric acid diathesis]. Urol.Nefrol.(Mosk) 1983;3(1):47-50.
  6. Henderson JA, Evans EV, and McIntosh RA. The antithiamine action of Equisetum. J Amer Vet Med Assoc 1952;120:375-378.
  7. Carneiro DM, Freire RC, Honório TC, Zoghaib I, Cardoso FF, Tresvenzol LM, de Paula JR, Sousa AL, Jardim PC, da Cunha LC. Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial to Assess the Acute Diuretic Effect of Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) in Healthy Voluntee
  8. Klnçalp S, Ekiz F, Basar Ö, Coban S, Yüksel O. Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail)-induced liver injury. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2012 Feb;24(2):213-4. PubMed
  9. Ortega García JA, Angulo MG, Sobrino-Najul EJ, Soldin OP, Mira AP, Martínez-Salcedo E, Claudio L. Prenatal exposure of a girl with autism spectrum disorder to 'horsetail' (Equisetum arvense) herbal remedy and alcohol: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2011 M PubMed
  10. Cordova E, Morganti L, Rodriguez C. Possible Drug-Herb Interaction between Herbal Supplement Containing Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) and Antiretroviral Drugs. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care. 2017;16(1):11-13.
  11. García Gavilán MD, Moreno García AM, Rosales Zabal JM, Navarro Jarabo JM, Sánchez Cantos A. Case of drug-induced acute pancreatitis produced by horsetail infusions. Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2017 Apr;109(4):301-304. PubMed
  12. Vieira GT, de Oliveira TT, Carneiro MAA, et al. Antidiabetic effect of Equisetum giganteum L. extract on alloxan-diabetic rabbit. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020;260:112898. PubMed
  13. Health Canada. Organism-Equisetum arvense. Available at: http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/ingredReq.do?id=6117&lang=eng. Accessed 21-July 2021.
  14. Bates D, Duong TB, Kheyson S, Moore K. Hyponatremia Secondary to Decreased Oral Intake and SIADH and Possibly Exacerbated by Horsetail (Equisetum arvense). Can J Hosp Pharm 2021;74(4):386-389. PubMed

See these in context on the Horsetail monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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