Horsetail

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a perennial herb that has been used in traditional herbal preparations for centuries. It is one of the most abundant natural sources of silica, a compound that plays a structural role in connective tissues, hair, and nails. For private-label gummy manufacturers, horsetail offers a cost-effective botanical ingredient that can be positioned within beauty-nutricosmetics, bone-and-joint, or daily wellness ranges.

Brands use horsetail in gummies primarily as a natural silica source, often combined with Biotin, Zinc, or Vitamin C to support hair, skin, and nails positioning. Because horsetail is a botanical on the EFSA on-hold list, no authorised health claims are available under EU Regulation 432/2012. Claim coverage must come from co-formulated nutrients with established claims. DAT reviews all claim wording per project to ensure regulatory compliance.

Origin and history

Horsetail is one of the oldest surviving plant species on earth, dating back over 350 million years to the Carboniferous period. It grows wild across Europe, Asia, and North America, typically in damp, sandy soils near streams and rivers. The above-ground stems are harvested in late spring and early summer, then dried and processed for herbal preparations.

Industrial production of horsetail extract involves drying the aerial parts, milling them to a fine powder, and extracting with water or ethanol to produce a standardised extract. The extract is typically standardised to a minimum silica content (often 7%) or flavonoid content (often 0.5%) to ensure batch-to-batch consistency. For gummy manufacturing, standardised extracts are preferred over raw herb powder because they offer predictable dosing and a neutral taste profile.

Scientific overview

Horsetail contains a range of bioactive compounds including silica (silicic acid), flavonoids (such as isoquercitrin and kaempferol), phenolic acids, and saponins. Silica is the most commercially relevant constituent, as it is involved in the structural integrity of connective tissues, hair, and nails. In the body, silica is absorbed as orthosilicic acid and is thought to support collagen synthesis and bone mineralisation.

Bioavailability of silica from horsetail depends on the form of the extract. Standardised aqueous extracts provide soluble orthosilicic acid, which is more bioavailable than the insoluble silica found in raw plant material. The flavonoid content may also contribute antioxidant activity, though this is not a claim that can be made on pack under EU regulation.

From a manufacturing perspective, horsetail extract is heat-stable and soluble in gummy formulations. It has a low cost per serving, making it an accessible botanical for mass-market gummy ranges. The earthy taste is negligible when using standardised extracts at typical doses (200–1000 mg). DAT confirms the target dose and extract form per project based on the intended positioning and co-formulated nutrients.

Horsetail is one of the most familiar and commercially understood botanical ingredients across EU and US markets. It is commonly positioned within hair, skin, and nails gummy ranges, often alongside Biotin, Zinc, and Vitamin C. Its low cost and neutral taste make it a practical choice for mass-market private-label gummy SKUs. Brands targeting the beauty-nutricosmetics segment frequently include horsetail as a natural silica source, appealing to consumers seeking plant-based alternatives to synthetic ingredients.

From a formulation standpoint, horsetail extract is heat-stable and soluble in gummy matrices, with no significant impact on taste or texture at typical doses. The main manufacturing watchpoint is ensuring the extract is standardised to a consistent silica content, as raw herb powder can vary significantly between batches. DAT works with suppliers to confirm extract specifications and batch documentation before production.

On pack, brands must exercise strict claim discipline. Horsetail has no authorised health claims under EU Regulation 432/2012. Any health-related wording must be carried by co-formulated nutrients such as Biotin (for normal hair and skin), Zinc (for normal hair, skin, and nails), or Vitamin C (for normal collagen formation). DAT reviews all claim wording per project to ensure compliance. No disease claims, no "anti-inflammatory" language, and no certification promises on pack until confirmed per project and batch.