Phytochemistry of the Genus Equisetum (Equisetum arvense)

The previous studies revealed that Equisetum arvense contained alkaloids, carbohydrate, proteins and amino acids, phytosterols, saponins, sterols, ascorbic acid, silicic acid, phenol, tannin, flavonoids, triterpenoids, volatile oils and many other biological active constituents. E. arvense has been used as a folklore medicine for treatment of various conditions such as tuberculosis, as a catarrh in the kidney and bladder regions, as a hematostatic for profuse menstruation, nasal, pulmonary, gastric hemorrhages and many other uses. The current review highlights the uses and phytochemical constituents of E. arvense.