Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of the Genus Equisetum (Equisetaceae): A Narrative Review of the Species with Therapeutic Potential for Kidney Diseases

Abstract

The Equisetum genus, Equisetaceae family, is widely distributed worldwide and may be the oldest nonextinct genus on Earth. There are about 30 known species, which are very often used in traditional medicine with diverse applications. This review aimed to compile scientific reports about Equisetum species with relevant pharmacological properties and/or therapeutic potential for kidney diseases. Our bibliographic survey demonstrates that the most widespread traditional use of Equisetum is as a diuretic, followed by the treatment of genitourinary diseases (kidney diseases, urethritis, kidney stones, and others), inflammation, wound healing, rheumatic diseases, prostatitis, and hypertension. The most popular species from the Equisetum genus with medicinal use is E. arvense L., whose diuretic effect was confirmed in animal models and clinical trials. The species E. bogotense Kunth also demonstrated the beneficial effect of inducing diuresis in both experimental and clinical assays. Several other species have also been studied regarding their therapeutic potential, showing different biological actions. Regarding the chemical composition, it contains many active constituents, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenol, phytosterols, saponins, sterols, silicic acid, tannin, triterpenoids, and volatile oils. However, despite the widespread traditional use, many species need to be explored in detail for scientific validation of popular use. Indeed, the species of the Equisetum genus have great potential in the management of kidney disorders.

Theoretical, chemical, and electrochemical studies of Equisetum arvense extract as an impactful inhibitor of steel corrosion in 2 M HCl electrolyte

“…The most important components of EAAP extract were determined by HPLC inspection 28 , as seen in Fig. 1 .…”

Avaliação do uso tradicional e comércio de plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos no município de Resende, RJ: Uma contribuição para o desenvolvimento da Política Nacional de Plantas Medicinais e Fitoterápicos no Sul Fluminense

“…A literatura indica o emprego dessa espécie para impedir a retenção de líquido pelo organismo, o que pode ocasionar a perda de peso. O efeito diurético da espécie vegetal se justifica pela presença de flavonoides e sais de potássio (Boeing, et al, 2021). As partes aéreas da planta também apresentam alcaloides e taninos.…”

“…As partes aéreas da planta também apresentam alcaloides e taninos. Alguns estudos apontam seu uso para o tratamento de doenças reumáticas, cálculos renais, infecções no trato urinário e ação anti-hemorrágica, anti-inflamatória e remineralizante (Bhat, et al, 2020;Boeing, et al, 2021).…”

UHPLC-MS/MS-GNPS based phytochemical investigation of Equisetum arvense L. And evaluation of cytotoxicity against human melanoma and ovarian cancer cells

“…It is locally known as “Bonakey” in Pakistan. The plant is widely distributed in North America, North Africa, Europe, and Northern Asia ( Boeing et al, 2021 ). Traditionally, this plant has been used for the treatment of cancer, urinary tract infections, hypertension (as a diuretic), kidney stones, brittle nails, minor wounds and burns ( Al Mohammed et al, 2017 , Carneiro et al, 2014 , Nagai et al, 2005 , Rao, 2002 ).…”