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Herba Equiseti
Clinical pharmacology
In an open uncontrolled clinical trial, sap from the aerial parts of Herba
Equiseti, at a dose of one tablespoon (15 g) three times a day, was tested
in patients with cardiac failure and oedema. All patients showed an augmentation
of diuresis. In the same study, an infusion of 15 g of the plant
in 180 ml of water was given in divided doses (one tablespoon every
2 hours) to a group of patients with oedema. Again, an increase in diuresis
was observed in more than 50% of patients (40).
Adverse reactions
A cholesterol-rich diet (0.5% cholesterol and 0.15% sodium cholate for
14 days), to which 4% of Herba Equiseti powder had been added, caused
dermatitis of the neck, head and back in 65% of rats. The effect was not
observed when the rats were fed on a normal diet (71).
Contraindications
No irrigation therapy (hydrocolon therapy) is recommended in patients
with oedema due to impaired heart and kidney function (40). If signs of
hypersensitivity reactions appear, Herba Equiseti must not be used again.
Warnings
Ingestion of large amounts of Herba Equiseti is not recommended in
combination with a cholesterol-rich diet (72).
Precautions
General
Care is necessary in the presence of diseases associated with serious renal
lesions and inflammation (nephritis, nephrosis) due to the irritant action
of Herba Equiseti (73, 74). Do not use Herba Equiseti for more than
6 weeks except under professional supervision, as it may cause irritation
of the digestive tract (43). A physician should be consulted when the drug
is used as a bath additive in cases of major skin lesions, acute skin lesions
of unknown origin, major feverish and infectious diseases, cardiac insufficiency
or hypertension (12). If symptoms worsen or persist for longer
than 5 days or in case of increased body temperature or presence of blood
in urine, a physician should be consulted.
Drug interactions
No information was found.
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