Chemical composition and potential pharmacological properties of field horsetail extract based on GC-MS analysis

Abstract

The Equisetaceae family, particularly the species Equisetum arvense, has long attracted the attention of researchers due to its ancient origins and various applications in traditional medicine. Field Equisetum arvense has been used to treat inflammation, wounds, infections, and urinary tract diseases. In this study, a phytochemical analysis of the Equisetum arvense extract was conducted using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to examine its chemical composition and assess its wound-healing properties. The Equisetum arvense extract was obtained through percolation with ethanol, followed by treatment with diethyl ether and chloroform to isolate nonpolar compounds. Final purification of the extract was carried out using aluminum oxide. The GC-MS method revealed a variety of compounds, including terpenes and fatty acids. Among these were components with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties that may aid in accelerating wound healing. The primary components of the extract associated with wound-healing effects include quercetin, kaempferol, and β-sitosterol. The phytochemical analysis confirmed significant antioxidant properties in the extract, which may help protect tissues from oxidative stress that occurs during wound healing. The identified antibacterial compounds may help prevent wound infections and accelerate tissue regeneration. Thus, the Equisetum arvense extract, processed with chloroform and diethyl ether, represents a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential for application in the development of wound-healing agents.