Pilot study on the effect of an herbal composite on recurrent airway obstruction: alleviating respiratory symptoms in horses
Pilot study investigating the ability of an herbal composite to alleviate clinical signs of respiratory dysfunction in horses with recurrent airway obstruction
Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), also known as equine asthma, is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease that reduces performance. RAO is a debilitating respiratory condition that significantly contributes to lost training days and illness in competition horses. Herbs are increasingly used to prevent or treat the clinical signs of RAO.
In this study, the effect of an herbal composite on recurrent respiratory symptoms (RAO), also referred to as equine asthma, was evaluated. The herbal combination used in the study contained garlic, vervain, mint, anise, fennel, licorice root, thyme, and hyssop.
Results:
- A decreasing trend in respiratory rate was observed during use of the herbal composite compared with placebo (P = 0.1).
- In cytological analysis of tracheal fluid, the proportion of macrophages increased and neutrophils decreased, suggesting a reduction in the inflammatory response.
- No significant changes were observed in hematological and biochemical parameters, suggesting that the herbal composite was safe to use.
The results suggest that the herbal composite may have a positive effect in alleviating RAO symptoms, and that the herbal composite has the potential to safely reduce elevated respiratory rate in horses with RAO.
Effect of a nutraceutical supplement in mild to moderate equine asthma (MEA)
Research into non-pharmacological products that affect the equine respiratory system can significantly improve equine wellbeing and performance. Young racehorses can have mild to moderate equine asthma (MEA), with a prevalence that can be as high as 80%. On competition days, the use of pharmacological treatments is almost always prohibited. In this study, the efficacy of a feed product composed of multiple nutraceutical plants was evaluated for the treatment of lower airway inflammation. The product was given to seven racehorses suffering from MEA, while five horses served as a control group. After 21 days, horses treated with the supplement showed fewer clinical signs and less mucus accumulation in the trachea compared with the control group. For this reason, the supplement proved effective in managing lower airway inflammation, and its use as an adjunct for MEA should be considered.
The study used a nutraceutical supplement that contained several herbal extracts and antioxidants. The supplement included licorice root, thyme, garlic, and vitamins C and E.
These are known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Background of the study:
Mild–moderate equine asthma (MEA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the lower airways characterized by mucus accumulation in the trachea, coughing, and reduced performance. Treatment is based on pharmacological therapy and environmental management. In addition, effectiveness of using antioxidants has been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a commercial nutraceutical supplement composed of multiple herbal extracts on lower airway inflammation in racehorses. Twelve Thoroughbred horses with MEA were selected for the study. All horses underwent a clinical examination that determined a clinical score, respiratory endoscopy, and cytological examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Seven horses were given the supplement for 21 days together with environmental changes, while five horses received only environmental changes. All procedures were repeated at the end of the study. Clinical score, endoscopy scores, and cytology data at baseline and at the end were compared statistically. The data showed a significant reduction (p < 0.0156) in clinical score and a significant reduction (p < 0.0156) in tracheal mucus score. The results demonstrated a favorable effect of the supplement on mild–moderate lower airway inflammation, most likely due to its antioxidant effect.
According to the study, use of the nutraceutical supplement led to a significant reduction in clinical signs and in the amount of tracheal mucus in horses suffering from mild to moderate equine asthma (MEA). This suggests that the herbal-based nutraceutical supplement may be a beneficial adjunct in managing MEA, especially in situations where the use of pharmacological drugs is restricted, such as on competition days.
Study on the effect of Bronchipret on lung function in five Austrian saddle horses suffering recurrent airway obstruction (heaves)
In this longitudinal study, the effects of orally administered Bronchipret on lung function were evaluated in five Austrian saddle horses suffering from recurrent airway obstruction (RAO, "heaves"). Bronchipret is a herbal preparation containing extracts of thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and cowslip (Primula veris).
The horses accepted the product well, and plasma thymol concentrations originating from thyme indicated that at least one of the active components was absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. After a one-month treatment period, significant improvements were observed in lung elasticity, pulmonary blood pressure, and airway resistance. However, no significant changes were found in the severity of clinical signs or in arterial oxygen partial pressure.
The results suggest that the herbal preparation may improve lung function in horses suffering from RAO.
Effect of a garlic supplement on equine respiratory health and hematological values
The study evaluated the effects of long-term use of garlic (Allium sativum) as a dietary supplement on horses' respiratory health and blood parameters.
The results show that long-term use of dried garlic at a dose of 32 mg/kg body weight appeared to reduce tracheal symptoms and secretion accumulation in the trachea, and to improve respiratory health and symptom reduction. In addition, horses receiving garlic had a quantitatively lower number of neutrophils in tracheal mucus.
However, horses receiving garlic supplementation showed a mild decline in hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HcT), and red blood cell (RBC) values during the 83-day study period.
The results indicated that long-term garlic use can improve respiratory health, but at the same time it may cause a decrease in hematological values.
