Study: The Effect of Sea Buckthorn on Gastric Ulcers in Horses and Dogs

Studies addressing the effects of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) on gastric ulcers in horses/dogs

Effect of a liquid emulsion based on sea buckthorn berries on gastric ulcer scores and gastric juice pH in horses

Effect of Sea Buckthorn Berries and Pulp in a Liquid Emulsion on Gastric Ulcer Scores and Gastric Juice pH in Horses

In the equine study "Effect of Sea Buckthorn Berries and Pulp in a Liquid Emulsion on Gastric Ulcer Scores and Gastric Juice pH in Horses," researchers investigated the effect of a sea-buckthorn-containing supplement on gastric ulcers in horses. In the study, eight Thoroughbred and Thoroughbred-cross horses were given a sea-buckthorn-containing supplement for four weeks, after which ulcer development was monitored during a feed-withholding period. The results showed that sea buckthorn did not significantly affect ulcers in the upper (nonglandular) region of the stomach. However, the number and severity of ulcers in the glandular region of the stomach were significantly lower in horses receiving sea buckthorn compared with the control group. Thus, sea buckthorn had a positive effect in the prevention and treatment of glandular gastric ulcers.

Case studies: Ulceraser and sea buckthorn extract

In case studies published by the company Equine Elixirs, the situations of two horses with severe gastric ulcers were described. Over a six-week treatment period using the Ulceraser supplement together with sea buckthorn extract, a significant improvement in ulcer healing was observed. Gastroscopies showed up to 95% improvement in ulcers in the pyloric area.

CASE STUDY 1

In the first case study, a 12-year-old gelding had glandular and pyloric ulcers that had persisted for three months. As seen on gastroscopy, the lesions included fibrin, swelling, and petechiae (small hemorrhages). Despite antibiotic treatment and multiple standard gastric-protective medications, there was still a large, persistent ulcerated area in the pylorus. Yellow fibrin and blood specks were visible, and there had been no healing.

After six weeks of starting Ulceraser (2 scoops morning and evening) and sea buckthorn extract powder (1 scoop morning and evening), gastroscopy showed 95% healing of the pyloric ulcer. This was the most significant progress observed, even though the horse had previously received three months of antibiotics and gastric protectants, which were now discontinued. Since September 2021, the horse has been maintained on Ulceraser (1 scoop morning and evening) and sea buckthorn extract (1 scoop daily) without ulcer recurrence.

CASE STUDY 2

In the second case study, a 7-year-old mare was noted to have reduced performance in show jumping, and gastroscopy found two moderate ulcers in the pylorus. The ulcers were covered with a purulent fibrin layer and petechiae. After six weeks of Ulceraser (2 scoops morning and evening) and sea buckthorn extract treatment (1 scoop morning and evening), gastroscopy showed that the fibrin and petechiae had disappeared completely. The mare has been on Ulceraser and sea buckthorn extract treatment since December 2021 without ulcer recurrence.

Sea buckthorn contains a wide range of antioxidants and plant sterols, and it has the highest Omega-7 content among plant sources. According to research, sea buckthorn acts directly on mucous membranes and has both a preventive and a healing effect on glandular and pyloric ulcers.

Source: EquineElixirs

Efficacy of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) oil versus other standard drugs for management of gastric ulceration and erosions in dogs

Efficacy of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) Oil vis-a-vis Other Standard Drugs for Management of Gastric Ulceration and Erosions in Dogs

This study evaluated the effectiveness of seabuckthorn oil compared with standard medications for the management of gastric ulceration and erosions in dogs.

Study design:

• Animals: 20 healthy, medium-sized mixed-breed dogs.
  
  
• Induction of ulcers: Gastric ulcers were induced by administering dexamethasone (1 mg/kg, intravenously, twice daily).
  
  
• Treatment groups: The dogs were divided into five groups receiving the following treatments:

• • Lansoprazole (1.5 mg/kg)
    
    
  • Sucralfate (1 g/dog)
    
    
  • Misoprostol (10 µg/kg)
    
    
  • Famotidine (1 mg/kg)
    
    
  • Seabuckthorn oil (5 ml/dog)

All medications were administered orally twice daily.

Results:

• Healing time: Based on gastroscopic evaluation, ulcers healed fastest in the seabuckthorn oil group (mean 7.5 ± 0.87 days), while healing times were longer in the other groups: famotidine (8.25 ± 1.44 days), lansoprazole (9.00 ± 1.23 days), misoprostol (10.50 ± 1.50 days), and sucralfate (13.50 ± 0.87 days).
  
  
• Symptom relief: Appetite improved significantly in all dogs. Black stools (melena) stopped on day three in the seabuckthorn oil group, whereas in the other groups symptoms persiste
  
  

Conclusions:

• Based on the study, seabuckthorn oil was the most effective treatment for dexamethasone-induced gastric ulceration and erosions in dogs, compared with famotidine, lansoprazole, misoprostol, and sucralfate.