Effect of an oral supplement containing curcumin extract (Longvida^®) on lameness due to osteoarthritis and gastric ulcer scores

Abstract

Background: Herbal supplements containing curcumin and other ingredients are used for pain management in horses with osteoarthritis (OA). Objectives: To test the effects of a herbal supplement containing curcumin and other ingredients in horses with lameness due to naturally occurring OA. Study design: Two-period randomised crossover design. Methods: Ten Thoroughbreds with naturally occurring chronic OA were randomly assigned to the treatment (BLP; Butelessâ Performance) or control (CTR, no supplement) groups and fed daily for 30 days. On Days À1 (before treatment), 15 and 30, lameness examination, range of motion, pain on palpation and force platform data were collected. Plasma curcumin concentration and its metabolites were measured on Days 1 and 14. Gastroscopy, a complete blood count and a serum biochemistry panel were performed on each horse before treatment Day À1 and Day 31. Gastric lesions (ulcers) were scored in real time by a masked investigator. Results: Mean peak vertical force (PVF), measured by the force platform, significantly increased in the lame limb of the BLP-treated horses on Days 15 (0.40 AE 0.13 N/kg, (p = 0.0025) and 30 (0.63 AE 0.14 N/kg, p < 0.0001) compared to the CTR group. In addition, mean normalised PVF was higher in the BLP group on Day 15 (p = 0.0438) and on day 30 (p = 0.0003) when compared to CTR horses for the same days. The PVF significantly improved (≥5%; range, 5.2-33%) in six of nine individual BLP-treated horses and did not improve (<5%; range, 0-3.4%) in three of nine BLP-treated horses. Also, PVF improved (≥5%; range, 7.6-15.4%) in three of nine horses in the CRT group. Squamous gastric lesion scores significantly decreased in both groups by Day 31. Plasma curcumin-Osulphate concentrations (1.2-3.3 ng/ml) were present in 9/10 BLP-treated horses by Day 14. Main limitations: Small sample size and absence of a positive treatment (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) control. Conclusions: The BLP supplement containing curcumin achieved plasma concentrations and improved weight bearing in some treated horses with naturally occurring OA. Clinical relevance• A supplement containing curcumin and other ingredients fed daily for 30 days improved weight bearing in some of the horses with osteoarthritis by Days 15 and 30 of administration.• Curcumin or other ingredients within the supplement did not cause or worsen non-glandular gastric ulcers.• Curcumin and its metabolite (curcumin-O-sulfate, desmethoxycurcumin) were not present in plasma 2 hours after feeding on Day 1; however, plasma concentrations were found in 9/10 horses after feeding the supplement on Day 14.

From Preclinical to Clinical Evidence: Exploring the Multiple Perspectives and Healing Power of Boswellia Serrata Roxb. Ex Colebr

“…To evaluate the benefits arising from a diet supplementation with B. serrata products for joint health, different veterinary clinical trials in dogs and horses have been carried out, as detailed in Table 1. Among the nine trials highlighted in the literature search, seven were conducted in dogs (137)(138)(139)(140)(141)(142) and two in horses (143)(144). B. serrata products were usually administered with the meal and in multi-ingredient dietary supplements, containing other botanicals, such as Curcuma longa L., Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze, Ribes nigrum L., Harpagophytum procumbens DC, Zingiber officinale (L.) Rosc and Ananas comosus (L.) Merr., as well as other products such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, fish oil, or cannabidiol), which are commonly exploited to support joint health and to relieve inflammation and pain (145)(146)(147)(148)(149)(150).…”

Dietary Supplementation with Boswellia serrata, Verbascum thapsus, and Curcuma longa in Show Jumping Horses: Effects on Serum Proteome, Antioxidant Status, and Anti-Inflammatory Gene Expression

“…Experimental data have also shown that curcumin inhibits NF-κB activation in different tumor cell lines [ 33 ]. Some studies have reported the use of turmeric rhizome in horses for the treatment of hoof problems, arthritis, or placenta retention [ 34 , 35 ]. The combination of Curcuma longa and Boswellia serrata has been used for the treatment of arthritis in humans and dogs [ 36 , 37 ], even though some authors have questioned the positive health effects of curcumin due to its low bioavailability and failure to demonstrate a relationship between curcumin degradation products and metabolites and their potential health benefits [ 31 ].…”