Effects of liposomal-curcumin on five opportunistic bacterial strains found in the equine hindgut - preliminary study

Abstract

BackgroundThe horse intestinal tract is sensitive and contains a highly complex microbial population. A shift in the microbial population can lead to various issues such as inflammation and colic. The use of nutraceuticals in the equine industry is on the rise and curcumin is thought to possess antimicrobial properties that may help to minimize the proliferation of opportunistic bacteria.MethodsFour cecally-cannulated horses were utilized to determine the optimal dose of liposomal-curcumin (LIPC) on reducing Streptococcus bovis/equinus complex (SBEC), Escherichia coli K-12, Escherichia coli general, Clostridium difficile, and Clostridium perfringens in the equine hindgut without adversely affecting cecal characteristics. In the first study cecal fluid was collected from each horse and composited for an in vitro, 24 h batch culture to examine LIPC at four different dosages (15, 20, 25, and 30 g) in a completely randomized design. A subsequent in vivo 4 × 4 Latin square design study was conducted to evaluate no LIPC (control, CON) or LIPC dosed at 15, 25, and 35 g per day (dosages determined from in vitro results) for 9 days on the efficacy of LIPC on selected bacterial strains, pH, and volatile fatty acids. Each period was 14 days with 9 d for acclimation and 5 d withdrawal period.ResultsIn the in vitro study dosage had no effect (P ≥ 0.42) on Clostridium strains, but as the dose increased SBEC concentrations increased (P = 0.001). Concentrations of the E. coli strain varied with dose. In vivo, LIPC’s antimicrobial properties, at 15 g, significantly decreased (P = 0.02) SBEC when compared to 25 and 35 g dosages. C. perfringens decreased linearly (P = 0.03) as LIPC dose increased. Butyrate decreased linearly (P = 0.01) as LIPC dose increased.ConclusionFurther studies should be conducted with a longer dosing period to examine the antimicrobial properties of curcumin without adversely affecting cecal characteristics.

Pre-Treatment with Turmeric (C. Xanthorrhiza) Reduces the Severity of Squamous Gastric Ulceration in Feed Restricted Horses

“…As turmeric had not previously been experimentally studied in horses at the commencement of this study, a low dose of 20g daily (mean 37.9 ± 3.9mg/kg) was chosen as a conservative option for this initial study. Subsequent studies in horses [10] have evaluated similar doses (15, 20, 25 and 30g), while purified forms of curcumin have been trialled in horses at doses ranging from 1.06-15g [27,33]. Turmeric is considered safe with no toxic effects when administered orally in a number of species [34,35], and no negative effects were observed in this study.…”

“…The two species have comparable biochemical composition and biological effects [8,9]. Many of these effects have been examined in cell-, animal-and human-based studies over the last decade or so and have demonstrated that both turmeric and its major bioactive component, curcumin, have antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects [10,11]. Several animal model and human studies have indicated the potential for turmeric/curcumin to prevent or treat gastric ulcers, with minimal side effects [12][13][14][15].…”

Nanobiosystems for Antimicrobial Drug-Resistant Infections

“…Cecally cannulated horses were utilized to determine the optimal dose of curcumin LIP to reduce bacteria populations, including C. difficile , without adversely affecting cecal characteristics. The LIPs had no significant effect on C. difficile growth; on the contrary (at high doses), they increased opportunistic bacteria populations [ 131 ].…”

Effects of pollen patties with curcumin-steviol glycoside complex on Apis mellifera

“…Curcumin, which is produced by Curcuma longa L., is a natural phenol that promotes therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and antioxidant activities [15][16][17]. Also, curcumin has been shown to be a bifunctional antioxidant that scavenges reactive oxygen species and triggers an antioxidant response to exert antioxidant activity both directly and indirectly [18,19].…”