A critical analysis on the use of herbs and herbal extracts in feeding sport horses

Abstract

In human and veterinary medicine there is an increasing interest to find new natural substances, mainly herbal derivates, that improve biological function and increase the body health. The aim of this paper is to analyse the use of some herbals supplements formulated for sport horses. Infact herbs are considered a very important resource as health-promoting substances and new substances for oral administration and specific supplements are on the market. Methods and results: We have analysed the main claimed ergogenic effects of herbal products such as boosting immune system, improving performance, improve antioxidant status and general stress and improve attention. In particular we have analysed the label claims and the possibility of collateral effects and doping interaction of some common herbal extracts. Clinical relevance: In the last years, herbal products underwent a great increase of their distribution both in the human and veterinary medicine, particularly in the horse market. The absence of common regulatory control over herbal products have two effects: from one hand, it is hard to recognize good products from others that are of very poor quality; from the other, the consumer could be sometime exposed to the risk of intoxication. Conclusion: The effect claimed for these supplements vary widely. They often include ergogenic effects or promoting welfare. However there are a few studies on the real effect of many herbal products and premixes containing herbal products for horses.