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Veterinary medicine international2014; 2014; 434239; doi: 10.1155/2014/434239

Antioxidant Potential of the Polyherbal Formulation “ImmuPlus”: A Nutritional Supplement for Horses.

Abstract: In order to counteract harmful effects of oxidative stress due to pathological conditions or physical exercise, horses are often administered dietary supplements having supposed high antioxidant activities. The aim of the present study was to identify the in vitro antioxidant potential of "ImmuPlus", a polyherbal formulation (Global Herbs LTD, Chichester, West Sussex, Great Britain), containing three medicinal plants (Withania somnifera, Tinospora cordifolia, and Emblica officinalis), known in Ayurveda for their use in human disease treatment. Extracts obtained by different solvents (water, methanol, ethanol, acetone, and hexane) were tested for total antioxidant capacity, total reducing power, scavenging activity against DPPH radical, and total polyphenol and flavonoid contents. Our results showed that, except as regards hexane, all the used solvents are able to extract compounds having high antioxidant activity, even when compared to ascorbic acid. Regression analysis showed significant correlations between antioxidant properties and polyphenol/flavonoid contents, indicating the latter, known for their beneficial effects on health of human and animal beings, as major components responsible for the strong antioxidant capacities. Moreover, obtained results suggest the effective role of the polyherbal mixture as good source of antioxidants in horses.
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Publication Date: 2014-05-04 PubMed ID: 24876991PubMed Central: PMC4024405DOI: 10.1155/2014/434239Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study investigates the antioxidant potential of a herbal dietary supplement for horses called “ImmuPlus”. The research found that, except for hexane, all solvents used were able to extract high antioxidant compounds. The findings suggest that polyphenols and flavonoids in the supplement are the key contributors to its antioxidant properties.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers conducted the study on “ImmuPlus”, a polyherbal formulation by Global Herbs LTD, and comprised of three medicinal plants; Withania somnifera, Tinospora cordifolia, and Emblica officinalis, known in Ayurveda for their use in human disease treatment.
  • This blend was extracted with different solvents including water, methanol, ethanol, acetone, and hexane.
  • Each of these extracts was then tested for its total antioxidant capacity, total reducing power, scavenging activity against DPPH radical (a common method for measuring antioxidant capacity), and total polyphenol and flavonoid contents.

Key Findings

  • The research discovered that all the solvents used, with the exception of hexane, were successful in extracting compounds with considerable antioxidant activity.
  • The antioxidant activity of these compounds was even compared to ascorbic acid, a well-known antioxidant.
  • Through regression analysis, the study identified a significant correlation between the antioxidant properties and the content of polyphenol/flavonoids. This suggests that the polyphenols and flavonoids in the blend are the contributors to its antioxidant capabilities.
  • The results indicate that the herbal supplement could be a strong source of antioxidants for horses, potentially improving their health and resilience against oxidative stress.

Implications and Conclusions

  • The findings of this study suggest a new, potentially effective source of antioxidants for horses. This can have positive impacts on their health, particularly in resisting oxidative stress caused by disease or physical exertion.
  • The study underlines the potential for using natural, plant-based products in horse nutrition and health.
  • Further research could be conducted to explore how these antioxidants could benefit horses’ health in practical terms, including potentially enhancing physical performance or combating specific diseases.

Cite This Article

APA
Cecchini S, Paciolla M, Caputo AR, Bavoso A. (2014). Antioxidant Potential of the Polyherbal Formulation “ImmuPlus”: A Nutritional Supplement for Horses. Vet Med Int, 2014, 434239. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/434239

Publication

Veterinary medicine international
ISSN: 2090-8113
NlmUniqueID: 101524203
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 2014
Pages: 434239
PII: 434239

Researcher Affiliations

Cecchini, Stefano
  • Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Viale dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
Paciolla, Mariateresa
  • Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Viale dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
Caputo, Anna Rocchina
  • Consiglio per la Ricerca e la Sperimentazione in Agricoltura-Unità di Ricerca per la Zootecnia Estensiva, 85054 Muro Lucano, Italy.
Bavoso, Alfonso
  • Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Viale dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy.

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Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
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  5. Velázquez-Cruz LA, Mendoza-Martínez GD, Hernández-García PA, Espinosa-Ayala E, Díaz-Galván C, Vázquez-Silva G, Orzuna-Orzuna JF, Razo-Ortíz PB, de la Torre-Hernández ME. Growth Performance, Health Parameters, and Blood Metabolites of Dairy Calves Supplemented with a Polyherbal Phytogenic Additive. Animals (Basel) 2025 Feb 17;15(4).
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