Dietary effect of lemon verbena extract on selected blood parameters and on plasma oxidative profile in Avelignese horses.

The research article examines how the addition of Lippia citriodora extract, commonly known as lemon verbena, to the diets of Avelignese horses affects their blood parameters and oxidative markers in plasma, suggesting potential benefits for the animals’ health.

Study Overview

The study involved splitting twenty-four Avelignese horses into three group, each consisting of eight horses. Two groups were experimental, differing in the dose of Lippia citriodora extract fed, while the third served as the control group, not receiving any extract. The goal of this experiment was to analyze the impact of the lemon verbena extract.

Treatment Groups

• The low-dose group (LVB) received 0.5 mg of verbascoside per kg of metabolic body weight.
• The high-dose group (HVB) was given 1.0 mg of verbascoside per kg of metabolic body weight.
• The control group (CON) did not receive any extract in their diet and were used for comparison.

Effects on Blood Parameters and Oxidative Markers

The two groups of horses that were fed with L. citriodora extract showed substantial improvements in blood parameters and oxidative markers in their plasma. Key changes observed included:

• A decrease in triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, bilirubin, and transaminases.
• An increase in HDL cholesterol.
• Improvement in oxidative status, demonstrated by a decrease in plasma concentration of ROMS and TBARS, and an increase in levels of vitamins A and E.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that dietary supplementation involving L. citriodora extract can have beneficial effects on the physiological welfare of livestock animals, showing positive impacts on horses’ blood parameters and plasma oxidative markers. It therefore suggests potential uses for lemon verbena extract within horse feeding regimes that could improve their health and wellbeing.