Immunological and haematinic consequences of feeding a standardised Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) extract to healthy horses.

This research investigates the effects of Echinacea, a common herbal supplement, on the immune and blood system of horses, suggesting the plant extract could both stimulate the immune system and enhance horse’s blood quality.

Study Design and Procedures

• The researchers carried out a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. Double-blind studies minimize bias because neither the researchers nor the subjects know whether they receive the Echinacea supplement or a placebo.
• The trial involved 8 healthy horses, all given either Echinacea or a placebo for 42 days. This length of treatment allows for chronic effects, rather than immediate ones, to be observed.
• The Echinacea extract utilized was standardized, meaning its quality, composition and bioactive components were consistent, enhancing reliability of findings.

Efficacy of Echinacea on Horse Immune System

• Echinacea appeared to improve several indicators of the horse’s immune system. It increased the phagocytic ability of isolated neutrophils, cells which ingest harmful particles like bacteria and yeast.
• The Echinacea supplement enhanced peripheral lymphocyte counts. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell and play an important role in the body’s immune response. More lymphocytes may suggest a more robust immune defense.
• The researchers also noted an increase in neutrophil migration. This means that more neutrophils may be moving from the bloodstream into tissues where they could combat infection.

Echinacea as a Haematinic Agent in Horses

• Besides its immune effects, Echinacea also proved to be a haematinic agent. This means it improved the quality of the horse’s blood.
• Echinacea increased both the size and concentration of red blood cells, as well as the concentration of haemoglobin, and the amount of packed cell volume. These characteristics are all associated with the capacity of blood to transport oxygen efficiently.
• The implications of this may extend to enhanced performance in horses, given that efficient oxygen transport is key to exercise physiology.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that Echinacea does stimulate horse immunity and has haematinic properties, improving blood’s quality. It implies the plant could potentially benefit equine health and potentially performance.
• This research adds controlled, objective data to an area where otherwise anecdotal and subjective information is prevalent. It could underpin more evidence-based use of Echinacea in horse treatment or performance enhancement regimes.