Plasma Concentrations Following Oral Administration of Two Different Forms of Resveratrol in Horses.

Overview

• This study investigated how two different oral forms of resveratrol are absorbed and appear in the blood plasma of horses after administration.
• The main goal was to compare plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameters of resveratrol phospholipid versus a standardized resveratrol extract, as previous data on horses was lacking.

Background

• Resveratrol is a natural compound found in various plants, known for potential health benefits.
• It is increasingly considered as a supplement for horses, mainly for protecting cartilage cells (chondrocytes).
• Previous clinical studies in horses showed limited beneficial effects, possibly related to poor absorption/bioavailability.
• Pharmacokinetic data (how the drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated) for resveratrol in horses was not available before this study.
• Bioavailability of resveratrol is generally poor in other species, creating uncertainty about dosing and efficacy.

Study Design

• The study used a crossover design, where each horse received both treatments separated by a 6-week washout period to avoid carryover effects.
• Two forms of resveratrol tested:
  • Resveratrol phospholipid
  • Standardized resveratrol extract (NMXRS37™)
• Dosing was done via nasogastric tube to ensure accurate delivery directly to the stomach.
• Blood samples were taken at multiple time points relative to dosing:
  • 1 hour pre-dose (baseline)
  • 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours post-dose

Measured Outcomes

• Plasma concentrations of resveratrol were analyzed to assess bioavailability.
• Pharmacokinetic parameters considered included:
  • C (peak plasma concentration)
  • T (time to peak concentration)
  • AUC (area under the curve, representing overall exposure)
• Monitoring for any adverse effects related to resveratrol administration was performed.

Results

• Resveratrol was found to be bioavailable in horses, meaning it was absorbed into the bloodstream after oral administration.
• No significant differences were found between resveratrol phospholipid and standardized extract in terms of:
  • Peak plasma concentration (C)
  • Time to peak concentration (T)
  • Overall exposure (AUC)
• No adverse effects attributable to the resveratrol were observed in any horses.

Implications

• This study provides the first pharmacokinetic data for resveratrol in horses, a key step toward understanding how to dose and use it effectively.
• The comparable bioavailability of two different formulations suggests flexibility in supplement choice.
• The lack of adverse effects supports the safety of single-dose oral resveratrol administration in horses.
• Future studies could explore repeated dosing, clinical efficacy, and optimal formulations to maximize therapeutic benefits.