Prophylactic effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract on phenylbutazone-induced Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD).

This research article discusses the study involving the effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extracts (GGRE) as a preventive measure against the development of Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD) in donkeys, following oral administration of phenylbutazone (PBZ), a type of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). The results display that GGRE reduced the severity of EGGD conditions triggered by PBZ as well as mitigated PBZ-induced hypoglycemia and possible liver injury.

Experimental Design and Methods

• The research started with the usage of 12 donkeys, divided equally into three groups, each having a unique treatment protocol. Group A was given a placebo, group B was administered PBZ, and group C received both PBZ and GGRE.
• The observations were carried out with Gastroscopy – a procedure where a thin tube with a tiny camera is passed into the stomach to visually inspect it, biochemical tests, and blood sampling for a complete blood count (CBC).

Results and Findings

• At the beginning of the experiment, nearly all the donkeys showed no signs of EGGD lesions, but by the seventh day, severe signs of EGGD, assigned as Grade 1/4, Grade 2/4, and Grade 3/4 conditions, were observed in the donkeys belonging to group B which had been administered with PBZ.
• In contrast, group C donkeys, which had received both PBZ and GGRE, presented only mild alterations, with the most severe being grade 1/4 lesions in two animals.
• Interestingly, no change was noticed in Group A animals that were administered placebo.
• Hematology, a scientific study of blood, blood-forming organs, and diseases associated with blood, and serum antioxidant statuses showed no significant changes across any of the groups.
• However, a decrease in glucose levels and an increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were observed in Group B, hinting at the adverse effects of PBZ. For Group C, only an increase in ALP was noted.

Conclusion of the Study

• The researchers concluded that the addition of GGRE reduced the severity of EGGD, which was instigated by PBZ, thus displaying a significant prophylactic impact.
• GGRE also seemed to prevent PBZ-induced hypoglycemia and could potentially decrease the risk of liver injury due to PBZ. These findings point toward the potential of GGRE being used as a defensive agent against NSAID-induced gastric problems in equine.