Study of the effect of Bronchipret on the lung function of five Austrian saddle horses suffering recurrent airway obstruction (heaves).

This research studies the impact of a herbal remedy ‘Bronchipret’ containing thyme and primula extracts on horses suffering from a lung condition known as heaves. The scientists discovered that the Bronchipret improved lung function in the subjects, indicated by changes in lung compliance, pulmonary pressure, and airway resistance, but didn’t notably alter the severity of clinical symptoms and arterial oxygen level.

Methodology and Results

• The research involved a longitudinal study of five Austrian saddle horses suffering recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), also known as ‘heaves’. The horses were treated with an oral preparation called Bronchipret (manufactured by Bionorica), which is composed of extracts from thyme and primula plants.
• The horses were observed to accept the Bronchipret treatment without issues, indicating its acceptability among equine subjects.
• Measurements of plasma concentrations showed the presence of thymol, a substance found in thyme, which suggested that the substance from the herbal extract was absorbed into the system through the gastrointestinal tract. This finding confirmed the bioavailability of the active substances in Bronchipret, at least in part.
• Significant improvements were noted in key parameters related to lung function in the horses after one month of treatment with Bronchipret. These included lung compliance (the ease with which the lungs can expand), pulmonary pressure (pressure in the lung arteries), and airway resistance (resistance in the respiratory airways).

Limited Effect on Clinical Signs and Arterial Oxygen Pressure

• Despite the aforementioned improvements, the severity of the clinical signs displayed by the horses remained largely unchanged. This suggests that while Bronchipret might have aided in improving physiological parameters related to lung function, it may not directly affect observable symptoms of RAO.
• Similarly, the arterial oxygen partial pressure of the horses — which indicates the amount of oxygen in the blood — did not see significant improvements. This could suggest that although Bronchipret helped the overall functionality of the lungs, it might not enhance oxygen absorption or circulation.

Conclusions}

• Overall, the research demonstrated that Bronchipret, a herbal preparation containing thyme and primula extracts, can have beneficial effects on lung function in horses suffering from heaves. However, the treatment did not present significant changes in clinical signs and arterial oxygen pressure.
• These findings provide the basis for further investigation into the precise impact of Bronchipret and similar products on different indicators of lung dysfunction, and how they may be used as supportive treatments for RAO or other respiratory conditions in equine subjects.