A nutraceutical for osteoarthritis: Results of a 3-month study to determine absence of in vivo toxicity in horses.

摘要

Osteoarthritis (OA), or degenerative joint disease is a major cause of lameness in horses. Current treatments for OA are not adequate for long term treatment. Sasha's Equine is a nutraceutical composed of shark cartilage, New Zealand green-lipped mussel, abalone and Biota orientalis seed oil. The present study was aimed at determining the safety of Sasha's Equine in horses at 1x, 3x and 5x the recommended dose for 3 months. Horses' body mass (BM), resting temperature, pulse and respiratory rate (TPR), haematology, blood biochemistry, and manure production monitored throughout the study. Supplementation with Sasha's Equine at 1x, 3x and 5x the recommended dose did not significantly affect BM, TPR, urine biochemistry or manure production. There were also no clinically significant changes in haematology or blood biochemistry at these doses. We therefore concluded that Sasha's Equine is safe when consumed at up to 5x the recommended dose for 3 months in horses.