Curcumin for Horses – Arthritis and More!

Curcumin for Horses – Arthritis and More!

Curcumin is the most active ingredient in turmeric root. This is what gives turmeric its yellow color. It also has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The effects of curcumin on humans have been extensively studied for a long time, particularly in relation to the treatment of arthritis. More than a hundred clinical trials have been conducted showing that curcumin inhibits the action of inflammatory mediators in the joints, thereby relieving pain. At the same time, it has minimal side effects, unlike traditional methods of treatment with steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and articular injections of hyaluronic acid and / or polysulfated glycosaminoglycans. In particular, curcumin has been shown to be well tolerated in clinical trials, even at a dose of 12 grams per day (approximately 2-3 tablespoons of turmeric powder).

So, in one of the clinical trials, people with rheumatoid arthritis received either curcumin in an amount of 1,2 g per day, or 300 mg of phenylbutazone. The anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin was comparable to that of phenylbutazone, but with no apparent adverse reactions.

Unfortunately, horses are less fortunate in this regard, and there is not much research. However, work in this direction is still underway, so far, mainly in-vitro, and proves the effectiveness of curcumin in suppressing inflammatory reactions in horse tissues.

An in-vivo study (albeit a custom one) was conducted in which 8 horses with varying degrees of arthritis received curcumin in combination with vitamins E and C for a month, as a result of which the degree of lameness decreased by at least 1 point (on a scale of 5/5). It was noted that the effect was most pronounced on horses that had a mild degree of arthritis, with no changes visible on the x-ray.

Curcumin also helps animals with insulin resistance improve glucose utilization and reduce weight.

In addition, a water-soluble inhaled curcumin preparation relieves inflammatory responses in the respiratory tract in horses with COPD.

Unfortunately, the exact dose of curcumin for horses has not yet been established, but empirically it is believed that a dose of 2-4 tablespoons of turmeric per day is normally tolerated by the horse and has an effect. This dose can be used as a shock, and when obvious positive changes occur, gradually reduce it to half a tablespoon.

You also need to keep in mind that curcumin is a fat soluble substance, so it is better absorbed if given along with ground flaxseed, rice bran or oil.

Ekaterina Lomeiko (Sara).

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