Chemical analyses and in vivo properties, of a combination of Olive-Oregano oils of Greek origin, for competition horses

The history of veterinary herbal remedy has followed parallel route alongside the evolution of human medicine. The “Hippiatrika” are famous documents related to Ancient Greek/Roman practitionerʼs, so called “Hippiatros”, studies on horses.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is liquid fat from olives (Olea europaea) consisted of approx. 80% on oleic acid, polyphenols and vitamins (E, K), used as food supplement for horses with positive impact on their coat shine, supporting gastrointestinal functions. Oregano essential oil (OEO) is widely used in veterinary medicine, mostly due to its antimicrobial properties [1].

The chemical profiles of EVOO (Kalamata, Peloponnesus) and OEO Origanum vulgare sp hirtum (Kozani, W Macedonia), were analysed, showing low (0.5%) free acidity and high carvacrol (76.97%) content, for EVOO and OEO respectively. The effects of a combination EVOO+OEO were tested, after their use as a daily supplement in seven competition horses. The overall athletic performance and health of all five horses improved during test period as indicated by clinical examination (increase of PCV, significantly decrease of SGOT, AST, GGT, SAA). One control horse (not fed with EVOO+OEO) did not show improvement, while another one receiving only EVOO exhibited stable values. No horses exhibited lameness or signs of colic during trial. The use of EVOO+OEO as a nutritional supplement showed positive effects in the appearance and athletic performance of all animals, with safety, as the calculated maximum safe concentration of the OEO in complete feed is reported recently at 88 mg/kg for horses [2]. Further in vivo studies are ongoing.

 

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• References

• 1 Ebani VV, Manciatti F. Use of essential oils in Veterinary Medicine to Combat Bacterial and Fungal Infections. Vet. Sci 2020; 7 (04) 193
• 2 Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos MDL. et al. Safety and efficacy of an essential oil from Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum for all animal species. EFSA Journal 2019; 17 (12) 5909

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
12. Dezember 2022