Original ResearchA Pilot Study on the Effects of Curcumin on Parasites, Inflammation, and Opportunistic Bacteria in Riding Horses
Introduction
Horse intestinal parasites pose an economic and health risk that are of concern to both breeders and horse owners [1]. The body of a horse is host to millions of microscopic organisms who use the horse's oxygen, nutrients, and body heat for survival. Parasites, such as Strongylidae (strongyles) can cause emaciation and anemia; whereas ascarids are known to cause a blockage in the intestines, which if not taken care of properly can lead to death [2], [3]. Moreover, parasites, which can be found in the intestines of horses of all breeds, both sexes, and all age classes [4], can cause inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).
In addition to parasite-induced inflammation, inflammation can also occur because of the athletic lifestyle required of domesticated horses. Repetitive stress applied to the joints from speed work, jumping, and extreme hindquarter thrust, results in inflammatory changes to the bone structure, joint anatomy, and synovial fluid as well as predisposed factors. Although some horses are diagnosed with lameness in their younger years, many develop the progressive problem over time, whether it is mild or severe [5]. Therefore, inflammation in a horse can be due to several factors, including illness, injury, GIT parasites, and even an altered hindgut microbiome.
The gut microbiota is one of the densest, most dynamic, and complex microorganism populations located in the body [6]. Gut microbiota act against pathogens, aid in digestion and absorption, and stimulate the immune system [7], [8]. If the microbiome is altered, this could result in gastrointestinal diseases, such as enterocolitis, diarrhea, ulcers, anorexia, colic, and even death [9], [10]. Streptococcus bovis/equinus complex (SBEC), Clostridium difficile, and Clostridium perfringens are bacteria found in the hindgut microbiome that are considered opportunistic because of GIT issues when the immune system is compromised. Streptococcus bovis/equinus complex is a group of human- and animal-derived streptococci that are commensal, opportunistic pathogens, or food fermentation associates [11]. C. difficile is commonly associated with the onset of colic in horses, but has also been isolated from foals with diarrhea. C. perfringens causes enterocolitis in neonatal foals; in addition, this species produces endotoxins that can cause diarrhea and severe damage to the mucosa [9]. When compared with other mammals, little research has been conducted on the microbiota in the GIT of horses [9].
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric (Curcuma longa) that is not only known for having anti-inflammatory properties, but also possessing antimicrobial, wound healing, and antiparasitic properties [12], [13]. In addition to curcumin having many biological activities, it is relatively safe and well-tolerated [14]. Testing curcumin has shown effective antiparasitic properties, it was an effective compound against Raillietina cesticillus in birds [12], strongyles in cattle [15], and fecal egg shedding in goats [16]. The indication of the safety and efficacy of curcumin provided a solid basis for evaluating its antiparasitic and antimicrobial properties in riding horses. We hypothesized that curcumin would decrease parasite shedding, inflammation, and opportunistic bacteria found in the GIT of riding horses. The main objectives were to evaluate fecal shedding of intestinal parasite ova and selected opportunistic bacteria as well as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) when dosing curcumin at 15 g per day for 30 days to riding horses.
Section snippets
Materials and Methods
Twelve horses, 10 Southern Illinois University of Carbondale owned riding horses and two privately owned riding horses were used for this study. All horses were between the ages of 5 and 20 years, and did not have any concurrent illnesses and/or ailments; they also did not receive any medications or dewormer for 30 days before the commencement of this research trial. The predominate breed used was Quarter Horse (nine), one mustang, one warmblood, and one draft horse. Care and handling of
Analysis of Intestinal Parasites
Dosing curcumin at the recommended rate of 15 g per horse had no effect (P ≥ .58) on the amount of shedding of total fecal egg count, strongyles, or ascarids; however, there was a day effect. Total egg counts for both CON and CUR horses decreased (P ≤ .05) from day 1 to 10 then increased from day 11 to 19 followed by a decrease from day 20 to 29 with a substantial increase on day 30. This pattern of decreasing and increasing ova was due to both strongyles (P = .05) and ascarids (P = .0007)
Conclusions
The antiparasitic and antimicrobial properties of curcumin were not observed when 15 g of curcumin was orally dosed to riding horses for 30 days. The inability for curcumin to decrease the parasite shedding load would suggest that curcumin will need to be dosed for longer periods of time or at higher dosages, if using for intestinal parasite control. However, it is possible that curcumin can decrease inflammation after 14 days of administration. More research is needed to further evaluate the
Acknowledgments
This work was partially supported by the Illinois Equine Industry Research and Promotion Board.
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Animal care and welfare statement: All procedures were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) at Southern Illinois University.
Ethical approval statement: The study was reviewed and approved by the Office of Sponsored Projects Administration (OSPA) at Southern Illinois University.
Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.