Prophylactic effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract on phenylbutazone-induced Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD).
Authors: Ahmadnejad Masoud, Jalilzadeh-Amin Ghader, Sykes Benjamin W
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Prophylactic Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra Root Extract on Phenylbutazone-Induced Equine Glandular Gastric Disease Phenylbutazone remains a cornerstone analgesic in equine practice, yet its well-documented association with equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) presents a significant clinical challenge—particularly in animals requiring prolonged anti-inflammatory therapy. Ahmadnejad and colleagues investigated whether liquorice root extract (GGRE) could mitigate this risk by administering phenylbutazone (4.4 mg/kg twice daily) with or without concurrent GGRE (17.6 mg/kg once daily) to 12 donkeys over 7 days, using gastroscopy and biochemical markers to assess outcomes. Whilst phenylbutazone alone induced severe EGGD lesions in all treated animals (four of four animals developing grade 1–3 lesions), co-administration of GGRE substantially reduced this effect, with only mild grade 1 lesions appearing in two of four animals and the remainder unaffected. Beyond endoscopic findings, GGRE prevented the phenylbutazone-induced hypoglycaemia observed in untreated animals and appeared to limit hepatic enzyme elevation, suggesting gastroprotective and systemic metabolic benefits. These findings indicate that liquorice root extract warrants investigation as an accessible prophylactic strategy during necessary NSAID administration, though further investigation in horses and optimisation of dosing protocols will be essential before practical implementation.
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Practical Takeaways
- •If phenylbutazone must be used for pain management in equines, consider concurrent Glycyrrhiza glabra supplementation to significantly reduce risk of severe glandular gastric disease
- •Monitor blood glucose and liver enzymes (ALT, ALP) in horses receiving phenylbutazone; GGRE may offer hepatoprotective benefits
- •This small study in donkeys suggests a promising natural adjunct to NSAID therapy, though larger equine trials are needed before routine clinical adoption
Key Findings
- •Phenylbutazone (4.4 mg/kg q12h) induced severe EGGD lesions in 4 of 4 donkeys within 7 days, with grades ranging from 1/4 to 3/4
- •Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract (17.6 mg/kg q24h) reduced EGGD severity to only mild grade 1/4 lesions in 2 of 4 animals
- •Phenylbutazone caused hypoglycemia and elevated ALT/ALP, while GGRE co-treatment prevented hypoglycemia and limited ALP elevation
- •No significant changes in hematology or serum antioxidant status were observed across treatment groups