Clinical Effects of the Extract of the Seeds of the Indian Celery—Apium graveolens—In Horses Affected by Chronic Osteoarthritis

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In recent years, the sensitivity and interest of veterinary practitioners and owners both for elderly pets and for those suffering from chronic or degenerative diseases, has increased considerably. As for the horse, both the progression of age, or an intense sport activity, are accompanied by the onset of chronic arthritic forms that affect the animal welfare and significantly limit its movements. To date, the available drugs cannot eradicate the causes of these diseases, whose symptoms are usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs, although extremely effective, due to the side effects, can only be used for short periods of time. As an alternative to these treatments, we investigated here the use of a natural product, the extract of Indian celery seeds, that in humans is employed as a supplement with anti-inflammatory properties, for long lasting treatments of chronic osteo-arthropathies. The improvements obtained and the lack of side effects for prolonged treatments, suggest that also in the equine species the Indian celery seed extract can be successfully administered to ameliorate both well-being and quality of life of subjects suffering from chronic joint diseases. ABSTRACT: The extract of the seeds from Indian celery, Apium greaveolens (CSE), tested in experimental animals (rodents), and in humans affected by chronic osteoarthritic diseases, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that can be compared, to some degree, to those of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). In view of a potential use of CSE in the equine species, it was tested on horses affected by chronic articular pathologies. The trial was performed on 20 horses divided into three different groups, orally treated with 0 (controls), 7.0 or 30 g of CSE BID. Basic orthopedic examinations were conducted, vital signs were observed, and blood samples collected. Improvement was observed at the highest dosage tested (30 g of CSE BID), as reflected in the score values of three clinical parameters, (i) amplitude and (ii) sensitivity to passive flexion and (iii) flexion test. Since the improvement of these parameters can be correlated with a lower perception of the pain, the present data suggest that the CSE treatment can have an analgesic effect in horses affected by chronic osteoarthritic diseases.