Sport and performance horses are extremely susceptible to lung disease. Even apparently healthy horses are frequently affected. Studies have shown that 90-100% of sport horses tested have evidence of airway damage that can lead to equine reactive airway disease (RAD, also called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD), a Serious, career-ending condition. The first (and often only) early sign is declining performance.
Herbs may be a safe and effective way to prevent and treat equine RAD/COPD. In fact, many herbs would help with some of the symptoms of this disease. For example, yarrow is often used for upper respiratory problems.
The properties of the ideal herb to prevent and treat ADR/COPD would include:
- Antioxidant, to reduce inflammation-causing molecules in the body that contribute to asthma
- Antifungal, to inhibit mold particles that commonly cause respiratory diseases in horses
- Immunomodulator, to decrease the hyperreactive immune response to allergens
- Anti-inflammatory, to protect the lungs from the harmful effects of chronic inflammation
- Free of contamination by heavy metals, to avoid the accumulation of toxic substances
- It does not contain any substances banned by equine sports regulatory bodies such as the USEF or racing commissions.
elastic funtumia it is a medium-sized African rubber tree; its bark has a long history of use for respiratory problems. funtumia It has important antioxidant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. It has no known toxicity and is not prohibited by any governing body of equine sport.
Natural compounds found in funtumia include:
anthocyanins: plant pigments that give color to berries (such as blueberries, blackberries and cherries). Anthocyanins have been called “the mother lode in an antioxidant gold mine.” Anthocyanins have shown specific benefit in reducing immune-stimulated inflammation and are believed to be of value in preventing the development of asthma.
flavonoids: Vitamin C is the most familiar member of this class of plant-derived antioxidant compounds. Flavonoids are useful for both preventing and treating COPD, asthma, and other chronic lung diseases.
plant sterols: Natural plant steroids are safer than synthetic steroids like prednisone and dexamethasone. Phytosterols have immunomodulatory effects, normalizing a hyperreactive antibody response, as well as anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
natural antifungals: funtumia specifically inhibits the growth of many molds, including Aspergilluswhich is commonly associated with equine respiratory disease.
tannins: These compounds have shown promise in the treatment of allergic inflammation and asthma.
funtumia has demonstrated excellent safety (low toxicity) in multiple laboratory experiments and has tested negative for heavy metals including cadmium, zinc, lead, chromium, and nickel. It does not contain substances prohibited by any equestrian sport authority.
Preventing equine respiratory disease is easier, and smarter, than trying to treat established disease. Excellent hygiene, clean feed, fresh air and preventative thermal therapy can make all the difference for your horse.