Every horse is different. You need to give
your horse the right herb & amount to put & keep it's body in balance. The same
herb in large doses for too long can have adverse effects. You need to look at
your horse on a daily basis & ask yourself what it needs.
If you feed the tonic herbs i.e. Equi Immun at say 1 - 2ml per day that should be
fine. I do not advise feeding Gynostemma continually as I have found it can cause
depression & lethargy. It is a great herb when used in the right situation,
but only if needed. Ashwagandha can be fed long term and the dose increased if
your horse has a stressful situation. 25 gms per day for a normal resting horse
would be fine.

We have not used any products which contain a bit of this and that. We used either the powdered herbs or tinctured herbs. Recipes and dosages/treatments are listed below. It varies strongly from horse to horse. The horse owner needs to observes the horse closely to note any changes, which might be minimal in the beginning. 

Adaptogens are NO CURE ALL and NO WONDER DRUG!!! 

I don't title the adaptogens a cure, to be named that way it would need years of trials and thousands of horses. For me  and for several horses  treated it is one way, so far it seems to be the only way for some horses to get rid of the pain and it's symptoms.

I have not met a horse owner who 'jumped' into this treatment option without caution and the desire to learn more before we fed "this stuff" to our horses. We all are more or less suspicious, being aware of  useless products for HS horses.  I must admit I'm most doubtful, taken everything under the magnifying glass what I haven't heard of, specially if it doesn't comply with my "western" way of thinking. But the option to use adaptogens seemed more hopeful than to 'put my horse down' and I didn't feel pressured to buy a certain costly product, but was offered help and understanding by a quiet and humble person. And I was given referral names + phone numbers to inquire in-depth about their successes. The good results are known.

All the treated horses were thoroughly examined by veterinarians and any possible physical cause was excluded. We simple choose adaptogens over the possibility of surgery or hard core drugs.

We all followed the advise of Mrs. Annabelle Knight and kept a calm environment and timely stable management to avoid further stress in the animals.

Mrs. Knight advises following:
"I recommend starting very light work as soon as the horse is calm & showing no symptoms of h/s . Exercise is very important to the adrenals, in horses as well as people. By light work I mean treating your horse as if he is recovering from a major illness. At first just walking around the arena 5 times in a headcollar/halter is enough, then try with a bridle on, then a saddle. If horse remains calm doing this after say a week try trotting in hand. Increase very gradually
but if at any time the horse becomes stressed stop and give a few days break, then go back a step. It is a slow process but it works. Depending on severity of nerve damage, some horses are never going to be able to get back to the level at which they were competing prior to the onset of h/s because they cannot take the pressure, however I have several here in the UK that are back in full work with no problems, but the owners have been very dedicated.
Regards
Annabelle"

October 2004: Caro was worked very lightly, he still couldn't handle the noseband being tied or a flash, right away he started with head tossing. If he was especially tensed before I intended to work him, I just left it be. No pressure, calm environment and "living outdoors" seems to help him in such moments.

Adaptogen Information and Articles

Drugs with Adaptogenic Effects

Nutritional and botanical interventions to assist with the adaptation to stress.

Author Kelly GS.

Prolonged stress, whether a result of mental/emotional upset or due to physical factors such as malnutrition, surgery, chemical exposure, excessive exercise, sleep deprivation, or a host of other environmental causes, results in predictable systemic effects. The systemic effects of stress include increased levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, a decline in certain aspects of immune system function such as natural killer cell cytotoxicity or secretory-IgA levels, and a disruption of gastrointestinal microflora balance. These systemic changes might be a substantial contributor to many of the stress-associated declines in health. Based on human and animal research, it appears a variety of nutritional and botanical substances - such as adaptogenic herbs, specific vitamins including ascorbic acid, vitamins B1 and B6, the coenzyme forms of vitamin B5 (pantethine) and B12 (methylcobalamin), the amino acid tyrosine, and other nutrients such as lipoic acid, phosphatidylserine, and plant sterol/sterolin combinations - may allow individuals to sustain an adaptive response and minimize some of the systemic effects of stress.

Publication Types:

• Review

• Review, Tutorial

Rhodiola rosea:

Author Kelly GS.

Rhodiola rosea (Golden Root) is a popular plant in traditional medical systems in Eastern Europe and Asian with a reputation for stimulating the nervous system, decreasing depression, enhancing work performance, eliminating fatigue, and preventing high altitude sickness. Rhodiola rosea has been categorized as an adaptogen by Russian researchers due to its observed ability to increase resistance to a variety of chemical, biological, and physical stressors. Its claimed benefits include antidepressant, anticancer, cardioprotective, and central nervous system enhancement. Research also indicates great utility in asthenic conditions (decline in work performance, sleep difficulties, poor appetite, irritability, hypertension, headaches, and fatigue) developing subsequent to intense physical or intellectual strain. The adaptogenic, cardiopulmonary protective, and central nervous system activities of Rhodiola rosea have been attributed primarily to its ability to influence levels and activity of monoamines and opioid peptides such as beta-endorphins. [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue - A double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty. Phytomedicine 7(5), pp. 365-371.
  A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine 10 2003, pp. 95-105.

Powdered Rhodiola root NEEDS to be tinctured on alcohol base for a minimum of 4 weeks; if of Chinese origin minimum of 6 weeks.

Ashwagandha: Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review.

Mishra LC, Singh BB, Dagenais S.

Los Angeles College of Chiropractic (LACC), 16200 E Amber Valley Dr., Whittier, CA 90609-1166. lakshmimishra@lacc.edu

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to review the literature regarding Withania somnifera (ashwagandha, WS) a commonly used herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Specifically, the literature was reviewed for articles pertaining to chemical properties, therapeutic benefits, and toxicity. DESIGN: This review is in a narrative format and consists of all publications relevant to ashwagandha that were identified by the authors through a systematic search of major computerized medical databases; no statistical pooling of results or evaluation of the quality of the studies was performed due to the widely different methods employed by each study. RESULTS: Studies indicate ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antistress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoietic, and rejuvenating properties. It also appears to exert a positive influence on the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems. The mechanisms of action for these properties are not fully understood. Toxicity studies reveal that ashwagandha appears to be a safe compound. CONCLUSION: Preliminary studies have found various constituents of ashwagandha exhibit a variety of therapeutic effects with little or no associated toxicity. These results are very encouraging and indicate this herb should be studied more extensively to confirm these results and reveal other potential therapeutic effects. Clinical trials using ashwagandha for a variety of conditions should also be conducted.

PMID: 10956379 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Neuroprotective effects of Withania somnifera Dunn. in hippocampal sub-regions of female albino rat.

Jain S, Shukla SD, Sharma K, Bhatnagar M.

Department of Zoology, University College of Science, M.L. Sukhadia University, Udaipur 313001, India.

The neuroprotective effects of W. somnifera were studied on stressed adult female Swiss albino rats. Experimental rats were subjected to immobilization stress for 14 h and were treated with a root powder extract of W. somnifera available as Stresscom capsules (Dabur India Ltd). Control rats were maintained in completely, non stressed conditions. Thionin stained serial coronal sections (7 microm) of brain passing through the hippocampal region of stressed rats (E(1) group) demonstrated 85% degenerating cells (dark cells and pyknotic cells) in the CA(2) and CA(3) sub-areas. Treatment with W. somnifera root powder extract significantly reduced (80%) the number of degenerating cells in both the areas. The study thus demonstrates the antistress neuroprotective effects of W. somnifera. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID: 11536389 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The influence of Eleutherococcus senticosus on cellular and humoral immunological response of mice.

Rogala E, Skopinska-Rozewska E, Sawicka T, Sommer E, Prosinska J, Drozd J.

Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Immunology, National Instutute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Plocka 26, 01-138 Warsaw, Poland. e.rogala@igichp.edu.pl

The influence of Eleuterococcus senticosus on cellular and humoral immune response was evaluated. The experiments were performed on animal models (Balb/c mice and F1 crossbreeds Balb/cxC3H). It was shown that Eleuterococcus has immunomodulatory properties. This substance enhanced the cellular response of the mouse immunological system (chemokinetic activity of mice spleen cells, GvH reaction). A stimulatory effect of Eleuterococcus on the humoral response (antibody production) was also observed. Eleuterococcus did not augment the angiogenic activity of human renal carcinoma cells.

PMID: 14509359 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

1: Arzneimittelforschung. 1987 Oct;37(10):1193-6. 

 Flow-cytometric studies with Eleutherococcus senticosus extract as an

immunomodulatory agent. 

Bohn B, Nebe CT, Birr C. 

Orpegen Medizinisch-Molekularbiologische Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, Heidelberg,

Fed. Rep. of Germany.

 A placebo-controlled study of the effect of an Eleutherococcus senticosus extract (Eleukokk) on the immune system was performed with 36 healthy volunteers utilizing quantitative multi-parameter flow cytometry with monoclonal antibodies directed against specific surface markers of human lymphocyte subsets.  Volunteers in the verum group received 10 ml of an ethanolic (vincamine free) Eleutherococcus senticosus preparation, 3 times daily for 4 weeks. In the placebo, the Eleutherococcus extract was substituted by additional wine, resulting in identical final concentrations of ethanol in both preparations. The purpose of the double-blind study was the demonstration of possible effects on the cellular immune status, as determined by quantitative flow cytometry. The most salient feature in the verum group was a drastic increase in the absolute

number of immunocompetent cells, with an especially pronounced effect on T lymphocytes, predominantly of the helper/inducer type, but also on cytotoxic and natural killer cells. In addition, a general enhancement of the activation state of T lymphocytes was observed. No side effects were observed during the trial or afterwards (observation period 6 months). 

From: Zeitschrift für Phytotherapie 13: 42-54 (1992). (too bad this magazine is only in German language, I subscribed to it, lots of interesting information!)

Wagner, H., Heidrun Norr¹, Munchen and Hike Winterhoff, Munster

Eleutherococcus improves the non-specific immune defense, as has been proven in a double-blind study with 36 probands, through quantitative (Durchflusszytometrie). Immune-competent cells, particularly T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells, were increased after intake for 4 weeks (40). Purified prepared polysaccharides stimulated the phagocytic activity in vitro and in vivo (41).

[The effects of Eleuterococcus senticosus is a controversial subject. Some researches believe the term 'adaptogen' doesn't apply to this plant. ]

Echinopanax:  Photosensitizing and photo-protective properties of extracts from groups of medicinal plants

[Article in Russian]

Bol'shakova IV, Lozovskaia EL, Sapezhinskii II.

Investigation of photosensitization and photoprotection induced by plant extracts was carried out. A group of plants affected human central nervous system was studied in detail. Efficiency of plants as photoprotectors and photosensitizers was tested in the frame of the influence of their extracts on the yield of photochemiluminescence of Gly-Trp solutions. Photosensitization was studied under irradiation with light lambda > 280 nm and lambda > 320 nm, as well as with monochromatic light lambda=313, 365, 405 and 436 nm. All of the plants studied acted as photoprotectors in low concentration and as photosensitizers in high concentration. The efficiency of photoprotection and photosensitization was evaluated with regard to single dose of plant extracts and their concentration in human organism. The effect decreases in the following consequence of plants: Leonurus > Hypericum > Aralia > Schizandra > Echinopanax > Eleutherococcus > Valeriana > Panax ginseng. Photosensitization is due to the components of plant extracts which have strong absorbtion at the high wavelength range. The mechanism of photosensitization was suggested. Singlet oxygen generated by photoexcited compounds is the main species resulted in chemiluminescence. Superoxide radicals does not contribute significantly to the chemiluminescence formation.

PMID: 9410021 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Oplopanax, Asian devil’s club (Oplopanax elatus Nakai, syn. Echinopanax elatus Nakai)

Small, almost branchless shrub, to 1 – (1.5) m tall.  Leaves and stems densely spiny.  Leaves alternate, clustered near the stem apex, long-petioled, large, orbiculate, to 30 – 35 cm in diameter, cordate at the base, with 6  7 shallow, rounded lobes, bristly at the margin; flowers are bunched up into simple umbels which in turn are clustered into a raceme like, terminal inflorescence, about 20 cm long.  Flowers small, inconspicuous, yellowish green, 5-merous.  Fruits red, baccate, ripening in August or September [16].

Distribution southern Ussunland, northern Korea.  According to Schrooter [35], the possible annual yield of the crude drug might exceed 10 metric tons.

Part used:  roots, which are collected in the fall when the fruits are ripening.

Chemical composition:  the stems, leaves and flowers contain saponins and flavonoids.  Stems contain 2% tannins.  In roots, up to 6.9% glycosides, 0.2% coumarins, some fatty oils, starch and gum have been found.  Leaves contain about 0.5%, stems about 2% and roots about 1.8% of a complex Urereal (sp.) oil.  The oil consists of alcohols, 10% aldehydes, 8% phenols, 4% free acids, and 4% hydrocarbons [16, 35].

In the ethnopharmacology of Japan, stems and leaves of Japanese species of devil’s club (Oplopanax japonicus Nakai) are employed as anti-tussive and anti-pyretic agents and the roots are used as an antiphlogistic.  A water-soluble substance which decreases the sugar content of the blood is found in the root bark.  Consequently, Oplopanax is used in the USSR as an anti-diabetic in mild cases of diabetes [16, 35].  Since 1965, preparation from the roots of Oplopanax have been officially approved for therapeutic use in the USSR. [35].

An infusion of the roots increases the resistance of an organism against a number of stresses (adaptogenic effect).   

Schisandra chinensis 
Native to Northern China, Schizandra is a creeping vine with small red berries that was used as a staple food for hunting and gathering tribes in ancient times and,in Chinese medicine, it is an astringent and demulcent. Sometimes Schisandra is called Chinese Prozac. It has adaptogenic and immune-enhancing properties similar to ginseng and in Chinese medicine, Schisandra is called “five flavored seed,” because the fruit is sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, and salty and is considered to balance all body systems by virtue of the distribution of flavors. In the early 1980s, Chinese doctors began researching Schizandra as a treatment for hepatitis, and it is now recognized as an "adaptogen," capable of increasing the body's resistance to stress and disease. In Asia, Schizandra is said to boost the immune system, balance body function, speed recovery after surgery, protect against radiation, regulate blood sugar levels, increase stamina, protect against motion sickness, lower blood pressure, reduce high cholesterol, improve the overall health of the adrenals, and boost RNA-DNA molecules to help rebuild cells and produce energy comparable to that of a young athlete. Western herbalists recommend Schizandra for treating liver, kidney, and lung problems. In Russia, it is used to increase acuity and treat eye fatigue. It is available as powdered fruits or tincture. Schizandra should not be used during pregnancy. Do not use this herb if you have peptic ulcers, epilepsy and high blood pressure.

Results in testing of rats suggest that dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from Schisandra chinensis may possess therapeutic potential against oxidative neuronal damage induced by excitotoxin.