Efficacy of Souroubea-Platanus Dietary Supplement Containing Triterpenes in Beagle Dogs Using a Thunderstorm Noise-Induced Model of Fear and Anxiety

Abstract

A novel botanical dietary supplement, formulated as a chewable tablet containing a defined mixture of Souroubea spp. vine and Platanus spp. Bark, was tested as a canine anxiolytic for thunderstorm noise-induced stress (noise aversion). The tablet contained five highly stable triterpenes and delivered 10 mg of the active ingredient betulinic acid (BA) for an intended 1 mg/kg dose in a 10 kg dog. BA in tablets was stable for 30 months in storage at 23 °C. Efficacy of the tablets in reducing anxiety in dogs was assessed in a blinded, placebo-controlled study by recording changes in blood cortisol levels and measures of behavioral activity in response to recorded intermittent thunder. Sixty beagles were assigned into groups receiving: placebo, 0.5×, 1×, 2×, and 4× dose, or the positive control (diazepam), for five days. Reduction in anxiety measures was partially dose-dependent and the 1× dose was effective in reducing inactivity time (p = 0.0111) or increased activity time (p = 0.0299) compared with placebo, indicating a decrease in anxiety response. Cortisol measures also showed a dose-dependent reduction in cortisol in dogs treated with the test tablet.

The Hidden Potential of Herbal Remedies and Neutraceuticals in Canine and Feline Behavioural Disorders

“…Chewable tablets consisting of a mixture of souroubea and plantarus at a dose of 1 mg/kg were used in the thunderstorm noise-induced fear and anxiety model of dogs, and their effectiveness in reducing anxiety in dogs was evaluated. This blind, placebo-controlled study showed that anxiety symptoms and blood cortisol levels decreased in a dose-dependent manner (Masic et al 2021).…”

Integrative Nutritional Therapy in Canine Cognitive Dysfunction

“…bark i was significantly more effective than placebo in decreasing anxiety response to intermittent thunder sounds and serum cortisol levels in a dose-dependent manner. 85,87,88 Other natural products that may help with anxiety and sleep disturbance in CCD include melatonin, valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) or a multi-ingredient veterinary product j containing L-theanine, whey protein, Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense. 10,20,36,54,89,90 Certain platanus, magnolia and phellodendron species have been used for centuries as Chinese herbal medicines (CHM).…”

Daily dosing of cannabidiol (CBD) demonstrates a positive effect on measures of stress in dogs during repeated exposure to car travel

“…Over-the-counter commercially available products, including pheromone-based substances, are commonly reported to reduce signs of stress in dogs; however, responses are not consistent across individuals ( Gaultier et al., 2005 ; Gandia Estellés and Mills, 2006 ; Mariti et al., 2012 ). Additionally, a number of nutraceuticals have been evaluated for their anxiolytic effects in dogs, both in the form of supplements ( Beata et al., 2007 ; Bosch et al., 2009 ; Landsberg et al., 2015 ; Cannas et al., 2021 ; Masic et al., 2021 ; Scandurra et al., 2022 ) as well as within complete and balanced diets ( Palestrini et al., 2010 ; Kato et al., 2012 ; Sechi et al., 2017 ), with varying results.…”