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

Abstract

Veterinary practitioners may encounter a wide variety of behaviorual problems such as aggresion, anxiety, compulsive behaviours, inappropriate elimination and cognitive dysfunction in daily practice. With the advance of scientific researches regarding usage of herbs and nutraceuticals in order to treat these behavioural problems, veterinarians and animal owners look for reliable sources to gain knowladge about that therapeutics. As elucidated by many published researches, neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine act in pathology of many psychiatric disorders and most of the modern drugs show their mechanism of action by regulating these neurochemicals. There is increasing evidence that herbal extracts and nutraceuticals act in a similiar way with the conventional therapeutics however, lots of conventional medicines have remarkable side effect unlike herbal and nutraceutical therapeutics. Despite the increasing number of studies, the mechanism of action of these therapeutics has not been fully elucidated. This review aims to introduce recent scientific knowledge on herbal and nutraceutical remedies, that may be alternative treatment models in dog and cat behavioural problems.

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✉ *Corresponding author: umut.burak.aan@gm ail.com
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Van Vet J, 2022, 33 (1) 36-41
Van Veterinary Journal
https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/vanvetj
Cite this article as: Ağan UB, Hosseinpou r Raouf S, Uzun B, Meral Y (2022). The Hidden Potential of Herbal Remedies
and Neutraceuticals in Canine and Feline Behavioural D isorders. Van Vet J, 33(1), 36-41. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36483/vanvetj.955081
ISSN: 2149-3359
Review
e-ISSN: 2149-8644
The Hidden Potential of Herbal Remedies and Neutraceuticals in Canine and Feline
Behavioural Disorders
Umut Burak AĞAN1, * Saba HOSSEINPOUR RAOUF1 Büşra UZUN1 Yücel MERAL1
1 Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, 55000, Samsun, Turkey
Received: 22.06.2021
Accepted: 10.10.2021
ABSTRACT
Veterinary practitioners may encounter a wide variety of behaviorual problems such as aggresion, anxiety,
compulsive behaviours, inappropriate elimination and cognitive dysfunction in daily practice. With the
advance of scientific researches regarding usage of herbs and nutraceuticals in order to treat these
behavioural problems, veterinarians and animal owners look for reliable sources to gain knowladge about
that therapeutics. As elucidated by many published researches, neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin,
dopamine and norepinephrine act in pathology of many psychiatric disorders and most of the modern drugs
show their mechanism of action by regulating these neurochemicals. There is increasing evidence that herbal
extracts and nutraceuticals act in a similiar way with the conventional therapeutics however, lots of
conventional medicines have remarkable side effect unlike herbal and nutraceutical therapeutics. Despite the
increasing number of studies, the mechanism of action of these therapeutics has not been fully elucidated.
This review aims to introduce recent scientific knowledge on herbal and nutraceutical remedies, that may be
alternative treatment models in dog and cat behavioural problems.
Keywords: Behavioral disorders, Dietary supplements, Herbal, Serotonin.
ÖZ
Kedi ve Köpeklerin Davranış Bozukluklarında Bitkisel Remedilerin ve
Nutrasötiklerin Gizli Potansiyeli
Veteriner Hekimler günlük pratikte agresyon, anksiyete, kompulsif davranışlar, uygunsuz eliminasyon ve
bilişsel işlev bozukluğu gibi çok çeşitli davranışsal problemlerle karşılaşmaktadırlar. Bu davranış
problemlerini tedavi etmek için bitkisel remedilerin ve nutrasötiklerin kullanımına ilişkin bilimsel
çalışmaların ilerlemesiyle, Veteriner Hekimler ve hayvan sahipleri bu terapötikler hakkında bilgi edinmek için
güvenilir kaynaklar aramaktadır. GABA, serotonin, dopamin ve norepinefrin gibi nörotransmitterler birçok
psikiyatrik bozukluğun patolojisinde rol oynar ve modern ilaçların çoğu bu nörokimyasalları düzenleyerek
etki mekanizmalarını gösterirler. Bitkisel ekstraktlar ve nutrasötiklerin geleneksel terapötiklerle benzer
şekilde etki ettiğine dair artan kanıtlar vardır, ancak birçok geleneksel ilacın bitkisel ve nutrasötik
terapötiklerin aksine dikkate değer yan etkileri vardır. Artan sayıda çalışmaya rağmen, bu terapötiklerin etki
mekanizması tam olarak aydınlatılamamıştır. Bu derleme, köpeklerin ve kedilerin davranış problemlerinde
alternatif tedavi modeli olabilecek bitkisel ve nutrasötik remedilerle ilgili güncel bilimsel verileri tanıtmayı
amaçlamaktadır.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Bitkisel, Davranış bozuklukları, Diyet ürünleri, Serotonin.
INTRODUCTION
Demand for etiology-based treatment options is increasing
parallel to the growing behavioural problems in dogs. A
recent study by Didehban et al. demonstrated that dog
behavioural problems are one of the leading reasons for
consulting a veterinarian and 86% of the dogs included in
the study had at least one behavioural problem (Didehban
et al. 2020). Veterinary practitioners may encounter a
wide variety of behavioural problems such as aggression,
anxiety, compulsive behaviours, inappropriate elimination
and cognitive dysfunction in daily practice. Every animal
presented with behavioural complaints need to be
assessed in terms of overall health and a detailed history
should be taken to determine whether the behaviour is
normal, abnormal or is it an underlying medical condition
(Seibert and Landsberg 2008).
In human medicine, patients that suffer from anxiety, tend
to seek alternative therapies due to adverse side effects of
medications and collective prejudices (Liu et al. 2017).
Similar tendency for alternative therapies and prejudice

[Umut Burak AĞAN et al.] Van Vet J, 2022, 33 (1) 36-41
37
for medical psychoactives are prevalent in dog owners.
The Perception of dog owners against psychoactive
medications and non-prescription alternative treatments
was investigated and a significant majority of attendants
remarked that they felt the highest comfort level with
herbal and nutritional supplements, compared to medical
options (van Haaften et al. 2020).
There is increasing evidence that herbal extracts can
reduce anxiety symptoms through the regulation of
neurotransmitters (Alex and Srivastava 2019). Anxiety and
stress have similar development and results in humans
and dogs regarding many aspects. Neurotransmitters such
as GABA, serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine mainly
partake in the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders. GABA
modulating phytochemicals may be an alternative to
anxiolytic medications (Savage et al. 2018). Antidepressive
effects of some herbal remedies via monoamine Oxidase-A
enzyme (MAO) inhibition, are similar to the effects of
tricyclic antidepressants (Zhang 2004).
Although rare, problems related to drug interactions and
previous pathologies existing in animals should be
considered when using herbal medicines in veterinary
medicine. Quality, extraction method, concentration and
purity have vital importance for the reliability of herbal
remedies. Adverse effects due to remedies containing
environmental pollutants such as heavy metals and
mycotoxins also must be considered (Eritja 2014).
This review aims to introduce recent scientific knowledge
on herbal and nutraceutical remedies, that may be
alternative treatment models in dog and cat behavioural
problems.
Herbal Remedies
Souroubea spp.
S. sympetala has been used in folk medicine to treat
depression-like symptoms. Preclinical studies of souroubea
spp. have shown an anxiolytic effect on rodents. Betulinic
acid (BA) is one of the active metabolites of Souroubea
spp. and anxiolytic effect of the herb is mainly attributed to
BA. A commercial preperation which is composed of 55/45
mixture of Souroubea spp./ Plantus spp, which is equal to
1mg/kg BA for a 10kg dog has provided dose dependent
decrease of plasma cortisol levels and significant anxiolytic
effect on dogs (Liu et al. 2017). 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).
Canabis Sativa (Hemp)
Canabis sativa has been used by various cultures in
traditional medicine for ages. Canabis sativa contains
numerous physiologically active phytochemicals such as
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinidiol (CBD),
cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabichromene (CBC) (Lipnik-
Štangelj & Razinger, 2020). THC binds with the
cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain, resulting with
euphoria, so it is the undesired metabolite. According to
EU regulations, THC content cannot exceed 0.2% in
veterinary products and hemp products are widely
prescribed in USA and EU. Mechanism of action of CBD is
not yet to be understood completely, but it is known that
CBD modulates CB-1 receptor function, GABA, dopamine
levels and serotonin function. Several human studies have
shown its effectiveness on anxiety and psychotic
symptoms and it can be considered as a safe molecule
(Ayati et al. 2020). Although it is used empirically, many
veterinarians successfully use cannabis derivatives in
many pathologies such as pain management, mood
disorders, anxiety, depression, and seizures in dogs and
cats (della Rocca and Di Salvo 2020). In a study on shelter
dogs, effects of CBD on stress related behaviours were
investigated and the results, although not statistically
significant, demonstrated decrease in aggressive
behaviours toward humans (Corsetti et al. 2021).
Withania Somnifera (Ashwaganha)
Withania somnifera, also known as Indian Ginseng has
been studied for its neuroprotective, adaptogenic,
anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. A randomized
clinical trial has demonstrated the effectiveness of
withania root extract on depression, anxiety and social
dysfunction (Ayati et al. 2020). Glycowithanolides (WSG),
extracted from the root of Withania somnifera has been
used as an anxiolytic by Indians. It is thought Withania
somnifera exhibits an effect by inhibiting protein oxidation
and lipid peroxidation (Zhang 2004). Rodents treated with
Withania presented reduced anxiety and this reduction
was found similir to the effects of benzodiazepines (Alex
and Srivastava 2019).
Pasiflora incarnata (Passion Flower)
Pasiflora incarnata, also known as Passion Flower is a
perennial herb. Studies indicate that passion flower has
effects on anxiety, reactivity, insomnia and depression-like
behaviours comparable to benzodiazepines (Fonseca et al.
2020). Pasiflora is one of the herbal remedies that can be
used to reduce stress in animals and there is no report
about adverse effects, such as memory loss and collapse of
psychometric functions relating to the adminastration of
passion flower (Janda et al. 2020). A mixture containing
dry extracts of Crataegus oxyacantha, Passiflora incarnata,
and Valeriana officinalis was studied toxicologically on
dogs, mice, and rats, and Ld50 dose was indicated as 5g/kg
and possibly more, also acute and chronic toxicity trials
were conducted for 180 days and no signs of toxicity were
observed at the end of the study, even with high doses and
long-term use (Tabach et al. 2009). Due to the low toxicity
profile and benzodiazepine like effects of the herb, Passion
Flower could be a first-line therapeutic option for mild to
moderate anxieties in dogs.
Hypericum Perforatum (St John's wort)
Hypericum perforatum, one of the most studied herbs due
to its antidepressant effects and the herb has many active
metabolites. Its possible mechanism of action is attributed
to inhibition of monoaminergic reuptake and inhibition of
Monoamine Oxidase A (MAO-A) and MAO-B activity
(Zhang, 2004). Numerous clinical studies and animal
experiments demonstrated that H.perforatum exerts its
effect through a mechanism similar to tricyclic
antidepressants or serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Alex and
Srivastava 2019). In a striking study comparing hypericin
(one of the active ingredients of Hypericum perforatum,
0.05 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (1 mg/kg) in 18 dogs with tail
chasing behaviour, hypericin was found to have superior
clinical effects compared to fluoxetine (Mosallanejad et al.
2015). Data in human medicine has demonstrated that
hypericum perforatum may lead to drug interaction when
used concurrently with cyclosporine and many other
drugs due to common enzymatic metabolism. Furthermore
it could lead to serotonin syndrome when used with SSRIs
and side effects such as nausea, photosensitivity, and rash,
although not frequent were observed (Ng et al. 2017).

[Complementary Treatments for Behavioural Disorders] Van Vet J, 2022, 33 (1) 36-41
38
Camelia Sinensis (Green Tea)
Green tea has been used by traditional medical
applications and it has various pharmacological and
physiological functions. It has been well documented that,
L-theanine, that is a main constituent of green tea has
stress and anxiety reducing, neuroprotective and
antioxidant effects (Saeed et al. 2017). A study has
compared the effects of a nutraceutical (green tea extract,
L-tryptophane) and control diet, on stress and
neuroendocrine parameters of dogs. Results of the study
revealed that plasma serotonin, dopamine and beta
endorphin levels of dogs in the study group were
significantly higher than the control group and plasma
noradrenaline and cortisol levels were significantly lower
in the study group (Sechi et al. 2017).
Melissa Oficinalis (Lemon Balm)
Melissa officinalis has been used historically due to it’s
anxiolytic effects. Studies performed with aqueous extract
of the herb on mice, has demonstrated increased
explanatory activity and sedation (Zhang 2004). In another
study performed on mouses, Melissa officinalis extract
administration has shown dose dependent decrease of
serum corticosterone levels, additionally increased GABA
levels in mouse dentate gyrus (Yoo et al. 2011).
Matricaria Recutita (Chamomile)
Matricaria is also commonly called as German Chamomile
and it is a very popular herb for various diseases. It is
known that among the other effects, chamomile has
anxiolytic, anti-stress and anti-depressive effects. In
according to the results of an animal study, chamomile
extract has alleviated the anxiety and depression related to
the scopolamine injection (Ioniță et al. 2019).
Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola)
Centella Asiatica has been used by Indians due to its
beneficial effects on cognition and anxiety. Extracts of the
herb have shown GABA receptor modulating activity,
neuroprotective features and memory ehancement effect
(Ceremuga et al. 2015). A study had investigated the
effectiveness of Gotu kola extract for ameliorating vascular
cognitive impairment (VCI) after stroke and compared it’s
effectiveness against folic acid. Gotu kola has been found
superior to folic acid in terms of memory improving and as
affective as folic acid for in improvement of post-stroke
VCI (Farhana et al. 2016). As suggested by Wynn and
Fougère (2007), 25%-40% ethanolic extract of gotu kola
may be efficient for cognitive impairment of dogs and cats
in a dose range of 0.4-1.5 ml per 10 kg.
Bacopa Monniera (Bacopa)
As an Ayurvedic plant Bacopa has been used for centuries.
Several studies have investigated antidepressant and
anxiolytic activity of the plant and show that Bacopa has
anxiolytic activity without adverse effects like amnesia as
in benzodiazepines and has significant antidepressant
effects (Gohil and Patel 2010). It is known that Bacopa has
a norepinephrine decreasing effect and increasing 5-
hydroxytryptamine in brain zones such as hippocampus
and amygdala (Russo and Borrelli 2005). In a rat study,
Bacopa extract orally at different durations of 20 to 80
mg/kg has been shown to improve memory and learning
(Vollala et al. 2010).
Valeriana Officinalis (Valerian)
Valerian has been used in traditional and ayurvedic
medicine due to a relaxant and sleep-promoting effects.
Nearly 150-200 chemical metabolites have been found in
valerian. Some of these constituents have been found to
have potantial therapeutic effects in alzhaimer, parkinson
and epilepsy diseases. Root extract of valerian has shown
cognitive enhancing and corticosterone reducing effects, in
aged mice (Nandhini et al. 2018). In a study conducted on
cats, responses to the use of valerian root for
environmental enrichment as an olfactory stimulant were
evaluated and 47% of cats responded. Results suggest that
usage of valerian root may improve the quality of life in
cats (Bol et al. 2017). In another study conducted on
shelter dogs, the effect of olfactory stimuli on behavior was
evaluated and it was shown that valerian and other
olfactory stimulants significantly affect behavior, reduce
vocalization and movement. Reduced vocalization and
movement may be associated with reduced stress
provided by the use of olfactory stimulants (Binks et al.
2018).
Lavandula Officinalis (Lavander)
L.officinalis has antidepressive and sedative usage besides
it’s various medical advantages. A study which is
conducted on rats showed that extract of aerial parts of
Lavandula possess antidepressive-like effects, anxiety and
scopolamine induced memory impairment reducing effects
(Rahmati et al. 2017). A study conducted on 16 cats has
assessed the aromatherapeutic potential of lavender oil in
reducing anxiety in cats. The study group received
lavender oil by inhalation for 30 minutes. As the result, a
statistically significant decrease in stress and anxiety-
related behaviors was observed in the study group
(Goodwin and Reynolds 2018). Due to its non-invasiveness
and promising results, lavender oil can be used in cats as
an additional treatment option in anxiety management.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is frequently used by humans to ameliorate
age-related cognitive impairments. It is one of the most
studied herbs due to its neurological effects. It is known
that ginkgo has various effects on the brain including
enhancement of neuronal plasticity, memory improving
and protecting against ischemic neuronal death (Singh et
al. 2019). A study performed on aged beagle dogs has
shown that a nutraceutical preparation composed of
phosphatidylserine, Ginkgo biloba, Vitamin E and
pyridoxine enhanced the short-term memory performance
of dogs. Along with the benefits of other substances, the
study indicated that Ginkgo may possess the promote
short-term retention of spatial memory thereby enhancing
cognitive functions in animals (Araujo et al. 2008). In
another study conducted on 46 dogs, a commercial
preparation which is containing phosphatidylserine and
Ginkgo biloba standardized extract has evaluated for its
effectiveness and tolerability. At the end of the 3 months
treatment 66% of the subjects responded to treatment
with improved signs in terms of the general activity,
sleep/awake cycle, house soiling, disorientation and social
interactions (Cane et al. 2005).
Other Herbs
Piper methysticum is a well-known herb due to it’s
anxiolytic effect. The main active constituent of the herb
has shown the various mechanism of action such as
increase of GABA-A receptor functioning, inhibition of
excitatory neurotransmission and inhibition of
norepinephrine uptake (Zhang 2004).
Ziziphus jujube has been used in Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM) and laboratory studies have revealed that
extract of the herb act as an anxiolytic at lower doses and
sedative at higher doses (Peng et al. 2000).

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Extract of the Apocynum venetum has an antidepressant
effect and it is thought that mechanism of action of the
herb is related to its effect on the central monoaminergic
system, as in conventional antidepressants(Meizhu et al.
2014).
Constituent of Atecha catechu's nut has shown significant
inhibitory effect on GABA uptake and in-vitro studies
carried out with the phenolic compounds of the herb had
stimulated the catecholamine release (Zhang 2004).
Table 1. Recommended herbals and nutraceuticals for behavioural problems of dogs and cats.
Herbals and
Nutraceuticals
Effects on Behavioural Conditions
Potential Indications
References
Pasiflora
incarnata
Stress reducing and benzodiazepin-like
effects
Canine and Feline Anxiety
Insomnia
Depressive Behaviours
(Janda et al. 2020)
(Fonseca et al. 2020)
Hypericum
perforatum
Inhibition of monoaminergic reuptake
and inhibition of (MAO)-A and MAO-B
activity
Depressive Behaviours
Anxiety
Tail-Chasing
(Zhang 2004)
(Alex and Srivastava 2019)
(Mosallanejad et al. 2015)
(Ng et al. 2017)
Matricaria
recutita
Anxiolytic, Antidepressive and Anti-
stress
Depressive Behaviours
Anxiety
(Ioniță et al. 2019).
Withania
somnifera
Anxiolytic, Adaptogen and
Antidepressive
Depressive Behaviours
Anxiety
(Alex and Srivastava 2019)
(Ayati et al. 2020)
(Zhang 2004)
Canabis Sativa
(CBD) l
Alteration of CB-1 receptor function,
GABA and dopamine levels, and
serotonin function
Depressive Behaviours
Canine Aggression
(della Rocca and Di Salvo
2020)
Ayati et al. 2020)
(Corsetti et al. 2021)
Camelia Sinensis
Neuroprotective, stress and anxiety
reducing effects
Anxiety
(Saeed et al. 2017)
(Sechi et al. 2017)
Melissa officinalis
Decrease serum corticosterone levels
and increase dentate gyrus GABA levels
Cognitive dysfunction
Anxiety
(Zhang 2004)
(Yoo et al. 2011)
Gotu Kola
GABA receptor modulation
Memory enhancement and
Neuroprotective
Cognitive dysfunction
Anxiety
(Ceremuga et al. 2015)
(Farhana et al. 2016)
(Wynn and Fougère 2007)
Bacopa monniera
Increase brain serotonin and decrease
brain norepinephrine
Anxiolytic and Antidepressive
Cognitive dysfunction
Depressive behaviours
Anxiety
(Gohil and Patel 2010)
(Russo and Borrelli 2005)
(Vollala et al. 2010)
Lavandula
officinalis
Antidepressive
Anxiety reducing
Depressive Behaviours
Anxiety
(Rahmati et al. 2017)
(Goodwin and Reynolds
2018)
Valeriana
officinalis
Relaxant, Sleep promoting, Sedative
Insomnia
Feline Hyperesthesia
Stress
(Nandhini et al. 2018)
(Bol et al. 2017)
(Binks et al. 2018)
Ginkgo biloba
Neuroprotective, Memory Improving,
Cognitive dysfunction
(Singh et al. 2019)
(Araujo et al. 2008)
(Cane et al. 2005)
Bovine Milk
Protein derivates
Stress reducing
Anxiolytic
Anxiety
Depressive Behaviours
(Orlando 2018)
(Beulens et al. 2004)
(Beata et al. 2007)
Apoaequorin
Neuroprotective effect by intracellular
calcium regulation
Cognitive Dysfunction
(Milgram et al. 2015)
(Orlando 2018)
MCTs
Support brain energy metabolism
Cognitive Dysfunction
Neuroprotection
(Pan et al. 2010)
(Orlando 2018)
Omega-3
Neuroprotective and neuronal
development
Cognitive Dysfunction
(Orlando 2018)
(Kaur et al. 2020)
SAMe
Cellular metabolism regulation, Cell
membrane stability
Cognitive Dysfunction
(Orlando 2018)
Tryptophan
Precursor serotonin synthesis
Phobias
Aggression
Anxiety
(Orlando 2018)
Nutraceuticals
Bovine milk protein derivates include alpha casozepine
and alpha-lactalbumin, these compounds greatly reduced
anxiety signs and plasma cortisol levels in dogs besides
reduced social anxiety in cats (Orlando 2018). In a study,
rats fed with alpha-lactalbumin enriched diets have shown
increased serotonin levels and increased activity levels. In
the same study alpha lactalbumin has found superior to
casein in terms of profitable effects on mood (Orosco et al.
2004).

[Complementary Treatments for Behavioural Disorders] Van Vet J, 2022, 33 (1) 36-41
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It is known that a high ratio of tryptophan to other large
neutral amino acids (LNAAs) in the diet is important for
serotonin synthesis. Alpha-lactalbumin enriched diets
increaseserum tryptophan to LNAAs ratio (Beulens et al.
2004). Numerous commercial diets that include bovine
milk protein derivates have already been available in the
market. A study that compares the effectiveness of alpha-
casozepine and selegiline on anxiety disorders in dogs
have shown that alpha-casozepine is equivalently effective
as selegiline and during the study no adverse effects were
recorded regarding the use of alpha-casozepine (Beata et
al. 2007).
Apoaequorin is a protein derived from jellyfish and it has a
better improvement effect on cognitive functions in aged
beagle dogs compared to selegiline (Orlando 2018).
Apoaequorin has calcium buffering properties and thus
protects against pathologies related to calcium
dysregulation and excitotoxicity. In a placebo-controlled
study, 23 aged beagle dogs have treated with apoaequorin
and the study group has shown enhanced cognitive results.
In a second study, 10 mg apoaequorin administration has
been shown as effective as selegiline treatment for canine
cognitive dysfunction (Milgram et al. 2015).
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), it is known that in aged
dogs brain glucose metabolism is altered. MCTs act as a
second energy source in the form of ketones to support
brain energy metabolism when given as a food additive.
Beta-hydroxybutyrate, a ketone body, levels were
found significantly higher in the MCT supplemented dogs
(Pan et al. 2010). In a study performed on aged beagle
dogs, feeding with a proportion of 5.5% MCT added diet
improved cognitive test scores. In another study
performed on owned dogs, 6.5% MCT containing diet has
shown significant amelioration of the clinical signs of
cognitive dysfunction in one month (Orlando 2018).
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that
are essential for the canine diet. They have beneficial
properties for various conditions of dogs such as epilepsy,
cardiovascular diseases, and dermatlogical problems
(Kaur et al. 2020). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are omega-3 fatty acids
usually derived from fish oil. It is known that DHA play a
crucial role in the neurological and cognitive development
of puppies (Orlando 2018).
SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine) plays vital roles in cellular
metabolism, cell membrane stability and neurotransmitter
functions. In a study, dogs and cats with cognitive
dysfunction syndrome treated with SAMe have shown
improvement in cognitive abilities (Orlando 2018). In cats
with mild cognitive dysfunction syndrome, the
administration of SAMe has shown an improvement in
cognitive abilities (Sordo and Gunn-Moore 2021).
Tryptophan is a dietary amino acid used in the production
of serotonin. In addition to the amount in the diet, the ratio
to other large neutral amino acids is also important.
Owner-directed aggression score has been found higher in
dogs fed with high protein diets and in fearful dogs,
increased levels of plasma tryptophan metabolites and
decreased levels of tryptophan have been found (Orlando
2018).
Vitamin B-6, Vitamin E, resveratrol, alpha-tocopherol, and
L-carnitin are other substances that might be used to
ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in dogs and cats (Sordo
and Gunn-Moore 2021).
CONCLUSION
Herbal and nutraceutical remedies have many advantages
in veterinary medicine such as low cost, availability and
positive owner attitude, etc. Alas, people generally fixed at
the opinion that, herbal remedies have no side effects. This
is a crucial fault, as many herbs have various and vital side
effects. The dilemma in herbal and nutraceutical remedies
can be solved by choosing the right extraction, suitable
dose and indication. Still there are promising therapeutic
potentials in these remedies with the advances in
phytochemical researches, that must be considered in
veterinary medicine.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The authors report no conflicts of interest.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We would like to thank Prof. Dr. Duygu Dalgin, a faculty
member of Ondokuz Mayis University, Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, for
her support at every step of this study.
AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS
Idea / Concept: UBA
Supervision / Consultancy: YM
Data Collection and / or Processing: UBA
Analysis and / or Interpretation: SHR, BU
Writing the Article: UBA
Critical Review: SHR, BU
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