The effects of daily oral administration of Siberian ginseng on health and behavior in horses

The effects of daily oral administration of Siberian ginseng on health and behavior in horses | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 3 June 2025 V1 Latest version Share on The effects of daily oral administration of Siberian ginseng on health and behavior in horses Authors : Frank Andrews 0000-0001-7930-6237 [email protected] , Ann Chapman , Jeannette Cremer 0000-0001-9644-7576 , Mike Keowen , Frank Garza, Jr. , Chin-Chi Liu 0000-0003-0723-8313 , and Lydia Gray Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174894884.43763897/v1 704 views 257 downloads Contents Abstract Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Background: Herbal supplements containing Siberian ginseng (SBG; Eleutherococcus senticosus, ”eleuthero”), among other ingredients, are administered to horses to maintain health and wellbeing. SBG has been reported to cause hypertension, anxiety and hypoglycemia in humans and other species, but there are no published reports documenting events in horses. Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine if the administration of a supplement containing SBG results in hypertension, hyperactivity, anxiety, and/or hypoglycemia in horses. Methods: Sixteen clinically healthy adult Thoroughbred horses, housed in stalls and randomly assigned to treated (N=8; supplement pellets containing SBG, 1,000 mg, fed once daily for 28 days) or control (N=8; supplement pellets without SBG) groups. Blood work was evaluated and blood pressure, and movement in the stall were measured after feeding the SBG or control pellets. Horses were subjected to a novel object test (NOT) on days 0 and 28, two hours after administering the supplements. Anxiety scores were assigned by a masked observer based on the observed reaction to the NOT test. Horses were monitored daily for clinical signs or adverse events. Results: The supplement was readily consumed by the horses and no adverse effects were seen over the treatment period. Mean systolic blood pressure significantly (P<0.05) decreased in the SBG-treated group by day 15 and 28 when compared to Day 0. Anxiety scores, after the NOT, were not significantly different between treatment groups. There were no treatment effects on heart rate, blood values, including glucose, indicators of anemia and blood proteins, liver enzymes, kidney values, electrolytes or calcium. Mean body weight of the horses did not change during the study period. Conclusions: The supplement containing Siberian ginseng (1,000 mg, once daily) was readily consumed and the administration for 28 days did not cause health issues, or result in hypertension, increased anxiety, or hypoglycemia. The effects of daily oral administration of Siberian ginseng on health and behavior in horses Frank M. Andrews a , Anna M. Chapman a , Jeanette Cremer b , Michael L. Keowen a , Frank Garza, Jr. a , Chin-Chi Liu c , Lydia Gray d From the a Equine Health and Sports Performance Program, b Section of Anesthesia and Analgesia, and c Office of Research and Graduate Education, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. d Lydia Gray Consulting, LLC, Elburn, Illinois, USA. Summary Background: Herbal supplements containing Siberian ginseng (SBG; Eleutherococcus senticosus, ”eleuthero”), among other ingredients, are administered to horses to maintain health and wellbeing. SBG has been reported to cause hypertension, anxiety and hypoglycemia in humans and other species, but there are no published reports documenting events in horses. Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine if the administration of a supplement containing SBG results in hypertension, hyperactivity, anxiety, and/or hypoglycemia in horses. Methods: Sixteen clinically healthy adult Thoroughbred horses, housed in stalls and randomly assigned to treated (N=8; supplement pellets containing SBG, 1,000 mg, fed once daily for 28 days) or control (N=8; supplement pellets without SBG) groups. Blood work was evaluated and blood pressure, and movement in the stall were measured after feeding the SBG or control pellets. Horses were subjected to a novel object test (NOT) on days 0 and 28, two hours after administering the supplements. Anxiety scores were assigned by a masked observer based on the observed reaction to the NOT test. Horses were monitored daily for clinical signs or adverse events. Results: The supplement was readily consumed by the horses and no adverse effects were seen over the treatment period. Mean systolic blood pressure significantly (P<0.05) decreased in the SBG-treated group by day 15 and 28 when compared to Day 0. Anxiety scores, after the NOT, were not significantly different between treatment groups. There were no treatment effects on heart rate, blood values, including glucose, indicators of anemia and blood proteins, liver enzymes, kidney values, electrolytes or calcium. Mean body weight of the horses did not change during the study period. Conclusions: The supplement containing Siberian ginseng (1,000 mg, once daily) was readily consumed and the administration for 28 days did not cause health issues, or result in hypertension, increased anxiety, or hypoglycemia. Introduction Herbal supplements, “green medicines”, are commonly administered to horses to maintain health and wellbeing. In one study, horses competing in 3-day events were fed an average of 4.2 supplements daily according to their owners (Burk & Williams, 2008). Several commercial supplements containing Siberian ginseng ( Eleutherococcus senticosus ”eleuthero”), an adaptogen, that has been shown to support “good health” through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, immunomodulating, antimicrobial and antiviral effects (Williams, 2013; Williams & Lamprecht, 2008; Pearson et al., 2007). However, Siberian ginseng has been reported to cause hypertension, anxiety and hypoglycemia in people and other species. Very few studies on the safety of Siberian ginseng have been done in horses (Pearson et al., 2007; Ralston, 2007; Saba et al., 2023), and there are limited reports documenting adverse responses of Ginseng in horses (Farnsworth et al., 1985; Ralston, 2007; Carella et al., 2017). In addition, the systematic database search conducted on people showed that hypertension was ameliorated in patients treated with Siberian ginseng (Schmidt et al., 2014) and Siberian ginseng resulted in decreased blood glucose values in patients with Type 2 Diabetes (Freye & Gleske, 2013). However, blood pressure, hyperactivity, anxiety and glucose data were not reported in horses administered Siberian ginseng. The purpose of this study was to determine if the administration of a supplement containing Siberian ginseng results in hypertension, hyperactivity, anxiety, or hypoglycemia in heathy horses. We hypothesize that Siberian ginseng (1,000 mg) in a supplement, administered once daily to horses for 28 days is not associated with hypertension, hyperactivity, anxiety, or hypoglycemia. Materials and Methods Experimental design This study was approved by the Louisiana State University Institute Animal Care and Use Committee (Protocol # IACUCAM-21-073). Sixteen clinically healthy Thoroughbred and Thoroughbred-cross geldings weighing 445 Kg to 571 Kg (Median = 520 Kg) and age ranging from 4 yrs to 16 yrs (Median age = 8 yrs) were selected from the Equine Health and Sports Performance program (EHSP) herd. A complete physical examination was performed on all horses prior to the study, to exclude the presence of clinical disease. A timeline of the experimental events is found in Figure 1 . A single-period, 28-day, non-crossover study with two treatments (a supplement containing Siberian ginseng and the same supplement without Siberian ginseng) was performed. Horses were randomly assigned, using a random number generator (randomizer.org), to the control group (n=8 horses) which received an alfalfa-based pelleted supplement only or the treatment group (n=8 horses) which received an alfalfa-based pelleted supplement with Siberian ginseng root powder (1,000 mg) added. Horses were acclimated to box stalls (3m X 3m) for 1 week prior to initiation of the study and all horses were observed twice daily, morning and evening, to ensure that no abnormal clinical signs (including colic) were present before or during the study period. Horses were fed locally harvested square baled mixed grass hay (1.5 % of body weight) and a standard commercial concentrate feed (2.5 kg/ twice daily, Strategy ® Healthy Edge, Purina Mills, LLC, Gray Summit, MO). Placebo and treatment pellets (35 g) were mixed directly into the feed once daily for 28 days. An experienced observer was stationed in the barn and observed all horses to make sure that all of the supplements were consumed. Horses were weighed at the beginning of the study and every 7 days during the study period using a calibrated equine scale. Blood Work – Blood samples were obtained from either jugular vein on Day -1 before the feeding of the supplements and on Day 28, two hours after feeding the supplements. Blood was obtained in a heparinized syringe for the biochemistry and blood gases (EPOC, Nova Biomedical, Waltham, MA) and via vacutainer needle in a blood tube containing EDTA anticoagulant for a complete blood count (CBC). All blood samples were submitted to the lab within 2 hours of collection. Blood Pressure – Blood pressure (BP) was measured non-invasively using an equine veterinary blood pressure monitoring system tail cuff system (SunTech Vet30E Equine Blood Pressure Monitor, SunTech Medical, Inc., Morrisville, NC 27560 USA). The BP was measured while horses were standing at rest in their stalls in a quiet environment. Briefly, horses were caught in the stall and a halter placed and held for 5 to 10 minutes before measurement, until heart rate were below 45 beats per min. The tail circumference was measured using a measuring tape and a blood pressure cuff, measuring 40% of the tail circumference (Tunsmeyer et al., 2015) was placed over the tail base and connected to the BP measuring device (Figure 2 A, B). Four consecutive BP measurements were taken, 3 minutes apart, on days -1, 14, and 28, three hours after morning feeding. Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure were corrected by the formula below to take into account horse size (Parry et al., 1984): ((Tail height – shoulder height) -10)*0.8= Correction factor) Blood pressure + Correction factor = Corrected blood pressure During blood pressure measurements, horses were in stalls and no other data was collected. The first reading was discarded, and the remaining three values were averaged to obtain the final systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures. If the measured values showed greater than 10% variability in the systolic value, further measurements were taken until the variability was less than 10% in the systolic value for three consecutive readings. Steps and Movement in stall – To evaluate activity in the stall, a pedometer (Timex Ironman, Middlebury, Connecticut, USA) was affixed on the left front limb of the horse just above the carpus and secured with elastic tape. To ascertain the level of confidence in the accuracy of the pedometer counts with the actual movements of the horses, limb steps and movements were hand counted for 5 minutes by an observer while the horse was turned loose in the stall. This procedure was performed 3 times and averaged for each horse. The observer counted steps and movements were slightly higher than the pedometer recorded steps but were within 90 - 95% of the pedometer detected steps and movements in the stall. Once the calibration was completed, the pedometer was reset to zero and steps and movement in the stall was recorded continuously for 3 hours using the pedometer on Days -1, 14 and 28. Measurements began just before the feeding of the supplement and continued for 3 hours on days -1, 14, and 28. During that time, no other data was collected from the horses. Heart Rate, Novel Object Test, Anxiety Testing Procedure – On Day 0 (before treatment) and Day 28, 2 hours after the 28 th treatment, all horses were subjected to a novel object test (NOT). The NOT was done similar to what was reported by Draeger, A.L. (2020) with some modifications. Briefly, the NOT was carried out in a quiet covered outdoor arena (25m X 40 m). Horses were walked from their box stalls, approximately 400 m to the covered outdoor arena. Once in the arena, horses were acclimated to the surroundings until heart rate was recorded at approximately ≤ 50 bpm (for approximately 5-10 minutes). Horses were then walked on a slack line for 25 m to the location of the NOT. To elicit a startle response, at the stimulus point, the operator, hiding behind a free-standing barrier with a window, opened a red polka dot umbrella as soon as the horse’s head was visible around the corner of the barrier. The umbrella remained open as the horse reacted. The handler did not offer reassurance or attempt to force the horse to move in any direction. A series of cones were placed in the arena to ensure that the path of each horse was consistent and to ensure that the umbrella was always opened approximately 3.0 m from the horse. Prior to the NOT, horses were fitted with a surcingle containing a continuous heart rate monitor (Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor, Polar Electro USA, Lake Success, NY, USA, 11042). The heart rate monitor was adjusted on the horse until the heart rate was accurately measured, as confirmed by auscultation with a stethoscope. Before placing the heart rate monitor, the withers and heart girth were dampened with water, electrodes were secured along with the transmitter through the assistance of a saddle pad and surcingle. The heart rate monitor remained attached before, during and after the NOT procedure. Heart rate was constantly monitored before, during and after the NOT and recorded on a wireless receiver. During the NOT, a masked observer (AMC) immediately scored (1-5) the horse’s reaction to the NOT, anxiety test ( Table 1 ) (Draeger et al., 2021; Holland et al., 1996). Immediately after the NOT, whole blood was obtained from the jugular vein for measurement of ACTH. The horse was then led to the side entrance of the pavilion and returned to the stall. Once the horse was returned to the stall, a 1 min timer was started so that the horse could stand and acclimate to the stall again. A final heart rate was recorded before the monitor recording was halted. Plasma ACTH: Blood samples were obtained from either jugular vein and placed in a tube containing EDTA anticoagulant. Blood samples were placed on ice and transported to the lab, where they were centrifuged at 1,500 g for 15 minutes and plasma collected. Plasma samples were frozen at -80 C until analysis, approximately 30 days. Plasma ACTH activity was measured using a solid phase, two-site sequential chemiluminescent immunometric assay (Immulite ® 1000, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc., Tarrytown, NY, USA). Statistical analysis Prior to the study a power analysis was conducted using R 4.0.2 (R Core Team., 2020) with an optimal sample size algorithm (Shieh, 2016). From the values obtained from a similar study (Draeger, 2020), a sample size of seven horses per group was determined to be sufficient to achieve 84% power at a significance level of 0.05, assuming an effect of size of 0.5. Data analyses were performed using SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). The treatment effect on NOT was evaluated by the difference of behavior scores between day 28 and day 0 via Mann Whitney test. A mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) model was used to analyze the bloodwork, blood pressure, body weight, stall movement and heart rate variables with treatment, day and time and all their interactions as the fixed effects and each horse as the random effect. Assumptions of the ANOVA models (linearity, normality of residuals, and homoscedasticity of residuals) and influential data points were assessed by examining standardized residual and quantile plots. When a fixed interaction was detected, Tukey post-hoc comparisons were performed with least square means for the effect. Significance was set at p<0.05. Results The supplement containing Siberian ginseng was readily consumed by the horses and no adverse effects were seen over the 28-day treatment period. There were no treatment effects on heart rate, blood values, including glucose, indicators of anemia and blood proteins, liver enzymes, kidney values, electrolytes or calcium (p > 0.05) during the study period. In addition, no significant interactions were detected between treatment groups in body weight, movement in stalls, and heart rate variables. However, mean corrected systolic blood pressure (Corr Sys2) was lower in the SBG-treated horses on days 15 and 28, compared to Day 0 ( Figure 5 ). Mean ± SEM Corr Sys2 decreased in the SBG-treated horses from 131.4 mmHg ± 4.3, on Day 0 (p=0.0375), to a mean of 123.2 mmHg ± 4.3 on Day 15 and to 117.2 mmHg ± 4.3 mmHg on Day 28 (0.0375, 0.0007, respectively) ( Figure 5 ). In addition, Corr Sys2 was lower (p=0.187) on Day 28 in the SBG-treated horses (117.2 ± 4.3) compared to the untreated controls (132.6 mm Hg ± 4.3) but this was not significant (Table 2). Heart rate was higher in horses during the NOT in both treatment groups, but a significant treatment effect was not found. Steps and movement in the stall did not change in horses administered the supplement containing Siberian ginseng compared to controls at any time during the study period. In addition, horses’ anxiety scores, after the NOT, were not significantly different between treatment groups ( Figure 3 , p > 0.05). Heart rate was significantly increased when horses were exposed to the novel object ( Figure 4 ). On Day 0, in SBG-treated horses, mean ± SEM heart rate increased from 45.8 ± 5.8 beats per min (bpm) before the NOT to 96.0 ± 5.8 bpm immediately after the NOT in horses before treatment. On Day 0 within control group, heart rate significantly increased from 41.4 ± 5.8 bpm before the NOT and 91.8 ± 5.8 bpm immediately after the NOT in the untreated group before treatment. On Day 28 within treatment group, mean ± SEM heart rate significantly increased from 46.6 ± 5.8 bpm before the NOT and 118.4 ± 5.8 bpm immediately after the NOT in the treated horses and untreated horses, heart rate increased from of 51.4 ± 5.8 bpm before the NOT to a mean of 107.6 ± 5.8 bpm immediately after the NOT in the untreated horses. No significant difference was observed among treatments and treatment involved interactions (treatment by day, treatment by time, and treatment by day by time; p > 0.05) ( Figure 4 ). Plasma ACTH values showed a significant time effect, where mean plasma ACTH activity was significantly (p = 0.0406) higher immediately after the NOT ( Figure 6 ). On Day 0, mean plasma ACTH increased from 22.3 ± 15.8 pg/ml to 51.1 ± 15.8 pg/ml before and after the NOT, respectively, in the treated group before treatment. On Day 0, mean plasma ACTH activity increased from 27.1 ± 15.8 to 66.1 ± 15.8 in the untreated horses. On Day 28, mean plasma ACTH significantly increased from 29.3 ± 15.8 pg/ml to 47.3 ± 15.8 pg/ml before and after the NOT, respectively, in SBG-treated horses, whereas on Day 28, mean ± SEM plasma ACTH concentration increased from 29.6 pg/ml ± 15.8 to 34.4 pg/ml ± 15.8 in the untreated horses and there was no treatment or treatment by day effect (p > 0.05). Mean body weights of the horses did not change over the study period. Discussion The supplement containing the Siberian ginseng (1,000 mg), when fed to horses once daily was readily consumed and no adverse effects were seen over the 28-day treatment period. The administration of Siberian ginseng did not cause health issues, including hypertension, hyperactivity, anxiety, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia or changes in other blood parameters. Siberian ginseng has been shown to ameliorate stress, fight fatigue, improve performance, provide antioxidant effects, antimicrobial effects, stimulate the immune system and mitigate the impacts of physical and mental stress in rats and other species (Lau et al., 2019; Yan-Lin et al., 2011, Winston & Maimes, 2007; Hans et al., 2006). The active ingredients include ginsenosides, glycosidal saponins, phytosterols, essential oils, peptides, amino acids, vitamins and minerals (Williams, 2013; Williams & Lamprecht, 2008). Siberian ginseng is classified as an adaptogen, and the benefits have been documented in humans and mice (Drozd et al., 2002). Adaptogens assist the body in managing stress by supporting communication between the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems as well as supporting regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) (Yan-Lin et al., 2011). As an adaptogen, there is some concern that Siberian ginseng might cause excessive central nervous stimulation in sensitive horses leading to hypertension, nervousness and hyperexcitability as well as anxiety and changes in blood glucose (Elghandour et al., 2018; Carella et al., 2017; Pearson et al., 2007). However, few studies have been published describing adverse effects in horses (Elghandour et al., 2018; Colas et al., 2008; Pearson et al., 2007). In addition, supplement labels containing Siberian ginseng are required to carry cautionary statements such as “this botanical may be contraindicated in subjects with hypertension and anxiety, and it may lead to hypoglycemia,” however there is a lack of published evidence demonstrating these effects in horses. In the study described here, several tests were employed to determine if horses consuming the supplement containing Siberian ginseng (1,000 mg, orally, once daily, 28 days) were hypertensive, hyperactive, hyperexcitable, anxiety, and alterations in blood glucose. It has been reported that supplements containing Siberian ginseng are contraindicated for people with hypertension because it might exacerbate hypertension (Schmidt et al., 2014; Farnsworth et al., 1985), but there are no reports of blood pressure measurement in horses fed Siberian ginseng (Williams & Lamprecht, 2008). Blood pressure measurement in horses can vary depending on location (peripheral limbs vs. tail) and state (recumbent under anesthesia vs. standing) of the animal (Tunsmeyer et al., 2015). Most non-invasive BP techniques utilize a tail cuff attached to a measuring device. In the study described here, BP was measured non-invasively with a tail cuff, using an equine veterinary blood pressure monitoring system. The BP was measured while horses were standing at rest in their stalls in a quiet environment. The tail circumference was measured using a measuring tape and the tail cuff, measuring 40% of the tail circumference (Heliczer et al., 2016; Tunsmeyer et al., 2015) was placed over the base of the tail (Figure 2 A, B). Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures were measured and corrected based on tail height and shoulder height (Parry et al., 2016). Accuracy and precision of oscillometric blood pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the standing conscious horse was found to be accurate and precise in adult horse across a range of BPs, however there was higher variability with measuring systolic and diastolic blood pressures (Olsen et al., 2016). Mean arterial pressure in the study reported here was slightly lower than values reported in the previous study. Horses fed the Siberian ginseng did not show an increase in systolic, diastolic or mean arterial pressures. In fact, when the systolic pressure was corrected for size of the horse, systolic pressure decreased by 6% and 11% two hours after feeding on days 15 and 30 in the SBG-treated horses, compared to controls. Therefore, it can be concluded from the data that Siberian ginseng (1,000 mg, once daily) fed to the horses in the study reported here did not cause hypertension. Hyperactivity, anxiety and hyperexcitability are difficult to evaluate in horses. Behavioral changes such as restlessness, excessive locomotion, increased heart rate after stress, and increased plasma stress hormones might be indicators of anxiety and hyperexcitability. In the study presented here, several tests were employed to determine behavior that might be associated with hyperexcitability and anxiety. Excessive locomotion and movement in the stall might indicate restlessness and hyperexcitability. A pedometer affixed to the left front limb was employed to determine locomotion and movement in the stall before feeding and 3 hours after feeding. Pedometer data was collected during 3 days of the study, before, during and for 3 hours while feeding. The pedometer was placed on the left front limb of the horses in this study as Thoroughbred horses primarily lateralize to the left front limb, taking more steps and movements with the left front limb (Warren-Smith & McGreevy, 2010). Steps and movement in the stall recorded by the pedometer was not significant difference in SBG-treated horses when compared to untreated controls for the 3 hours after feeding on the days measured. However, horses had significantly more steps and movement on Days 14 and 28, compared to Day -1. The use of a pedometer to measure horse movement in stalls and pasture has been reported (Draeger et al., 2021; Warren-Smith & McGreevy, 2010). In one study, horses housed in stalls averaged 59.5 ± 27 steps per hour during daytime session and 50.2 ± 39.8 steps per hour during a transition period from 8 am to 10 am. In the study reported here, horses averaged 131.1, 194.2 and 229.3 steps and movements per hour on days 0, 14, and 28, respectively. The steps and movements recorded by the pedometer used in this study might have been more sensitive than previous devices used. However, because the location was more central, just above the carpus, steps and body movement were better captured, as in previous studies, the pedometer was placed just above the hoof, which could have resulted in collecting data from horses’ steps but might not have captured upper body movements. Another explanation for the differences in movement in the study reported here, might be due to the open barn where horses were housed. Since horses could see the other horses in the barn and in nearby pastures, any movement of horses in the area could have led to more movement of the stalled horses. Movement and steps in the horse in the study reported here were not affected by the treatment and the data indicates that horses consuming the SBG were not hyperexcitable as might be indicated by excessive movement in the stall. Heart rate, anxiety scoring, and measurement of ACTH in response to a NOT was also used to test for hyperexcitability, anxiety, and stress. Horses in the study reported here were exposed to a novel object (opening of a red polka dot umbrella), and their response scored using a previously reported anxiety score (Draeger et al., 2021; Draeger, 2020; Holland et al., 1996). Heart rate was measured continuously before and immediately after the NOT as an indicator of reaction and hyperexcitability. In addition, plasma ACTH was measured in plasma collected at rest in the stall and then immediately after the NOT, as an indicator of immediate stress. In the study reported here, anxiety scores had a median value of 3.5 (1-4) on Day 0 and a median score of 3.5 (1-5) on Day 28, respectively ( Table 2 ). The SBG supplement administered to horse in the study reported here did not result higher anxiety scores. The median reactivity scores in the study reported here were similar to mean reactivity score in a previous study using Thoroughbred horses (Lee et al., 2021). In that study, horses exposed to a novel object (white plastic bag on a long pole) had a mean ± SD reactivity score of 3.73 ± 1.01. In that study it was shown that Thoroughbred horses had higher reactivity scores when compared to Jeju crossbred (similar breed to Paint horses) and Warmblood horses. The SBG treatment did not appear to lead to higher anxiety scores suggesting that SBG did not cause greater hyperexcitability or greater stress indicated by increased plasma ACTH values. Horses in the study reported here were fitted with continuous heart rate monitors before, during and after being exposed to the NOT. Median heart rate was similar to horses in the previous studies exposed to a NOT, including a plastic bag on a pole, umbrella opening, and plastic inflatable kids pool (Eichler et al., 2024; Draeger et al., 2021; Draeger, 2020). Horses in both groups showed similar increase in heart rates during the NOT as in previous studies, but there was a significant increase in heart rate on Day 28 compared to Day 0, but a treatment effect was not observed ( Figure 4 ). Heart rate might be a good indicator of anxiety and hyperexcitability in horses, however administered Siberian ginseng did not result in higher heart rates compared to controls. In the study reported here, ACTH was measured immediately after the NOT and was significantly increased in the treated horses when compared to baseline (resting blood samples taken in the stall before the NOT). However, mean plasma ACTH values were not significantly different between treatment and controls on Days 14-15 and 28. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), is the initiator of cortisol release in response to stress events. Endogenous plasma ACTH concentration has been shown to be a biomarker of stress in horses (Ayala et al., 2012; Johnson et al., 2017). In that study in therapeutic riding horses, the ACTH values did not increase immediately after the riding but stimulated a significant increase in cortisol levels 30 minutes after the therapeutic riding event. Furthermore, the ACTH stimulation test was shown to increase salivary cortisol and blood cortisol in a dose proportional manner (Young et al., 2012; Scheidegger et al., 2016). Also, in exercising horses, ACTH was shown to increase immediately after exercise stress, whereas plasma and salivary cortisol were increased 30 minutes after the termination of exercise (Marc et al., 2000). This indicates that ACTH might be released immediately after a stressful event, a better indicator of acute stress. We concluded that plasma ACTH increased acutely in the horses in the study presented here indicating that the NOT caused some immediate stress, however the administration of Siberian ginseng did not result in increased stress in the horses in this study. In the study reported here, CBC, chemistry and blood gas values did not show any treatment by day effects in horses administered Siberian ginseng compared to controls. This includes plasma glucose values, as they remained in the normal range prior to the study and 2 hours after feeding on day 28 of the study. In people, administration of Siberian ginseng induced a constant and steady lowering of blood glucose values over three months of administration. The reason for the lowering of glucose in human patients with diabetes was attributed to the eleutherosides found in abundance in Siberian ginseng but not in other forms of ginseng, such as Panax ginseng (Freye & Gleske, 2013). The lowering of glucose with long-term administration in people might indicate that Siberian ginseng could be potential adjunct treatment for insulin resistance in horses (Tinworth et al., 2010), however the effects of long-term administration of Siberian ginseng has not been reported. Limitations of the study included a small sample size of horses, a single low dose (1,000 mg) of Siberian ginseng was administered, and short duration of administration. The lack of difference in adverse parameters in this study could have been explained by the low dose or by a limited bioavailability of the Siberian ginseng administered to these horses. Horses in the study reported here received Siberian ginseng at a dose of 1.74 and 2.20 mg/kg body weight and showed no adverse responses. This is similar to one report, which showed that a low dose of Siberian ginseng (1.7 mg/kg), which was based on the total ginsenosides, administered to horses resulted in no adverse clinical signs. Also, in that study, no adverse clinical signs were seen but Siberian ginseng resulted in an augmented antibody response to EHV 1 vaccination and a greater percent of T-lymphocytes in blood (Pearson et al., 2007), which likely indicated that the Siberian ginseng was an adequate dose and actively absorbed from the GI tract. In another study, a Siberian ginseng (35 mg/kg body weight, orally) increased antibody titers observed postvaccination, but did not lead to clinical signs such as hyperactivity, anxiety, hypertension, or increased heart rate after feeding. Another limitation of the study reported here was the short duration of Siberian ginseng administration. A longer duration of SBG administration might have led to more adverse events, especially if administered with pharmaceutical agents such as NSAIDs. However, clinical signs of hypertension, insomnia, vomiting, headache, nervousness, sleeplessness and epistaxis occurring in people has not been reported in horses during short or long-term administration. In addition, Siberian ginseng resulted in beneficial effects on glucose metabolism in patients with diabetes type-2 after 3 months of treatment (Freye & Gleske, 2013). Also, due to the glucose sparing effects of Siberian ginseng, it might be a potential adjunct treatment for insulin resistance in horses (Tinworth et al., 2010), however long-term administration has not been reported in horses with insulin resistance. Conclusions The Siberian ginseng (1,000 mg, orally, daily, 28 days) was readily consumed by the horses and did not cause any adverse clinical signs or health issues. Due to the data in this study reported here, we accepted the hypothesis that a supplement containing Siberian ginseng (1,000 mg, once daily) fed to horses for 28 days did not result in hypertension, hyperactivity, anxiety, or hypoglycemia. References Ayala, I., Martos, N.F., Silvan, G., Gutierrez-Panizo, C., Clavel, J.G. & Illera, J.C. (2012) Cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, serotonin, adrenaline and noradrenaline serum concentrations in relation to disease and stress in the horse. Research in Veterinary Science , 93(1), 103-107. Burk, A.O. & Williams, C.A. 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(2007) Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. Healing Arts Press , Rochester, Vermont, 85-86. Yan-Lin, S., Lin-De, L. & Soon-Kwan, H. (2011) Eleutherococcus senticosus as a crude medicine: Review of biological and pharmacological effects. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research , 5(25), 5946-5952. Young, T., Creighton, E., Smith, T. & Hosie, C. (2012) A novel scale of behavioral indicators of stress for use with domestic horses. Applied Animal Behavior Science , 140(1-2), 33-43. Figure 1 . Experimental timeline for the study. Seven-day acclimation period, start treatment, SBG=Siberian ginseng (1,000 mg) treatment, WT=body weight, PE=physical examination, BW=blood work (CBC, blood gases, chemistry, liver enzymes), BP=blood pressure, PD=pedometer for continuous steps, NOT=novel object test. Figure 2A,B. A: Tail pressure cuff for measuring blood pressure used in this study. B: Oscillometric device (SunTech ® Vet40E Equine Blood Pressure Monitor, SunTech ® Medical, Inc., Morrisville, NC 27560 USA) used to measure blood pressure in the horse fed either Siberian ginseng (1,000 mg, once daily) or controls. Figure 3. The difference in median (range) anxiety scores from horses exposed to a novel object (opening of a red polka dot umbrella). A Mann Whitney test showed no difference (p=0.2241) between treatment groups between days 0, before treatment and day 28, after 28 daily oral treatments of Siberian ginseng (1,000 mg, orally, once daily). A=Siberian ginseng treated group; B=untreated control group. Figure 4. Mean heart rate (HR) in beats per minute (bpm) before, during and after exposure to a novel object (NOT). Mean HR at rest in the stall before walking to the arena (Start-HR), mean HR in the arena before walking to the area of the novel object (Start NOT-HR), mean HR at the time the horse is exposed to the novel object (NOT-HR) and mean HR after 1-2 minutes when the horse returned to the stall (End Stall-HR). Letter not connected by same letter are significantly different. Heart rate on Day 28 was significantly higher than Day 0. Mean HR value is indicated above the bars. A treatment effect was not seen. Number above the standard error bars are mean heart rate. A=Siberian ginseng treated group; B=untreated control group. Figure 5. Mean corrected blood pressure (Corr Sys2) vs. Day measured by tail cuff in standing horses fed a supplement containing Siberian ginseng (A) or control (B). Mean systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the Siberian ginseng (A) treated horses on Day 28 compared to Day -1 (p=0.0187) and Siberian ginseng (A) treated horses had lower systolic blood pressure on Day 15~16 and Day 28 compared to controls (B) (p=0.0375, 0.0007, respectively). Figure 6. Mean ACTH values before and immediately after exposure to the novel object test. The ACTH values were significantly higher in treated horses after the NOT compared to before the NOT on both days. There was not a treatment or treatment by day effect. Table 1. Anxiety scoring system to evaluate reactivity to a novel object (red polka dot umbrella opening (Holland et al. 1996). Score Description 1 Horse shows no reaction or interest in the stimulus. 2 Horse looks in the direction of the stimulus but has no other reaction. 3 Horse jumps when stimulus is applied but does not try to run away. 4 Horse jumps away from the stimulus and tries to leave. 5 Horse completely loses control and tries to flee or refuses to move from the spot. Table 2. Median (range) of behavior scores before (Day 0) and after 28 days (Day 29) of treatment (TRT, Siberian ginseng) or control (CON, no Siberian ginseng) on a novel object test (NOT). CON (n=8) TRT (n=8) CON (n=8) TRT (n=8) Post NOT (median) Range 3.25 3.25 (1-4) (2-4) 3.00 3.63 (1-4) (2-5) *0.2241 There was not a significant (p>0.05) treatment by day effect between behavior scores. Table 3. Least Square Means of non-invasive blood pressure measurements in standing horses using an equine tail cuff veterinary blood pressure system in horses administered a supplement containing Siberian ginseng (1,000 mg, once daily for 28 days) and controls. SBG=Siberian ginseng, Control=Supplement without Siberian ginseng, Day=day of measurement, Corr MAP=Corrected mean arterial blood pressure, Corr SAP=corrected systolic arterial blood pressure, Corr DAP=correct diastolic blood pressure. On Days 15-16, blood pressure was collected over a two-day period in the horses. *Denotes significant (p<0.05) differences between days and ₸denotes significant (p<0.05) differences between treatment. SBG -1 88.6 (3.7) 131.4 (4.3) 77.1 (3.9) SBG 15-16 88.9 (3.7) 123.2 * (4.3) 77.4 (3.9) SBG 28 85.9 (3.7) 117.2 * ₸ (4.3) 77.0 (3.9) Control -1 91.9 (3.7) 131.7 (4.3) 80.9 (3.9) Control 15-16 85.3 (3.7) 127.5 (4.3) 73.8 (3.9) Control 28 94.4 (3.7) 132.6 ₸ (4.3) 81.4 (3.9) Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 03 June 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords behavior blood pressure testing equine horse siberian ginseng Authors Affiliations Frank Andrews 0000-0001-7930-6237 [email protected] Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine View all articles by this author Ann Chapman Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine View all articles by this author Jeannette Cremer 0000-0001-9644-7576 Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine View all articles by this author Mike Keowen Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine View all articles by this author Frank Garza, Jr. Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine View all articles by this author Chin-Chi Liu 0000-0003-0723-8313 Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine View all articles by this author Lydia Gray Lydia Gray Consulting LLC View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 704 views 257 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Frank Andrews, Ann Chapman, Jeannette Cremer, et al. 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