Animals are subjected to a variety of stressors throughout their lives, including house changes, spatial restrictions, increased noise levels, social isolation, etc. Stress in dogs can be recognized by behaviours such as excessive barking, active vigilance and repetitive movements such as jumping too much or chasing their tails. In cats, stress can manifest itself through undesirable behaviours such as urinating outside the box, as well as excessive vocalization, aggression or obsessive grooming. Another common stress factor is visits to the vet, and reducing stress levels should be a priority in order to avoid anxiety developing over the course of the patient's life [3].
As with humans, stress and anxiety disorders in animals are also due to an imbalance in neurotransmitters. The most important agents in the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders are γ-aminobutyric acids (GABA), serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. In addition, neuropeptides such as cholecystokinin, oxytocin, vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and substance P are also implicated in the modulation of behaviors related to stress and anxiety [3].
GABA (γ-Aminobutyric acid) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain and many anxiolytic drugs exert their action through interactions with its receptors. In addition, the involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the imbalance of the immune system can also mediate stress in animals, producing reactions of aggression or depression, since over-activation of the HPA axis leads to stimulation of the adrenal gland which releases cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline [3].
Conventional treatment uses anxiolytic drugs available on the market, but they have adverse effects. The good news is that in a holistic approach we have several treatment options to choose from: homeopathy, Bach flower therapy, Reiki, herbal medicine and nutraceuticals, the latter two being the subject of today's article!
Herbal medicines and nutraceuticals are effective in reducing anxiety and stress and act through various mechanisms of action, altering neurotransmitter levels and acting on the HPA axis, exerting calming effects with little or no side effects [3].
For example, some vitamins act as cofactors in the biosynthesis of various neurotransmitters. Vitamins C, D, and E and omega-3 fatty acids are known to increase dopamine production. Vitamins B, D, selenium and omega-3 also increase serotonin production.
Thus, a proper dietary approach can correct the underlying neurochemical pathways without the side effects associated with anxiolytic drugs that can simply mask the problem [3].
Below, we'll look at some nutraceuticals and herbal medicines that can help fight anxiety and stress in your pet!
1) St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
An aromatic perennial plant native to Europe and parts of Asia, North and South America. It has traditionally been used to treat anxiety and depression, as well as having a nerve-toning effect. A large number of clinical and experimental animal studies show that this plant exerts its action through mechanisms similar to tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline) or serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. Citalopram and Fluoxetine). St. John's wort acts by increasing brain levels of serotonin and normalizing the HPA axis, reducing anxiety, inflammation and oxidative stress [3].
2) Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
It belongs to the Solanaceae family and has been used for centuries in traditional Indian, Chinese and Arab remedies. Its extract has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and hematopoietic properties.
Some studies have shown that rodents treated with Ashwagandha demonstrated a lower level of anxiety compared to the control group, which was treated with benzodiazepines, thus having an indication for managing stress and anxiety in animals [3, 4].
3) Valeriana officinalis
This root is commonly used to treat insomnia and anxiety. Valeriana extracts increase GABA synthesis and reduce its reuptake in the synaptic cleft. Valeric acid, an active compound in Valerian root, exerts its action by modulating GABA receptors [3, 4
In addition to valeric acid, the other phytochemical compounds contained in valerian extracts have anxiolytic effects in animals. These phytochemical compounds also modulate the HPA axis, regulating cortisol levels. In this way, valerian can be used in therapies against anxiety and stress in order to improve the animal's condition while reducing the side effects of commonly used anxiolytics [3, 4]. ]. Its combination with Passiflora has a good effect.
It is important to note that it should be used when extremely necessary, for set periods, as it can induce some kind of dependency.
4) L-theanine
This is an amino acid found in green tea (Camellia sinensis), which exerts various actions on the central nervous system. It is suggested that L-Theanine increases levels of the neurotransmitters GABA, serotonin and dopamine, reducing stress responses [4,5]. Human studies have shown that the administration of L-Theanine improves alpha brain wave activity, which is responsible for an alert but relaxed state, without promoting drowsiness [2, 4].
Studies in dogs and cats have shown that this nutraceutical can improve problems related to fear and anxiety. In cats, L-theanine is particularly useful for managing undesirable behaviors in stressful situations, such as inappropriate eliminations, excessive scratching, aggression and fighting for dominance of space [2].
5) Melissa Officinalis
Popularly known as lemon balm, this is a plant from the Lamiaceae family, native to Asia and Europe, mainly the Mediterranean region, and was introduced to Brazil over a century ago [7].
It stimulates GABA receptors and has a relaxing effect while inhibiting MAO-A, which is responsible for the breakdown of serotonin and noradrenaline. It therefore has an anti-stress, sedative, anxiolytic, antidepressant and neuroprotective effect, and is very effective in treating anxiety and excitability in dogs [3].
6) Passiflora incarnata
Passiflora is popularly known for its sedative, hypnotic and anxiolytic properties. Several of Passiflora's pharmacological effects are mediated through modulation of the GABA system and an increase in Melatonin.
A double-blind study compared the efficacy of passiflora extract with oxazepam in the treatment of patients with generalized anxiety disorder. The results suggested that passiflora is effective for the management of generalized anxiety disorder with few side effects on the performance of daily activities [1, 3], and does not cause dependence.
7) RELORA® (Magnolia Officinalis and Phellodendrum Amurense)
Extracts of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense have been used traditionally for almost 2000 years in Chinese medicine to restore emotional well-being. Their active components, honokiol and berberine, have been shown to be potent anxiolytic agents capable of reducing undesirable stress-related behaviors by regulating cortisol levels when it reaches excessive levels in the blood. Known as adaptogens, these extracts naturally help to reduce anxiety, calm stress and protect immune defenses [6].
Conclusions:
Anxiety and stress can be stimulated by social, environmental and nutritional factors or can be related to the age of the animals. Currently, evidence shows that nutraceuticals and herbal medicines are very effective in treating these disorders, with the advantage of not having the side effects of anxiolytics.
REFERENCES:
1) AKHONDZADEH, S. et al. Passionflower in the treatment of opiate withdrawal: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. J Clin Pharm Ther 2001b; v. 26; pp: 369-373.
2) DRAMARD, V. et al. Effect of l-theanine tablets in reducing stress-related emotional signs in cats: an open-label field study. Irish Veterinary Journal, v. 71, Article number: 21 (2018).
3) GUPTA, R. Nutraceuticals: Efficacy, safety and toxicity. Ed. Elsevier, 2016.
4) GUPTA, R. et al. Nutraceuticals in Veterinary Medicine. Ed. Springer Nature Switzerland AG, 2019.
5) PIKE, A. L. et al. An open-label prospective study of the use of L-theanine (Anxitane) in storm-sensitive client-owned dogs. J Vet Behav: Clin Applications Res. 2015;10(4):324–31.
6) TALBOT, S.M. et. Al. Effect of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense (Relora® ) on cortisol and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2013, 10:37.
7) WYNN, S.; FOUGÈRE, B. Veterinary Herbal Medicine. Mosby, Inc., 2007.
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