The first ingredient in our products is knowledge. Ingredients with proven effects are an important part of Cavalor product development, and this proven effectiveness is examined in scientific studies. In this article, read all about the research behind Cavalor LaminAid.
Proven strength
Numerous scientific studies show that essential oils can have positive physiological effects on the body. For example, certain essential oils have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, while others act as antioxidants, improve circulation, or support metabolism and digestion.
Field testing
This knowledge led to the development of Cavalor LaminAid, a supplement that tackles metabolic disorders through the use of essential oils. Before its market launch, the product was subject to extensive field testing. The results of this field research were astonishing. Participants used a combination of Cavalor LaminAid (50ml/day) and Cavalor PodoSens for 30 days on horses with mild to moderate cases of laminitis. Most of the horses showed clear improvements, walked more easily, and showed improved hoof growth. Some owners noticed changes after just 3 to 10 days. After 30 days of treatment with Cavalor LaminAid and PodoSens, up to 70% of the horses showed fewer signs of lameness. The additional use of the hoof oil Cavalor PodoSens brings external relief and reduces sensitivity. It has a beneficial effect on the blood circulation and brings quick relief to sensitive hooves. Also, it promotes the elasticity of the hoof and promotes a healthy growth.
Scientific research
The success of this initial field testing led to a scientific study to further investigate the mechanisms by which Cavalor LaminAid was having such impact. We know that 90% of acute laminitis cases are associated with underlying metabolic problems, with insulin dysregulation (ID) typically being the most problematic issue. Improving insulin metabolism is therefore an important step in the prevention and treatment of laminitis.
This study investigated the effects of Cavalor LaminAid supplementation on insulin sensitivity and metabolism in horses that were diagnosed with ID. For 6 weeks,10 of the horses received LaminAid as a supplement (50 mL/day) and the other 10 received a placebo (50 mL/day). Insulin sensitivity and insulin response to sugars were evaluated before and after 6 weeks of supplementation. No other changes were made to their diets and management during the study, so that any effects could be attributed to the supplement. The results showed that horses that were given LaminAid had marked improvement in their insulin dysregulation compared to the group of horses given the placebo. The positive effect on insulin sensitivity and insulin response to sugar was particularly evident in horses with severe ID. This is important, as these are the horses most at risk of developing laminitis.
We also analysed the horses’ plasma metabolome to identify potential mechanisms by which Cavalor LaminAid might exert its effects. We saw that LaminAid cause a unique shift in plasma metabolites compared to the placebo. The most significant changes were of metabolites that are associated with energy metabolism, antioxidant processes and immune-related pathways. This suggests that LaminAid has a broad effect on many different metabolic processes in the body which ultimately led to improvement of insulin metabolism on many different levels.
Overall, the study shows that Cavalor LaminAid can modulate insulin metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity in horses, particularly those with more severe insulin dysregulation.
Loos, Caroline MM, Shuang Zhao, Liang Li, Janet Li, Wei Han, Eric S. Vanzant, and Kyle R. McLeod. “Essential oil supplementation improves insulin sensitivity and modulates the plasma metabolome of hyperinsulinemic horses.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science 11 (2024): 1444581.
