Researchers tested a special blend of three plant extracts on seven older dogs to see if it could help with the health problems that come with aging. The plants used were passionflower, ashwagandha, and dandelion root. After giving the dogs this supplement for 40 days, scientists found that markers of inflammation in their blood decreased, their bodies’ natural defense systems improved, and the helpful bacteria in their guts changed in positive ways. While the study was small, the results suggest these plants working together might help senior dogs feel better and live more comfortably.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a combination of three plant-based supplements could reduce inflammation and improve gut health in older dogs
  • Who participated: Seven senior dogs of various breeds received the plant supplement mixed into their regular food for 40 days
  • Key finding: Dogs showed significant decreases in inflammation markers (C-reactive protein) after 20 and 40 days, plus improvements in their body’s natural antioxidant defenses and gut bacteria composition
  • What it means for you: If you have an older dog, this research suggests a natural plant-based supplement might help reduce age-related inflammation and support digestive health, though more research with larger groups of dogs is needed before making it a standard recommendation

The Research Details

Scientists selected seven senior dogs and gave them a daily supplement containing three plant extracts: passionflower (4% vitexin), ashwagandha (2.5% withanolides), and dandelion root (20% inulin) mixed into their regular food. The treatment lasted 40 days. Blood samples and stool samples were collected at the start, after 20 days, and at the end of the 40-day period to measure inflammation markers, antioxidant levels, and gut bacteria composition.

The researchers measured several important health markers: C-reactive protein (a sign of inflammation), interleukins (immune system chemicals), malondialdehyde (a marker of cellular damage), and total antioxidant capacity (the body’s ability to fight damage). They also analyzed the dogs’ stool samples using genetic sequencing to identify which bacteria were present and in what amounts.

This approach allowed the scientists to track changes over time and see if the plant supplement had measurable effects on the dogs’ inflammatory response, antioxidant defenses, and gut bacteria balance.

This research design is important because it tracks changes within the same dogs over time, rather than just comparing dogs at one point. This helps show whether the supplement actually caused the improvements observed. Measuring multiple health markers (inflammation, antioxidants, and gut bacteria) gives a more complete picture of how the supplement affects aging dogs’ health.

This study has some important limitations to understand: it included only seven dogs, which is a very small number, making it harder to be confident the results apply to all senior dogs. The study didn’t include a control group of dogs that didn’t receive the supplement, so we can’t be completely sure the improvements were caused by the plants rather than other factors. However, the study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and used proper laboratory methods to measure the health markers, which adds credibility to the findings.

What the Results Show

The most significant finding was a clear reduction in C-reactive protein, a blood marker that shows inflammation in the body. This reduction was statistically significant (meaning it’s unlikely to have happened by chance) at both the 20-day and 40-day checkpoints compared to the starting point. This suggests the plant supplement helped reduce inflammation in the aging dogs’ bodies.

The dogs also showed improvements in their total antioxidant capacity, which means their bodies became better at fighting cellular damage caused by aging. This is important because oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules) is a major problem in aging and can contribute to many age-related diseases.

The researchers also found that malondialdehyde levels decreased, which is another sign that the supplement reduced cellular damage. These improvements appeared gradually over the 40-day period, suggesting the supplement needed time to build up beneficial effects in the dogs’ bodies.

Analysis of the dogs’ gut bacteria showed interesting changes. The bacteria composition shifted toward more bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are beneficial compounds that support digestive health and immune function. However, the overall diversity of bacteria and the differences between individual dogs didn’t reach statistical significance, meaning these changes were promising but not definitive enough to be completely certain.

Previous research has shown that each of these three plants has individual health benefits: passionflower has calming properties, ashwagandha supports stress reduction and immune function, and dandelion root supports digestive health. This study is novel because it tested all three plants together as a combination, suggesting they might work synergistically (better together than separately) to reduce inflammation and support aging health. The findings align with traditional herbal medicine practices that have used these plants for centuries.

The study’s main limitation is its very small size—only seven dogs—which makes it difficult to know if these results would apply to larger populations of senior dogs. Without a control group (dogs receiving a placebo or no supplement), we cannot be completely certain the improvements were caused by the supplement rather than other factors like seasonal changes or natural variation. The study was also relatively short (40 days), so we don’t know if the benefits continue long-term or if they fade over time. Additionally, the study didn’t measure whether the dogs actually felt better or had improved quality of life—only blood and stool markers were measured.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, the plant supplement shows promise for reducing inflammation in senior dogs and may support gut health, but the evidence is preliminary. If you’re considering this supplement for your older dog, discuss it with your veterinarian first, especially if your dog is taking medications or has existing health conditions. The supplement appears safe based on this study, but more research with larger groups of dogs is needed before it can be strongly recommended as a standard treatment.

This research is most relevant to owners of senior dogs (typically 7+ years old) who are looking for natural ways to support their aging pets’ health and reduce age-related inflammation. It may be particularly interesting for dogs showing signs of aging-related problems like reduced mobility, digestive issues, or chronic inflammation. However, this research should not replace veterinary care or prescribed medications for dogs with diagnosed health conditions.

Based on this study, improvements in inflammation markers appeared within 20 days and continued through 40 days. If you were to try this supplement with your dog, you might expect to see potential benefits within 2-4 weeks, though individual dogs may respond differently. Long-term effects beyond 40 days are unknown and would require further research.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your senior dog’s energy levels, mobility, and digestive health weekly using a simple 1-10 scale. Note any changes in appetite, coat quality, or activity level. If your vet has measured inflammation markers, track those results if available.
  • If considering this supplement, start by discussing it with your veterinarian and obtaining baseline health measurements. Then introduce the supplement gradually while monitoring your dog’s response. Keep a simple log of observations like energy level, appetite, and digestive changes.
  • Establish a monthly check-in routine where you assess your dog’s overall wellness, energy, and digestive health. If your veterinarian is willing, request periodic blood work to track inflammation markers over time. This creates a long-term picture of whether the supplement is providing sustained benefits.

This research is preliminary and based on a very small study of seven dogs without a control group. These findings should not replace professional veterinary care or prescribed medications. Before giving any supplement to your dog, especially if your dog is elderly, has health conditions, or takes medications, consult with your veterinarian first. While the plants studied have traditional use and this research suggests potential benefits, individual dogs may respond differently, and long-term safety and effectiveness have not been established. This summary is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice for your pet.