Saanroo’s palmitoylethanolamide supports joint health in dogs and cats
Key takeaways
- Clinical trial results show Saanroo’s Levagen+ improves mobility and reduces joint pain in dogs and cats.
- The researchers say the ingredient offers potential as a non-NSAID alternative for managing pet joint health.
- The findings extend PEA’s clinically backed benefits from human to companion animal applications.
A new clinical study reveals that Saanroo’s Levagen+ significantly improved mobility, comfort, and functional outcomes in dogs and cats with joint pain. The company notes that joint health is one of the main concerns for pet owners, as it helps animals maintain mobility and ensure a higher quality of life as they age.
Previous research demonstrated benefits in joint health, recovery, and inflammation-linked applications in humans for Saanroo’s branded and highly bioavailable form of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA).
“Joint health is a common and growing concern for pet owners around the world, and because Levagen+ already had strong clinical backing in human joint health, it was only natural to explore whether it could deliver similar benefits in dogs and cats,” says John Quilter, CEO of Saanroo.
“This first published companion animal study of Levagen+ is an important milestone for the brand. It shows that the science behind Levagen+ has relevance beyond human health and opens the door to new opportunities in companion animal wellness.”
The researchers also highlight a broader potential of PEA as a non-NSAID option in pet health formulations. They note that current management of osteoarthritis and joint pain in companion animals can be limited by adverse effects caused by long-term use of drugs, which underscores the need for well-tolerated alternatives.
Joint health benefits
Due to the high prevalence of joint discomfort and mobility issues in aging pets, Saanroo aimed to investigate whether the benefits of Levagen+ in humans could extend to animals.
Results of the double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial are published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. The study involved 50 dogs and 50 cats experiencing joint pain, who received a daily supplement with Levagen+ or a placebo for six weeks.
The pets’ owners determined joint pain using either the Canine Brief Pain Index or the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index at baseline and at weeks two, four, and six. Levagen+ was well tolerated in both species.
In dogs, 76% of canines receiving Levagen+ were “successfully treated” compared to 40% in the placebo group. The researchers found significant improvements in multiple pain and functional interference domains.
In cats, the researchers found significant differences between the Levagen+ and control groups in tasks like jumping up and down. Reductions in pain were significant at weeks two and six.
Bioavailable ingredient
Levagen+ uses Pharmako Biotechnologies’ LipiSperse technology to enhance the dispersibility and absorption of PEA. In humans, the ingredient is backed by clinical evidence to support joint health, recovery, sleep, cognition, women’s health, and stress modulation.
For example, clinical research found that Levagen+ is a safe and effective supplement for easing acute menstrual discomfort.
Moreover, a human trial revealed that it can help alleviate the discomfort associated with migraine headaches.
