the application of herbal and traditional medicine in treatment of lameness in horses

Equine lameness represents a significant welfare, performance and economic challenge within the equestrian industry, often necessitating prolonged and costly management strategies. while conventional veterinary medicine offers a range of effective treatments, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids), corticosteroids, and regenerative therapies, these approaches can be associated with side effects, limitations in long-term use, or substantial financial burden. consequently, there is a growing interest among horse owners and veterinarians in complementary and alternative medicine (cam), particularly herbal and traditional medicine, to provide adjunctive or alternative therapeutic options for musculoskeletal conditions. this review explores the scientific rationale, current applications, and future potential of herbal and traditional medicinal approaches in managing equine lameness. we investigated into specific botanicals and traditional systems (e.g., traditional chinese medicine, ayurveda) known for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, chondroprotective, and tissue-regenerative. key herbal agents such as boswellia serrata, curcuma longa, harpagophytum procumbens, and salix alba are discussed in detail regarding their mechanisms of action and evidence of efficacy. furthermore, the present review addresses critical considerations including quality control, potential drug interactions, regulatory challenges and the importance of an evidence-based, integrative approach to ensure patient safety and optimize therapeutic outcomes. the aim is to bridge the gap between historical wisdom and contemporary scientific understanding, fostering a more holistic and sustainable paradigm for equine lameness management.