Prophylactic effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract on phenylbutazone-induced Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD)

•Oral phenylbutazone can cause Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD) in donkeys within 7 days.•The only clinical change in phenylbutazone induced gastric ulceration was decreased appetite.•Oral phenylbutazone decreased serum glucose and increased serum ALT and ALP.•Licorice reduced the severity of phenylbutazone-induced EGGD.•Licorice reduced the serum biochemical changes induced by oral phenylbutazone. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), like phenylbutazone (PBZ), are prescribed to treat pain and inflammation in the equine. However, experimentally their use has been associated with the development of Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD). To evaluate the prophylactic effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extracts (GGRE) on EGGD induction following oral administration of PBZ, 12 donkeys were used. Animals were divided into three equal groups (A, B and C) in a randomized block design. A: placebo, B: PBZ (4.4 mg/kg PO q 12 h) and C: PBZ plus GGRE (17.6 mg/kg PO q 24h). Gastroscopy and blood sampling for CBC, biochemical tests and antioxidant status were performed days 0 and 7. All but 1 animal had no EGGD lesions on day 0, but on day 7, severe EGGD lesions were seen in group B animals (grade 1/4 (× 1), grade 2/4 (× 2), and grade 3/4 (× 1)). Only mild changes were seen in group C animals, the most severe lesions being grade 1/4 lesions in 2 animals. No change was observed in Group A. Hematology and serum antioxidant status did not change significantly in any group. In group B glucose decreased and ALT and ALP increased, while in group C only ALP increased. In conclusion, GGRE reduced the severity of EGGD caused by PBZ. Further, GGRE prevented PBZ induced hypoglycemia and might reduce the possible hepatic injury of PBZ.