Alpha-casozepine

Lactium · casein decapeptide · alpha-s1-casein hydrolysate

Mechanism

Alpha-casozepine (trade name e.g. Lactium) is a decapeptide obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis from alpha-s1-casein of cow milk. As a partial agonist it binds the benzodiazepine binding site of the GABA-A receptor, mediating an anxiolytic, calming effect; animal-experimental and some clinical data (incl. dog/cat) support the mechanism. Because of this pharmacological (sedative) action, the FEI lists alpha-casozepine as Controlled Medication (sedative); use in the competition horse is therefore not permitted. Use is conceivable only outside competition, under veterinary responsibility and observing withdrawal times.

Cautions

· FEI: Controlled Medication (sedative) — not in competition, observe withdrawal time
· Validated equine PK/efficacy data lacking
· Derived from milk protein — note in case of known milk-protein sensitivity

Sources

PMID:7285003alpha-Casozepin-Peptid, anxiolytische Aktivität (PMC7285003)

FEI EPSL 2024FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List 2024 — alpha-casozepine Banned

PMID:19453759Violle et al. 2009 (Fundam Clin Pharmacol) — Anxiolytische Wirkung alpha-s1-Casein-Hydrolysat

Equiterna Score

76/100

high overall

Science7.7/10

Practical experience8/10

Safety7.2/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

DosageDerived from companion species approx. 15–30 mg/kg BW/day; no established validated equine dose exists. Not permitted in competition (FEI Controlled Medication); observe withdrawal time. Coordinate with a vet.

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusControlled (withdrawal)

Evidencemoderate

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.