Phytotherapy

Sainfoin

Onobrychis viciifolia · Sainfoin

Mechanism

Sainfoin is a protein-rich, palatable forage legume whose condensed tannins bind proteins in the rumen/gut (bypass-protein effect) and, in vitro as well as in ruminants, show a modulating action on gastrointestinal nematodes. In the horse the data situation is thin: studies suggest at most a mild effect on the larval development of cyathostomins and describe a possible influence on ivermectin pharmacokinetics. Sainfoin does not replace targeted deworming/parasite management.

Cautions

· Equine evidence thin — no replacement for veterinary parasite management (faecal egg count/deworming)
· Condensed tannins can reduce protein/mineral absorption in larger amounts
· Possible interaction with ivermectin pharmacokinetics discussed — consult the veterinarian

Sources

Collas et al. 2022Collas et al., Animals — Esparsette im Futter und Strongyliden-Befall bei Pferden

PMID:28120611Desrues et al. 2017 (Parasitology) — kondensierte Tannine im GIT nach Sainfoin-Aufnahme, mögliche anthelmintische Wirkung

Equiterna Score

57/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7/10

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.

Dosageas a roughage component (hay/cobs) proportionally to the ration; product-specific

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyWith caution

Evidenceemerging

Frequently asked questions

Is Sainfoin a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

Equiterna classes Sainfoin as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.

Is Sainfoin allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Sainfoin is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.

Which dosage do the sources give for Sainfoin?

Stated in the profile: as a roughage component (hay/cobs) proportionally to the ration; product-specific. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.

Which sources are there for Sainfoin?

The profile cites: Collas et al. 2022 and PMID:28120611.

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 source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.

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