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Ovine Placenta Powder

Also known as: Ovine placenta, Sheep placenta, Placenta ovina, Ovine Placenta Powder

Overview

Ovine placenta powder is a nutritional supplement derived from the placenta of sheep, a temporary organ formed during pregnancy. This powder is rich in essential bioactive compounds, including proteins, hormones, and antioxidants. Traditionally used for potential health benefits such as supporting labor and promoting anti-aging effects, the effectiveness of ovine placenta powder lacks comprehensive clinical research in humans. Available in powder or extract forms, the substance showcases strong oxytocic activity in animal studies, equating 1 g of dried sheep placenta to significant oxytocin levels capable of inducing uterine contractions. Despite its promising attributes, there is a pressing need for more rigorous studies to ascertain its efficacy, optimal dosage, and safety profiles in humans.

Benefits

The benefits of ovine placenta are primarily highlighted in animal studies, with strong evidence indicating its oxytocic properties that stimulate uterine contractions. Doses ranging from 1 g of dried ovine placenta have shown effects equivalent to 0.075-0.32 i.u. of oxytocin. Additionally, research involving senescence-accelerated mice suggests that ovine placenta enhances antioxidant enzyme activity, potentially mitigating oxidative stress and aiding in anti-aging effects. Nonetheless, as much of the evidence is animal-based or traditional in nature, rigorous human trials are required to validate these benefits conclusively, making claims about its effectiveness in human populations tentative at this stage.

How it works

Ovine placenta's mechanisms of action include notable oxytocic and antioxidant properties. The chorionic oxytocic substances found in ovine placenta can instigate uterine contractions independent of histamine or muscarinic receptors, highlighting its unique functional role. Furthermore, it boosts the activity of crucial antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, which helps to combat oxidative stress within body tissues. Despite these insights, the specific molecular pathways underlying these interactions are not yet fully understood, warranting additional research.

Side effects

The safety and side effect profile of ovine placenta is poorly defined due to a lack of thorough human studies. No common adverse effects have been clearly linked to its usage, but the possibility of unrecognized reactions cannot be discounted. There is uncertainty regarding potential interactions with medications affecting reproductive health, necessitating caution. It is advised that individuals who are pregnant, lactating, or have allergies to sheep products refrain from using this supplement. Furthermore, vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly may be at increased risk, as comprehensive safety data for these groups are insufficient.

Dosage

Currently, dosage recommendations for ovine placenta are inadequately established owing to a lack of direct human studies. Animal research implies effective dosages ranging from 61.5 mg/kg to 184.5 mg/kg body weight for anti-aging effects, translating to an approximate dosage of 1 g of dried sheep placenta for significant oxytocic action. However, the maximum safe dosages remain unknown, and there is no definitive evidence to suggest specific times for consumption. Ovine placenta can be found in both powder and extract forms, but optimal absorption factors have not yet been conclusively identified.