Using plants to produce allergy-fighting pet food

The academics in the University’s School of
Pharmacy are investigating
whether natural plant extracts such as liquorice and ginger, used for centuries
for their healing properties, could be used to treat allergic conditions in
animals.

Initially the scientists identified almost
40 herbal extracts that have traditionally been used in preparations to treat
allergies and skin conditions, using experts at the Royal Botanical Gardens at
Kew to ensure they had the best specimens possible to work with.
As a result
of the research, new foods containing the extracts could be hitting the shelves
of pet stores within the next two years, allowing owners to treat their pets in
a similar way to buying vitamins and other complementary therapies.