Immuno-San

Immuno-San

Immuno-San is a liquid solution containing a combination of essential oils, specifically developed for nebulization in horses. The product is intended to support respiratory health, particularly in sport horses regularly exposed to dust, transportation, and other environmental stressors.

The formulation contains seven different essential oils, including eucalyptus, lavandin, mint, rosemary, and tea tree. Immuno-San is administered undiluted using a suitable equine nebulizer, such as the Flexineb.

Properties and benefits

Immuno-San combines several plant-derived essential oils containing aromatic and biologically active compounds.

The main characteristics of the formulation include:

• Eucalyptus: contains compounds such as 1,8-cineole, an aromatic substance that has been investigated for its potential effects on inflammatory processes and the respiratory tract.
• Lavandin, mint, and rosemary: contain aromatic compounds traditionally used to support respiratory comfort.
• Tea tree and camphor tree: provide additional botanical ingredients containing various biologically active compounds.
• Ready-to-use solution: the formulation is developed for direct administration through nebulization without prior dilution.

According to the manufacturer, Immuno-San may contribute to respiratory comfort and support the natural defenses of the respiratory tract. However, the clinical efficacy and safety of this specific combination of essential oils in horses have not yet been adequately investigated in independent studies.

When to use Immuno-San?

Immuno-San may be considered as an adjunct under veterinary guidance:

• In horses regularly exposed to dust and other environmental irritants.
• In sport horses during periods of intensive training or frequent transportation.
• During recovery from respiratory disease, as part of a veterinary management plan.
• In horses with recurrent respiratory problems, once the underlying cause has been investigated.
• When additional respiratory support through nebulization is considered appropriate alongside prescribed treatment.

Immuno-San does not replace targeted treatment of equine asthma, respiratory infections, or other respiratory diseases.

Scientific background

Several constituents of essential oils, including 1,8-cineole from eucalyptus oil, have been investigated for their potential inflammation-modulating and antimicrobial properties. However, findings from laboratory studies or research involving other species cannot automatically be extrapolated to clinical effects in horses.

The manufacturer refers to a field study in which Immuno-San was administered to horses with inflammatory airway conditions. Changes in neutrophil counts in tracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were reported.

No peer-reviewed scientific publication of this study has been identified that would allow independent assessment of its methodology, results, and conclusions. Consequently, clinical effects on airway inflammation, infection prevention, or recovery time have not yet been adequately demonstrated.

Composition

Water, polysorbate 20, sodium chloride, Eucalyptus globulus essential oil, Eucalyptus radiata essential oil, Lavandula hybrida (lavandin) essential oil, Mentha arvensis (mint) essential oil, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) essential oil, Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) essential oil, Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree) essential oil, potassium sorbate.

Directions for use and dosage

Recommended dosage: 5 mL per nebulization session, twice daily, for a minimum of 10 days.

Immuno-San is a ready-to-use solution that, according to the manufacturer, should be administered undiluted using a suitable equine nebulizer, such as the Flexineb.

Shake the bottle if instructed on the label and transfer 5 mL into the nebulizer chamber. Follow the nebulizer manufacturer’s instructions and clean the device thoroughly after each use.

Repeating or extending the treatment course should preferably be discussed with the attending veterinarian.

Immuno-San is intended for nebulization only and should not be administered orally.

Do not mix Immuno-San with medications or other inhalation products in the same nebulizer chamber without prior veterinary advice. When used alongside inhaled corticosteroids or other therapeutic agents, separate nebulization sessions are preferable.

Essential oils may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive horses. Particular caution is therefore advised in horses with asthma or increased airway reactivity. Discontinue administration if increased coughing, breathing difficulties, or other adverse reactions occur, and consult your veterinarian.

Packaging and duration of use

Immuno-San is available in a 100 mL bottle.

At a dosage of 5 mL twice daily, one bottle provides 20 nebulization sessions, equivalent to 10 days of use.

Store according to the instructions on the packaging, protected from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children and wash your hands after handling.

Advice from the equine veterinarian

Nebulization allows substances to be delivered directly to the respiratory tract. Their deposition within the airways depends on the properties of the solution, aerosol particle size, and the nebulization system used.

Although certain constituents of essential oils have interesting biological properties, there is insufficient clinical evidence that Immuno-San reduces airway inflammation, enhances immune function, or prevents respiratory infections in horses. The safety of repeated inhalation of this specific formulation has also not been adequately investigated.

I therefore recommend caution when nebulizing essential oils in horses with sensitive or inflamed airways. In horses with asthma, reducing exposure to dust and fungal spores and, when indicated, targeted pharmacological treatment remain the most important components of management.

In horses with persistent coughing, nasal discharge, or reduced performance, identifying the underlying cause is essential. Depending on the clinical findings, respiratory endoscopy, tracheal wash, or bronchoalveolar lavage may be indicated.

Immuno-San may be considered as additional support under individualized veterinary supervision but does not replace appropriate diagnostic investigations or targeted treatment.