Evaluation of a plant-based food supplement to control flea populations in dogs: A prospective double-blind randomized study

A prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study evaluated the tolerance and efficacy of the biological plant-based food supplement Bioticks (R) (extracts of thyme, rosemary, melissa, fenugreek, absinthe and lemongrass) as a flea-control product. Twelve dogs were used as placebo controls (group A). Ten dogs under similar housing conditions received the same food daily but supplemented with Bioticks (R) (group B). Flea counts were performed on DO and 14, then 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 months after the beginning of the study. No flea treatment was given or environmental modifications made during the 6 months prior to beginning and throughout the duration of the study. Efficacy was calculated according to Abbott's formula. No adverse event was recorded. At inclusion, dogs in groups A and B hosted a mean +/- standard deviation of 7.9 +/- 3.3 and 9.5 +/- 3.6 fleas, respectively. The mean flea population in group A steadily increased until 4 months after DO (21.5 +/- 4.9 fleas/ dog). Meanwhile, the mean flea population in group B dogs remained stable for the first month but then steadily decreased to reach an average of 3.1 +/- 1.7 fleas/dog at DO + 5 months. The percentage efficacy in the treated group as compared to the non-treated group was 33%, 51%, 71%, 80% and 82% at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 months, respectively. Bioticks (R) was shown to be safe and effectively limited the flea population in dogs with a moderate flea infestation in conditions that were highly favourable to flea development. This is the first study to evaluate a plant-based product as an oral supplement for flea control.