SAMe: S-adenosylmethionine
What is SAMe?
S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a molecule produced by the cells of the body from the amino acid methionine and ATP. It is involved in many important processes. SAMe plays a role in the immune system, maintains cell membranes, and helps produce and breakdown brain chemicals, such as serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine. SAMe is also important in maintaining cellular structure and function in many body tissues, including the liver. Exogenous administration of SAMe has been shown to improve hepatocellular function in vitro and in vivo, without cytotoxicity or significant side effects.
Where can I use SAMe?
There are many uses of SAMe in companion animals. In dogs and cats, SAMe has been shown to increase the glutathione levels in the liver. Glutathione is a potent antioxidant that protects the cells of the liver from toxins and death. SAMe has been given to dogs and cats as supplemental treatment in liver disease such as hepatic lipidosis, chronic hepatitis, and feline liver disease.
SAMe has also been used as adjunct therapy in dogs and cats with Cushing’s disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and pancreatitis. In senior dogs and cats, SAMe is used to help improve the level of activity and awareness. Moreover, it can help improve behavioral problems that may come with aging such as disorientation, changes in social interactions with people and other pets, changes in sleep-wake cycle, and loss of house-training skills.
How is SAMe administered?
In dogs, the use of SAMe is reported at doses between 17-20mg/kg, however the most commonly administered supplementation of SAMe is achieved with 18mg/Kg. For cats a standard dose of 200mg per day is not uncommon.
The dosing of SAMe should be given on an empty stomach to improve its oral bioavailability. It can be irritating to the gastro intestinal tract, and therefore encouraging the animal to consume water after dosing has been recommended.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- * Nutraceutical used to complement therapy for heaptobilary disease and liver (chronic hepatitis), osteoarthritis, and cognitive impairment
- * Very well tolerated
- * There are no products containing SAMe approved by the APVMA
- * Available in Denosyl tablets (from selected outlets)
- * IF YOU NEED TO INDIVIDUALISE THE FORM OR STRENGTH OF SAMeTO MEET THE NEEDS OF YOUR PATIENT, CONTACT BOVA STAFF FOR ADVICE.
FURTHER READING AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FROM A BOVA PHARMACIST OR SHOULD YOU NEED FURTHER INFORMATION. CHECK OUT OUR MONOGRAPH.
Center, SA. S-adenosyl-methionine an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutraceutical. Presented at the 18th American College of Veterinary Medicine Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA; May 2000.
S-Adenosylmethionine. The Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian; August 2000: 600-603.
S-Adenosylmethionine , Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook
Webb, C. B., Twedt, D. C., Fettman, M. J., & Mason, G. (2003). S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) in a feline acetaminophen model of oxidative injury. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 5(2), 69-75.
Park, F. M. (2012). Successful treatment of hepatic failure secondary to diazepam administration in a cat. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 14(2), 158-160.
Webster, C. R., & Cooper, J. (2009). Therapeutic use of cytoprotective agents in canine and feline hepatobiliary disease. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 39(3), 631-652.
By Alexander Corry B. Pharm
Chief Pharmacist
Bova Compounding