HMR Multi-Formula 20mg Capsules

K9 Select Multi-Formula (HMR Lignans, Melatonin, Milk Thistle) 20mg, 90 Capsules

Each bottle contains 90 unflavored capsules for dogs. Three products combined into one capsule with minimum ingredients. 90 servings of:

• HMR Lignans 20 mg
• Melatonin 2 mg
• Milk Thistle 40 mg

We are proud to introduce our new combination HMR products!

Our K9 Select HMR Multi-Formula supplements are carefully formulated for dogs to:

• Provide natural hormone support *
• Help balance estrogen, cortisol and testosterone *
• Promote a healthy immune system *
• Promote relaxation, calm and comfort *
• Support overall health – promote normal thirst and urination *
• Daily use promotes normal skin and coat health *
• Provide natural liver support *
• Provide natural antioxidants *
• Bottled in the USA

The first active ingredient is HMR lignans. Like our Lignans for Life HMR lignans, our K9 Select lignans are sourced from the same Norwegian spruce tree knots. HMR is short for hydroxymatairesinol, which is metabolized in the body into a powerful antioxidant that prevents or limits oxidative stress throughout the body and supports the immune system. Many studies indicate that high amounts of lignans in the body may reduce cortisol and other hormone levels and promote healthy reproductive organs. * The second active ingredient is melatonin. Supplementing with melatonin can be highly beneficial, as melatonin is a well-known antioxidant useful in regulating hormones and may reduce stress and anxiety. * The third active ingredient is milk thistle, standardized to 80% Silymarin. Research suggests that Silymarin (the flavolignans removed from milk thistle) and its antioxidant properties can be beneficial for dogs (5). Studies also suggest that milk thistle may support a healthy liver in dogs. Milk Thistle can be beneficial for dogs with Cushings Disease (a common adrenal disorder), as liver problems are often associated with the disease due to the stress it places on the liver.

Other HMR Multi-Formula options:

• HMR Multi-Formula 30mg beef and cheddar chewable tablets for large dogs: https://www.lignans.net/product/hmr-multi-formula-30mg-beef/
• HMR Multi-Formula 10mg peanut butter chewable tablets for small dogs: https://www.lignans.net/product/hmr-multi-formula-10mg-peanut-butter/

Lignans Health Benefits

Lignans are excellent for balancing hormone levels in the body. Specifically, lignans have been shown to reduce cortisol and other adrenal steroids and to exert anti-estrogenic effects. Such anti-estrogenic effects include the prevention of naturally occurring hormones from binding to estrogen receptors and exerting their negative effects. Lignans provide a weaker form of estrogen. Thus, they are believed to be helpful in balancing out both estrogen deficiencies (by supplying phytoestrogens to otherwise inactive receptors) and excesses (through at least two separate mechanisms – first, by competing with much stronger estrogen for the same receptors and second, by inhibiting aromatase activity). Further reading here.*

Research

Lignans are converted in the body into the mammalian lignans (enterolignans) enterodiol and enterolactone. Enterolignans have been shown to be potent antioxidants. They reduce the free radicals that otherwise damage tissues, membrane lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins, and may lead to diseases or premature aging. Enterolignans also stimulate the synthesis of sex hormone binding globulin, effectively binding sex hormones and thereby reducing their circulation in the blood stream and thus their biological activity. * Some studies have indicated improved hair growth. *  

Melatonin Health Benefits

Supplementing with melatonin can be highly beneficial, as melatonin is a well-known antioxidant useful in regulating hormones and may reduce stress and anxiety. * Melatonin decreases sex hormone secretion, modulates aromatase activity, and inhibits cortisol production. It has also been shown in some animal models to inhibit androgen production and ovarian activity. Further reading here. Melatonin’s anti-estrogenic properties have been extensively studied. Melatonin acts in several ways to limit estrogen production and/or activities, including by interfering with estrogen receptor activities, down-regulating estrogen expression during transcription, reducing estrogen receptor sensitivity, and inhibiting the expression of key enzymes (like aromatase) involved in estrogen production. Further reading here and here. In addition, melatonin has been shown not only to inhibit cortisol itself, but also the chemical (ACTH) that signals the adrenal gland to produce cortisol. Further reading here and here.  * Studies have shown that melatonin can reduce symptoms of stress in canines, including refusal to eat, excessive pacing or panting, as well as whimpering and licking. Melatonin may also help reduce aggressive behavior in dogs. Because the body responds to stress by producing additional cortisol, the reduction in stress, anxiety and aggression that results from melatonin supplementation may have a secondary effect (beyond the direct effects noted above) of lowering cortisol levels. * See the recommended treatment protocols here.

How Melatonin Works

In humans, dogs, and other animals, melatonin plays an important role in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is naturally produced by the body in the pineal system. In healthy animals, peak production of melatonin naturally occurs after sunset. Melatonin signals to the body both time of day and season (length of night). However natural production decreases as we and our pets age. This is one reason older people and pets find it difficult to get quality sleep or to sleep for as many hours as when we were younger. Melatonin may also help anxious dogs by reducing stress hormone levels. * For this use, give 1 serving melatonin products 30 minutes before stressful event. See a full list of canine melatonin products here. Note: Always consult your physician or veterinarian before taking melatonin for yourself or for your dog. For treatment of dogs, you should not use a rapid release melatonin or a timed-release melatonin. Use only regular melatonin. All of our melatonin products fit these criteria.  

Milk Thistle Health Benefits

Milk Thistle is found in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Milk Thistle belongs to the daisy family and has been used for protection of the liver for thousands of years. Silymarin, a component of milk thistle seeds, or milk thistle extract, is a flavonoid that provides antioxidants naturally. Milk Thistle has been studied for its antioxidant properties that may support the liver(1). Other reported benefits of silymarin and milk thistle include their anti-inflammatory properties, which may support cell structure. Studies also imply that the active ingredients in milk thistle may support skin health Research suggests that Silymarin (the flavolignans removed from milk thistle) and its antioxidant properties can be beneficial for dogs (5). Studies also suggest that milk thistle may support a healthy liver in dogs. Milk Thistle can be beneficial for dogs with Cushings Disease (a common adrenal disorder), as liver problems are often associated with the disease due to the stress it places on the liver.

Milk Thistle Side Effects

Very few side effects have been reported after using milk thistle. In rare cases, it may have a laxative effect, but such instances are uncommon. It is always important to consult your doctor or physician before starting any new supplement. Note: An additional product to consider is SAMe for liver support. Milk Thistle and SAMe are often used together for added benefits. Click here to read about SAMe for dogs  

General Dosages & Directions

For adult dogs, give 1 capsule for every 20 lbs of body weight. Capsule can be administered whole as a treat or hidden in food. It can also be opened and the powder can be mixed into a small amount of peanut butter, a small piece of cheese, a pill pocket, etc. A second serving of melatonin is recommended later in the day, as noted below. Important Note: Lignans and Milk Thistle are recommended once per day. Melatonin is recommended every 12 hours, so a second serving of melatonin should be given 12 hours after the Multi-Formula tablet, as follows:

• 6 mg of melatonin for dogs over 30 lbs.
• 3 mg of melatonin for dogs under 30 lbs.
• 1 mg of melatonin may be recommended for dogs 10 lbs. or less, or for those who want to give their dogs very low doses of melatonin.
• See a full list of canine melatonin products here.

(Click the following link for more detailed info on Lignans Dosage for Dogs. Click the following link for more detailed info on Melatonin Dosages for Dogs. Recommended milk thistle dosage for healthy dogs is approximately 2 mg of milk thistle for each pound of dog's weight.) Note: Always consult your veterinarian when trying new supplements.     Research 1). Asghar Z, Masood Z. Evaluation of antioxidant properties of silymarin and its potential to inhibit peroxyl radicals in vitro. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2008 Jul;21(3):249-54. 2). Tamayo C, Diamond S. (2007). Review of clinical trials evaluating safety and efficacy of milk thistle (Silybum marianum Gaertn.). Integrative Cancer Therapies. 3). Joi A. Nichols, Santosh K. Katiyar (2010). Skin photoprotection by natural polyphenols: Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and DNA repair mechanism). Joi A. Nichols, Santosh K. Katiyar (2010). Skin photoprotection by natural polyphenols: Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and DNA repair mechanisms 4.) Gaby, Alan R. (2006). The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions. 5.) Varzi HN, Esmailzadeh S., Morowati H. Effect of silymarin and vitamin E on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in dogs. (2007). Journal of Veterinary P5. Varzi HN, Esmailzadeh S., Morowati H. Effect of silymarin and vitamin E on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in dogs. (2007). Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 477-481. *Always consult your vet before giving dogs new supplements