In equine practice, phytotherapy is meeting the increasing demand of horse owners for "natural", safetreatment methods. Long-term use of NSAIDs can cause severe adverse effects, hence the growing popularityof anti-inflammatory phytotherapeutics. At the current time, several different herbal mixes are beingcommercialized, which makes it difficult for horse owners and veterinarians alike to make a well-foundedchoice.Harpagophytum procumbens (devil’s claw), Salix spp. (willow) and Ribes nigrum (blackcurrant), three plantsthat are often used in these mixes, have been evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Based on published studiesand the evaluation of these studies, for example by the Cochrane Collaboration, there seems to be someevidence for Harpagophytum procumbens and Salix spp. having a stronger analgesic and anti-inflammatoryeffect than placebos in humans. In horses, however, only one limited clinical study on Harpagophytum hasbeen performed up until now, while no studies were found on the use of Salix in horses. More research isneeded before any claims concerning efficacy or safety can be made regarding the use of these plants intreating horses. It has also been claimed that Ribes nigrum leaves have an anti-inflammatory effect, thoughthis has not yet been clinically proven either in humans or in horses.Although veterinary phytotherapy is as old as animal husbandry itself, little scientific proof can be foundregarding its uses. More research is needed before phytotherapy can be advertised as a valuable and safealternative to the more conventional treatment protocols.