PHYTOTHERAPY IN VETERINARY PRACTICE

Phytotherapy is the science of using phytogenetic medicine to treat and prevent

disease. Phytotherapeutics, or phytopharmaceutics, are plants or parts of plants and their
preparations ; polymixtures of substances given an one effective unit. The effects of
phytopharmaceutics are based on pharmacologically active constituents .Scientific
phytotherapy is considered as an integrative component of pharmacology. However, proper use
of phytopharmaceutics require particular procedures and ways of thinking, so that
phytotherapy represents a special area of science.
More botanicals are gaining popularity amongst modern physicians partly due to the
high cost involved in the development of patentable chemical drugs. and the evidence to show
that medicinal plants contain synergistic and/or side-effects neutralizing combinations. The
active profile of a plant extract results from the amount of the partial effects from its substances
and can not be reduced to the portion of the active agents. This is similarly valid for the
processing of several plants (parts) into one compound remedy. It is probable that therapeutic
and lethal dose exist for every phytomedicinal and synthetic compound.

Phytopharmaceutics usually have broad-spectrum effects and less undesirable effects

than the single substances. Therefore they are especially suitable for long-term medication in
chronic diseases, in geriatric and convalescent patients, for follow-up treatment, and in the
prophylaxis of infectious, degenerative and metabolic diseases. Furthermore they can be
combined as supportive therapy for use with synthetical medicines. Partly they have effects,
that are rarely evoked by synthetic medicines, such as antiviral, immune modulating or hepato
protective effects. Furthermore for large animal practice the fact is of importance, that
phytopharmaceutics seldom cause tissue-residues of legal interest and do not need any
withholding periods.

Herbal remedies have been used by animal owners and veterinarians, however, the
scientific based, species oriented veterinary phytotherapy is still in the stage of development..
For these reasons it is partly necessary to adapt the extensive knowledge of human medicine
phytotherapy research for veterinary practice. Herbal medicinal products are seldom used in
eye and ear infections as well as in endo-and ectoparasitoses but more often in diseases of the
liver, joints, kidneys, heart and skin. Generally, phytodrugs are more frequently applied in
chronic diseases as well as secondary medication, wherein the time of treatment usually
exceeds one month.

Phytomedicines are often not as fast-working and potent as allopathic medicines. They
may therefore be less suitable to control and treat epidemic and endemic infectious diseases and
acute life-threatening bacterial infections). For these problems,modern drugs might still be the
best choice. But for common diseases and more chronic conditions such as skin diseases,
worms, wounds, reproductive disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and mild diarrhoea,
phytomedicine has much to offer and can be a cheap and readily available alternative to costly
imported drugs.
Approved indications for phytotherapy are respiratory diseases (secretolytics,
secretomotoric), gastrointestinal disorders (spasmolytics, carminatives, laxatives,
antidiarrhoeics, therapeutics for ulcers), eczemas, dermatosis, treatment of wounds (cleaning of
wounds, stimulating granulation), liver - bilious insufficiency (choleretics, cholagogues),
disorders of the cardiovascular system, overstraining of the locomotor system, convalescence
(stomachics, roborants), mucosal inflammations, inflammations of the urogenital tract as well
excitement conditions (sedatives). In equine and small animal practice phytotherapy meets
the increasing demand of animal-owners for "natural", gentle treatment methods.; the absence
of withholding times is of importance in large animal practice.

Common forms of applications: Herbs are administered in several forms such as tea(infusion
and decoction), capsules, tablets, extracts, poultices, ointments and in bulk.

Teas: The best known form of herbal treatments, are administered as infusions or decoctions;
the method being determined by the part of the herb being extracted. Leaves, young stems,
flower petals and finely chopped or powdered ehrb are easily processed with hot water
infusion. Decoctions, performed with hot or cold water, are usually reserved for woody stems,
barks, berries, rhizomes and roots, the process taking longer duration.

Capsules and tablets: They include herbs in powdered or tincture form, with different sizes,
being available commercially.

Extracts: extracts come in glycerin, water and alcohol tinctures; powder in capsules and in
pills. Liquid extracts can be applied in a variety of forms(teas, poultice)

Poultices: Boiling the fresh or dried herb for 5 minutes, squeezing out the excess
liquid,allowing it to cool; the herb is applied to the skin and wrapped with cotton gauze to hold
the poultice in place., ranging from few minutes to several hours.It may be necessary to rub oil
on the skin to prevent the herb from sticking and licking by the animal is to be avoided.

Ointments: commercial preparations of herbal ointments to be applied on unbroken kskin

commonly.

Bulk herbs: Direct administration of herbs (chopped, fresh or powdered,; mixed with honey or
other liquids) as food supplement , may be with difficulty in some patients.

Dosages: The dosage of the herbs to apply in a given situation depends on factors like
bodyweight of the patient, the concentration of the active ingredients in the form chosen and
the absorption of active elements. No standard scientifically validated method of dosing in
animals exists. One has to start with conservative dosages, with carefully gauging the animals
reaction before increasing the medication. It has been the practice to determine the dosages by
determining the ratio of the weight of the patient to that of a 150-pound human being. For
example, 50pound dog would receive one third to one half the human dosage. A protocol
followed for the small and large animals dosages is given in the table. Carnivores require more
per pound; herbivores require less per pound on the basis of human dosage. These doses are
given two to three times daily depending on the severity of the condition.

Preparation Cat(Body Dog(25lb) Goat Cow(1500lb) Horse

weight:10 (250lb)
(1000lb
 lb)
)
Decoction 15ml 30ml 119ml 355ml 237ml
Extract powder 100mg 100mg 1tsp 2T 2T
Extract tablet (250mg) 0.5 1 3-5 10-15 10-15
Tinctures 5-10drops 5-10drops 1tsp 2T 2-3T
Syrups 0.25tsp .25-0.5tsp

Some of the plants with potential therapeutic utilities are listed below.

Botanical name
Uses/indications/properties
Acacia catechu Astringent, antimicrobial
Acacia nilotica Styptic, anthelmintic, spasmolytic, anti diabetic, urogenital discharge
Acorus calamus Antispasmodic, insecticide, carminative, expectorant
Acacia Senegal Burn,epistaxis,Antinflammatory
Aegle marmelos Antidiarhoeal,antibacterial,antimycotic,maggot wound
Albizzia procera Oestrogenic, insecticidal, anticancer
Bacteriicidal,digestive, anticarcinogenic, hypolipidemic,
Allium sativum
antidiabetic, expectorant, hypotensive, antithrombotic, diuretic
Allpinia galanga Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic, cardiovascular depressant
Aloe vera, Aloe
Purgative,sunheat burns,radiation,dermatitis
barbadensis
Alstonia scholaris Galacogogue, astringent, anticancer, dermatitis
Andrographis paniculata Bronchitis,diarrhoea,dermatitis, hepatoprotective
Anethum sowa Carminative,diuretic, digestive, laxative
Annona squamosa Insecticidal ,spasmogenic,oxytocic,antiseptic
Antidesama menasu Antiinflammatory, diuretic,scabies
Apis millifera Sweetening agent , cough,
Galactogogue,antispasmodic,nervine tonic,antibacterial, threatened
Asparagus racemosus
abortions
Avena sativa Demulcent, diuretic, stimulant, tonic
Azadirachta indica Antiviral, antifungal,larvicida,anticancer,antiandrogenic
Baliospermum montanum Purgative, rubefacient
Bambusa bambos Emmenagogue, laxative, insecticide, RFM,stimulant, strangury
Bauhinia variegata. Galactogogue, asthma, laxative, dermatitis,dysentry,anticancer
Berberis aristata Anti cancer, conjunctivitis, jaundice, diuretic, laxative
Antibacterial, expectorant, Diuretic, Styptic, anti convulsant, hepato
Boerhaavia diffusa
protectant
Bryonopsois laciniosa Laxative, colic, cough, convulsions, spasmolytic
Butea monosperma Astringent , diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, hamaturia
Camellia sinensis Antioxidant, astringent, CNS stimulant, diuretic, nervine tonic,
antitumour, demulcent,lactogogue
Capsicum frutescens Carminative
Abortrifacient, colic, laxative, diuretic, ecbolic, anodyne,
Carica papaya
antiarthritic and antiasthmatic
Carissa congesta Insect repellant, astringent, ascites
Pruritis,antibacterial,dermatitis,warts,wound, ulcer, cough,
Cassia alata
antibacterial, spasmolytic
Cassia senna Cathartic
Centella asiatica Antirhuematic antispasmodic,antiseptic,sedative,nervine tonic
Cinnamomum camphora Rubefacient, expectorant antiseptic
Cinnamomum zeylanicum Carminative, Styptic,antifungal
Citrullus colocynthis Drastic purgative, in abnormal foetal presentation
Citrus aurantfolia Antibacterial, expectorant, dermatitis, colic, vomition, diuretic
Citrus limon Antibacterial,astringent,antiasthama,colic
Clerodendrum serratum Sedative,analgesic,antihistaminic
Colious ambainicus Antibacterial,carminative,expectoreant,dermatitis, antiasthma
Coriander sativum Carminative,antibacterial
Cucurbita pepo
Postpartum uterine bleeding, taenicide ,fungicidal
Cuminum cyminum Antibacterial,carminative,spasmolytic, colic, antihyperglycemic
Curcuma amada Antipyretic, laxative, carminative, dermatitis, contusion, sprain
Antiinflammatory,antibacterial,viral,protozoal,antioxidant and
Curcuma longa
hepatoprotective
Cymbopogan flexuosus Bactericidal,insect repellant,stomachic
Cyperus rotendus Galactogogue, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, carminativce,
astringent, vermifuge
Dalbergia sissoo Styptic, constipative, abortifaciant, digestive
Echinacea purpurea Antiseptic, digestive, antiviral, immunostimulant, laxative,
aphrodisiac
Eclipta prostrata Styptic, postpartum uterine pain, bronchitis antiviral,
hepatoprotective
Elettaria cardamomum
Carminative,spasmolytic,scabies
Astringent, hemostatic, urinary caliculi, carminative,
Equisetum arvense
hematuria,cystitis
Euphorbia antiquorum Antibacterial, spasmogenic, antirheumatic, maggoticidal
Ferula foetida Carminative
Epistaxis,expectorant,emetic,drying milk in lactating animals
Ficus hispida
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiarrhoeal, threatened abortion,
Ficus racemosa
hemoptysis
Carminative, antiinflkammatory, estrogenic, expectorant,
Foeniculum vulgare
stomachic,anodyne
Gardenia resinefera Antispasmodic, expectorant, colic, laxative, wound, anthelmintic,
hepatoprotective
Ginkgo biloba Antioxidant, Hypotensive, Antitussive, astringent, digestive,
dysuria, vermifuge, geriatric patients
Gloriosa superba Abortifacient, spasmogenic, RFM, CNS deppressant
Antinflammatory,expectorant,antiarthritc,purgative
Glycyrrhiza glabra
,diuretic
Gmelina arborea Laxative, galactogogue, dermatitis, anaermia, anthelmintic
Antirhuematic,paralysis,
Grangea maderaspatana
spasmolytic
Helianthus annus Emmenagogue, diuretic, expectorant
Heliotorpium indicum Emollient, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, spasmogenic, fungicidal,
antipyretic
Hemidesmus indicus Diuretic, spasmogenic, antiviral, laxatrive, wounds, expextorant
 Oestrogenic, hemostatic, anodyne, expulsion of placenta,
Hibiscus rosasinensis
constipation, pruritus, spsmolytic
Holarrhena antidysentrica Astringent, anthelmintic, anticancer, ecbolic
Hydrastis canadensis Alterative, antiperiodic, astringent, diuretic,hemostatic, insect
repellant, hepatoprotective, uterotonic
Hypericum perforatum behavior disorders, aggression, anxiolytic, astringent,
arthritis,bruises
Illicium verum Carminative, convulsive
Jatropha curcus Rubefacient,insecticidal
Juniperus communis Astringent, bronchitis, vaginal discharge, diuretic, urinary antiseptic
Leucas aspera Scabies,antipyretic, insecticidal
Mangifera indica Astringent, (fruits-laxative), epistaxis, mscabies, immunostimulant
Myrica esculenta Astringent, antiseptic, cough, carminative
Musa paradisiac Coccidiostat
Mentha arvensis Counterirritant,antipruritic,flavouring
Mimosa Pudica Haemogalactia,haematuria,uterine eversion,edema,myalgesia
Myristica fragrans Carminative,flavoring
Nardostachys jatamansi Digestive,carminative
Nicotiana tabacum Sedative, styptic, anthelmintic, abortifacient
Nigella sativa Carminative, emmenagogue, insecticide, antibacterial
Ocimum basilicum Agalactia, colic, cough, diarrhoea, halitosis
Atnibacterial,protozoal,expectorant,carminative,immunostimulant,an
Ocimum sanctum
tiulcerogenic insecticidal, antioxidant
Oenothera biennis rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, eczema
Oroxylum indicum Colic, anodyne, astringent( seeds-purgative), anthelmintic
Panax ginseng Anaemia, anodyne, cachexia, cancer, cardiotonic, cough, emetic,
sialogogue, antistress, diabetes
Phyllanthus emblica Antiviral,expectorant carminative,hepatoprotective
Phyllanthus officianalis Antiviral,expectorant carminative,hepatoprotective
Picrorrhiza kurroa Stomachic,Cholagogue, febrifuge, tonic, hepatoprotective
Pimpinella anisum Colic, carminative
Piper cubeba Urinary antiseptic, cough
Piper longum Carminative, sedative, purgative, cough
Piper nigrum Carminative,antiseptic,rubifacient,sialogogue, abortive
Plantago ovata Bulk Laxative
Plumbago zeylanica Scabies, antibacterial, antifungal
Pongamia pinnata. Dermatitis, mange, antibacterial, laxative
Prunus serotina Expectorant, astringent
Punica granatum Astringent, epistaxis, anti cestodal
Putranjiva roxburghhi Laxative,diuretic,refrigerant
Quercus infectoria Astringent
Rheum emodi Laxative
Santalum album Diuretic, haemostat, antipyretic, deodorant, vaginal discharge, cough
Saraca asoka Astringent,tocolytoc,scabies
Serenoa repens Anabolic, diuretic, sedative, androgenic, benign prostatic
hyperplasia
Sesamum orientale Purgative, galactogogue, dermatitis, dysuria
Sida cordifolia Demulcents, tenesmus,colic
Silybum marianum Choleretic, hepatoprotective, tonic, galactogogue, purgative
Soymida febrifuga Astringent, easy placental expulsion, galactogogue
 Stereospermum
Febrifuge, mania
chelonoides
Sterculia urens Bulk laxative
Carminative, antiseptic, antibacterial, rubifacient, diuretic, febrifuge,
Syzygium aromaticu.
gum and teeth strengthener
Syzygium cumini Astringent, antibacterial, dermatitis, gum and teeth strengthener
Terminalia bellirica Antimycotic, diuretic, ripe fruit- purgative; unripe-astrigent
Trachyspermum ammi Colic, antibacterial , antiseptic, expectorant
Trachyspermum
Antiseptic, carminative, diuretic, colic, cough
roxburghianum
Trigonella foenum- Carminative, laxative, emollient, cough, anti-inflammatory,
graceum choleretic
Triumfetta rhomboidea Styptic, diuretic, galactogogue
Uraria lagopodioides Laxative, aphrodisiac, abortifacient
Urginea indica Expectorant, dermatitis, irritant
Vaccinium macrocarpon Urinary antiseptic
Valeriana jatamansi Hypnotic, anticonvulsant, cough, dermatitis, carminative
Valeriana officinalis Anodyne, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, sedative, bactericide,
vermifuge
Vitex negundo Pesticide, expectorant, febrifuge, anti allergic
Withania somnifera Galactogogue , sedative, antifungal, diuretic, antiiepileptic
Woodfordia fructiosa Antibacterial, antifungal, uterine sedative, hepatoprotective
Zingiber officinale Carminative, antiemetic, flavouring
Zizyphus mauritiana Purgative, styptic, colic, antipyretic, stomatitis, wound

Many herbal medicines have been also considered to be quite effective in treatment of
mastitis.. The formulated herbal products with antibacterial, anti inflammatory , analgesic and
immunostimulatory properties and plants which boost the mammary gland health have been
tried as therapeutic agents for mastitis
Many of the plants used to boost mammary gland health have anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial, galactopurifying property in different parts of the plant. Some of the plants with
mammary gland health boosting action are Tinospora cordifolia, Cuminum cyminum,
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, Cymbopogon martinii, Limnophila aromatica, Nigella sativa,
Ocimum basilicum, Anethum graveolens, Amaranthus spinosus, Syzygium aromaticum, Cedrus
deodara, Gentiana kurroo, Ficus religiosa, Cyperus rotendus, Vigna radiate, Neolamarckia
cadamba, Citrullus colocunthis, Hyoscyamus niger etc.
Plants used as galactogoues include Alstonia scholaris, Asparagus racemosus,
Alternanthera sessilis, Arachis hypogaea, Artocarpus communis, Barringtonia acutangula,
Crocus sativus, Cymbopogon martini, Desmodium triflorium, Gmelina arborea, Ipomoea
mauritiana, Jatrohpa curcas, Lepidium sativem, Luffa cylindrical, Foeniculum vulgare, Vigna
pilosa, Vigna mungo, Sesamum indicum, Sachharum officinarum, Pueraria tuberose etc.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy, a component of herbal therapy; is the therapeutic use of volatile

essential oils to achieve a physical or psychological response. The oils are administered in a
number of ways: by diffusion or nebulisation, with massage or by topical application and rarely
orally. It is similar to herbal therapy in that natural plant substances are used medicinally.
Unlike herbal therapy, however volatile oils are used because of their ready absorption through
the nasal mucosa or skin. Herbal therapy also makes use of whole plant derivatives, which
include aqueous components excluded in essential oil preparation.

Aromatherapy uses aromatic, volatile extracts of plants, as a form of medicine, which is related
to and derived from but not the same as herbal medicine. These extracts are often erroneously
referred to as ‘essential oils’, since many of the active medicinal components are not oils at all.
The volatile extracts contain, for instance, alcohols, esters, terpenes, aldehydes and ketones, in
addition to oils. They are generally derived from plants by distillation
The ‘oils’ are derived from plants but their use differs from herbal medicine. This is
clearly the case, since they are only the volatile fraction of the plant. It is worth noting, at this
point, that they are very concentrated and powerful medicines, which must be used with care
and understanding. As some may cause abortion in pregnant animals and use in food-
producing animals can result in ‘tainted’ food products from those animals.

While aromatherapy has enjoyed a recent resurgence in popularity in people, veterinary

medical applications are limited, and current reports of using the volatile oils are quite rare. As
a result, indications for using aromatherapy are largely unknown and often extrapolated from
human data; more research is needed to determine the best use of volatile oils in pets.

Some of the volatile oils commonly used in veterinary aromatherapy are as follows.

Name of the Plant source Clinical use/properties

oil
Aniseed Pimpinella anisum Carminative,expectorant
Basil Ocimum basilicum Carminative,digestiver,, nervine tonic
Camphor Cinnmomum camphora Expectorant, topical analgesic, dental
antiseptic
Cardamom Eletaria cardmomum Digestive,carminative
Cedar Cedrus atlantica, Juniperus ashei Expectorant, antiseptic, antifungal,insect
repellant
Chamomile Marticaria chamomilla Anti-inflammatory, dermatitis, sedative,
gastroenteritis
Cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum Dermatophytes, dental antiseptic,
antimicrobial
Citronella Cymbopogon nardus Insect repellant, stimulant
Clove Eugenia caryophyllata Skin infections, antiemetic, carminative,dental
analgesic, antibacterial
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globules Antiseptic, decongestant, expectorant(upper
respiratory tract infections), urinary antiseptic
Evening Oenothera biennis Astringent, sedative, spasmodic, atopic
primrose eczema.
Fennel Foeniculum vulgare Eneteritis, colic, carminative,estrogenic
Geranium Pelargonium odontantissimum Astringent, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant,
antiseptic
Lavender Lavendula angustifolia Tranquilliser, inflammatory skin
diseases,miticidal
Lemon grass Cymbopogon citratus Insecticidal,dermatophytes
Peppermint Menthe piperita Carminative, antispasmodic, bronchitis,
 antitussive, mild antibacterial
Tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia Dermatophytes, antibacterial
Terebinth Pinus palustris Expectorant
Thyme Thymus vulgaris Antimicrobial, fungicidal, pneumonia,
gastroenteritis
Turmeric Curcuma longa Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, Chronic
ulcers, scabies,

The application of phytotherapy and aromatherapy in veterinary practice offers an

enlargement of the therapeutic options and an increase of the security of therapy in combination
with other therapeutic approaches.

REFERENCES

1. Asolkar,L.V.,Kakker,K.K.and Chakre ,O.J.(1992)Glossary of Indian medicinal plants

with active principles part-I (A-K).National institute of science communication
CSIR,New Delhi-110012

2. Kirtikar,K.R and Basu ,B.D.(2001) Indian medicinal plants ,oriental enterprises,31-

8,Rajpur road,Dehradun ,uttaranchal ,India.

3. Lieb, Elliott H. , Capasso, Francesco , Gaginella and Timothy S. (2007) Phytotherapy:

A Quick Reference to Herbal Medicine. Springer publisher.

4. M J Smith and Schalkwijk. Veterinary phytotherapy: an overview. Can Vet J. 1999

December; 40(12): 891–892.

5. Rodes,M.C. (1996).Physiologically active compounds in plant foods: an overview,

proc of the nutrition society,55:371-384.

Susan G. Wynn and Barbara .J. Fougère.(2006). Veterinary herbal medicine. Elsevier Health
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Volker schulz and Rudolf Hansel. (2008) Rational Phytotherapy: A Reference Guide for
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