ETHNO-VETERINARY MEDICINE IN INDIAN PERSPECTIVE
The diversified botanical wealth in India is a treasure trove of our livelihood needs. Ethnoveterinary practice (EVP) by plant species has been utilized for centuries as a primary source of prevention and control of livestock diseases. The documentation of EVP is a need of the hour as most tribal communities are suffering from encroachments owing to urbanization and as such their endless knowledge is disappearing with them. The Discernment of Traditional Knowledge (TK) rooted remedies has promising potentiality in veterinary medicine not only for efficacy and safety but also for the potential to overcome the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs. The knowledge, skills, methods, practices and beliefs of botanicals have been chaotic, semi formalized and transferred vocally among various ethnic communities for traditional animal health care. The day-to-day practices of traditional knowledge revolve around the remarkable innovations of new herbal formulations that become an integral part of ethno-veterinary management among farmers.
Indian agriculture, livestock plays a key role in the farmer’s life, they provide farm power, rural transport, manure, fuel, milk, and meat, but also a major role in the rural economy by providing income and employment to the farmers and weaker sections of the society . Ethno veterinary medicine, deal with traditional animal health care which encompasses the knowledge, skills, methods, practices concerning animal health care. The local plants used for the treatment of conventional diseases of livestock and domestic birds are generally called ethno veterinary medicinal plants. Ethnoveterinary medicine is developed by farmers in fields, rather than by scientists in laboratories. The indigenous knowledge of the veterinary health care system acquired by traditional healers is orally transformed from one generation to next generation. Over centuries, people have developed their own system of keeping animal’s healthy and productive using age-old home remedies, surgical and manipulative techniques and religious practice . The use of ethnoveterinary medicine is a cheaper and sustainable alternative to synthetic medicines . Ethnoveterinary medicine usage differs not only from region to region but also among and within communities . Ethnoveterinary medicinal practice and skills have developed through time mainly by trial and error and sometimes through experimentation and innovation . Particularly old practice in large part of the world, in developing countries where animal health service facilities are still very poor or/and, are found scarcely located in urban areas . In rural regions, livestock are regularly affected by different types of diseases due to unavailability of veterinary services; rural poor people exclusively depend on ethnoveterinary practices.
Phytochemicals are chemicals that are naturally found in plants. They add color, odor and flavor to the plants. The word „phyto‟ is derived from a Greek work meaning „plant‟. There are lots of phytochemicals in different parts of plants like fruits, leaves, bark, roots etc. They protect from disease and damage, apart from contributing to the plant‟s color, aroma and flavor. In general, the plant chemicals that protect plant cells from environmental hazards like pollution, stress, drought, UV exposure and pathogenic attack (like bacteria, fungi etc.) are called phytochemicals. Knowledge of plant phytochemistry provides a basic framework for using plant materials as potential therapeutic agents in the field of medicine. Phytochemicals have always been in existence and medicinal plants have been traditionally used all over the world. Hence, many drugs available from plants are even used today by many of the veterinarians in their daily practice. Also, effective and affordable veterinary aid is necessary for enhancing livestock productivity which can only be achieved through wide scale application of traditional knowledge of ethno-veterinary practice. Phytochemicals ensure safe, eco-friendly and most effective drug for animal use. It is true that antibiotics, hormones, insecticides and pesticides have proven to be very effective ever since their introduction. The presence of their residues in human food chain needs to be reduced to a safe limit. In addition, the prohibitive cost of conventional medicines and their limited availability especially to the rural communities and other developing regions (India being a developing country) have driven the necessity of relying upon the traditio nal practices. Phytomedicine almost went into extinction in our country during the first half of the 21st century with the arrival of the „more powerful and potent synthetic drugs‟. But due to numerous side effects of these drugs, the value of medicinal plants is being rediscovered. Moreover, some of them have proved to be as effective as synthetic medicines with fewer or no side effects and contraindications. Although the effects of natural remedies may seem slower, the results are sometimes better on the long run especially with respect to chronic diseases. Switching to Indian system of medicine in veterinary practice for curing ailments other than emergencies and serious infections may therefore be examined at apex level. Before the advent of modern allopathic system of medicine, it seems possible that the healing art was almost the same throughout the world including India. This system of medicine has given the term ethno-medicine (when implied to human treatment) and ethno-veterinary medicine (in the context of animal treatment). In India, ethno-veterinary practices were in vogue since time immemorial. In ancient India, the Vedic literature, particularly Atharvaveda is a repository of traditional medicine including prescriptions for treatment of animal diseases. Scriptures such as Skanda Purana, Devi Purana, Matsya Purana, Agni Purana, Garuda Purana, Linga Purana, and books written by Charaka, Susruta, Palakapya (1000 BC), and Shalihotra (2350 BC) documented treatment of animal diseases using medicinal plants. Vedic texts also describe divine healing powers. Yajurveda cites importance of growth and development of medicinal plants and Atharvaveda mentions about the value of medicines in curing the diseases. Shalihotra undoubtedly appears to be the first veterinarian of pre-historic times. The ancient Indians were so apt with the knowledge of herbals, even Alexander acquired some of the skills used by Indians, particularly for treatment of snakebite
History of phytochemicals
Our country has great traditional background in the field of Ethno-Veterinary Medicine (EVM) and practices. Animals and plants have always been an integral part of our culture, religion, magico-religion and traditional pharmacopoeia. Use of specific photochemical as remedy for various maladies developed by trial and error over many centuries. The Chinese have the oldest medicine system and it has evolved greatly over the years. More than 5000 years ago, the Chinese based their medicine on the yin and yang principle and on the basis of the five elements. Their earliest record dates back to 2800 BC; The Great Native Herbal. In Greece, Dioscorides came up with De Materia Medica in the first century AD. Vedic literatures of ancient India have already described the treatment of animal diseases by using medicinal herbs. For instance, “Rigveda” and “Yajurveda” cited the importance of the medicinal plants and “Atharvaveda” mentioned the value of indigenous medicines in curing diseases. The books written by Salihotra and Charaka (2350 BC) and Palikapya (1000 BC) have documented treatment of animal diseases using medicinal plants. Exclusive information on Veterinary Practices dates back to Mahabharat and two Pandavas “Nakul” and “Sahadev” who practiced Veterinary medicine with reference to horses and cattle. In the 19th and 20th century, scientists discovered many active ingredients, which had medicinal or pesticidal properties, e.g. salicylic acid, morphine and pyrethroids (pesticides). In the 1980s, many laboratories started to identify phytochemicals in plants for their use in medicines. Epidemiological studies in relation to these phytochemicals were also done. With the development of chemical science and pharmacognosy, physicians started to extract chemical products from the medicinal plants. A few examples are – quinine was isolated from Cinchona and aspirin was obtained from the bark of the willow. With the active principles in medicinal plants identified and isolated, plant-based prescriptions began to be substituted more and more with pure substances, which were more powerful and easier to prescribe and administer. More than 4,000 phytochemicals have been cataloged till date and are classified by protective function, physical characteristics and chemical characteristics. Of these, nearly 150 phytochemicals have been studied in detail till date. The phytochemicals present in plants that are responsible for preventing disease and promoting health have been studied extensively in the recent past to establish their efficacy and to understand the underlying mechanism of their action. Such studies have included identification and isolation of the chemical components, establishment of their biological potency both by in vitro and in vivo studies in experimental animals and through epidemiological and clinical-case control studies in animals. These compounds are known as secondary plant metabolites and have biological properties such as antioxidant activity, antimicrobial effect, modulation of detoxification enzymes, stimulation of the immune system, decrease of platelet aggregation, modulation of hormone metabolism and anticancer property. In addition, phytochemicals can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by preventing the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, reduce the synthesis or absorption of cholesterol, normalize blood pressure and clotting, and improve arterial elasticity. These also aid in management or prevention of artherosclerosis which is a condition precipitated by cholesterol. Phytochemicals may detoxify those substances that cause cancer. They appear to neutralize free radicals, inhibit enzymes that activate carcinogens, and activate enzymes that detoxify carcinogens. For example, genistein prevents the formation of new capillaries that are needed for tumor growth and metastasis. Phytochemicals have also been promoted in these days for the prevention and treatment of diabetes, high blood pressure, and macular degeneration. Findings from laboratory studies have shown that phytochemicals may stimulate the immune system, absorb free radicles, block carcinogens, reduce inflammation, prevent DNA damage and promote DNA repair, slow growth rate of cancer cells causes damaged cells to undergo apoptosis before they can reproduce, counteract infection, alleviate pain and regulate hormones. Thousands of phytochemicals have been identified so far, and scientists have only begun to truly understand the importance of these chemicals. Even as we claim to be technologically advanced, we mostly do not create any new compounds but only make chemical replicates of the phytochemicals already present in plants. Lately, due to changing global needs, there is a renewed interest in the discovery of more phytochemicals. Plant phytochemical remedies are used in many species including ovine, bovines, swine, poultry, equines, rabbits and canines. Prime disorders addressed by these preparations comprise gastrointestinal ills, postnatal maladies, wounds and dermatological complications.
Types of phytochemicals
Plants synthesize a wide variety of chemical compounds. These are sorted by their chemical class, bio-synthetic origin and functional groups into primary and secondary metabolites. The quantity and quality of phytochemicals present in plant parts may differ from one part to another. Phytochemicals can also be classified into hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds [6], of which a great majority of terpenoid and polyphenolic compounds, as well as alkaloids, carbohydrates and non-protein amino acids are well known. Phytochemical analysis results state that terpenoid, steroids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and carbohydrates are commonly present in plants. Bioactive and disease preventing phytochemicals present in plants are mainly NSA (Non-starch polysaccharides), which include cellulose, hemicellulose, gums, mucilages, pectins, and lignins. Antibacterial & antifungal agents include terpenoids, alkaloids and phenolics, which are inhibitors of microorganisms and also reduce the risk of fungal infection. Antioxidants include polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, carotenoids, tocopherols and ascorbic acid. Anticancer agents are carotenoids, polyphenols, curcumine and flavonoids. Detoxifying agents include reductive acids, tocopherols, phenols, indoles, aromatic isothiocyanates, coumarins, flavones, carotenoids, retinoids, cyanates and phytosterols. Alkaloids, terpenoids, volatile flavor compounds and biogenic amines functions as neuropharmacological agents, anti- oxidants and cancer chemoprevention.
The pharmacological activities of plants are attributed to certain active principles in plants. They are alkaloids, glycosides, fats, oils, tannins, saponins etc. Anthraquinones have been associated with anticancer, laxative and anti-arthritic properties.
Plants used in veterinary practice
In day-to-day veterinary practices, parts of plants containing high concentration of specific phytochemicals are used. The main parts of plants used in healing are the storage organs, namely bark, bulbs, tubers and rhizomes, which are characterized by abundant quantities of storage lectins and proteins. The aerial regions of the plants are used more frequently (26%), leaves (14%), flowers (14%), fruits, and seeds (16%, including olive oil) and roots (5%). Legumes such as Entada phaseoloides seeds contain high levels of trypsin inhibitor and saponins, Sesbania aculeate seeds are rich in non-starch polysaccharides and Mucuna pruriensvar. utilis seeds rich in l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine and have potential use in fish feed. Cassia fistula seeds are a source of antioxidants. Canavalia ensiformis, C. gladiata and C. virosaseeds contain high levels of trypsin inhibitors, lectins and canavanines. Rosa sp. (Gulab) petals are given to cure cold in cattle, Helianthus annus L. (Gul-e-aftab) seeds is used as a tonic for cattle, Turmeric has its use in mastitis, applied on udder FMD ulcers Wound and having healing and antiseptic effect, Rheum emodi powder is sprinkled on ulcers, wounds for quick healing & is also used as laxative, tonic & for GIT bleeding, Allium cepa L. crushed bulbs are used to stimulate the oestrus cycle in cows, Datura stramonium L. crushed seeds when given along with egg yolk are said to cure urinary bladder infections, Rumex acetosa crushed roots are made into balls and given along with salt to cattle to cure cough, gaseous bloat and sprained body parts, Conyza canadensis, crushed aerial portion is made into small soft balls and fed to cattle against indigestion and dysentery. Annona squamosa L. leaves are left in hens‟ nest or rubbed on floor to keep away vermin, Allium sativumLiliaceae (Garlic) bulb, Kalanchoe pinnataCrassulaceae (Wonder of the world) leaves, Momordica charantia vine, Neurolaena lobate leaves are all used for reduced appetite, Chrysobalanusicaco containing Chrysobalanaceae is used for the treatment of Pox, Citrus species, Rutaceae juice and peel is given for respiratory conditions and heat stress.
Coffee arabica / robusta grounds may also be used for respiratory conditions. Aconitum heterophyllum is a bitter tonic especially given for fever, potato protein in diet increases average daily gain (ADG) parameters and gain and also reduces microbial populations in the caecum, colon and rectum, as well as in faeces in pigs. Cannabis sativa (Charas) leaves are crushed and given to animals for two days for indigestion. Bergenia ligulata (Pulfort) dried roots are ground to make powder is given to cattle with warm water during diarrhea, weakness and to enhance milk production, also Sonchus arvensis are fed to goat and cattle for the same reason. Plants used traditionally for the treatment of wounds and placenta retension in livestock have high levels of dichloromethane (DCM) and 90% methanolic extracts, when screened for antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and mutagenic activity were found effective in combating infection and for pain reduction. Brassica rapa L. leaves is given to cows for the removal of placenta. Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Equilobium parviflorum inhibit Escherichia coli. Scilla natalensis and Ledebouria ovatifolia contain phytochemicals having anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anathematic, anti-schistosomic and anticancer. Antibacterial activity is also exhibited by DCM extracts of Dicerocaryum eriocarpum, Pterocarpu sangolensis, Ricinus communis and Schkuhria pinnata also have high antibacterial activity. Nicotiana tabacum leaves, have anti helminthic properties against Haemonchus contortus worms. Artemisia absinthium L. extract of the whole herb is used to cure the liver infection in cattle and is also a wormicide, Cedrus deodara oil is used for foul ulcers and wounds also applied on skin for treating ticks, fleas and lice. Ananas comosus (pine apple), Momordica charantia (bitter gourd) and Azadirachta indica (neem) contain anthelmintic compounds which are used for controlling internal parasites. Aqueous bulb extracts from Allium sativa, Warburgia salutaris and Tulbaghia violacea possess antifungal efficacy and both proved to be effective against fungus. Lippia javanica for the treatment of cough, cold and other problems of the bronchus and to disinfect meat contaminated with anthrax. Leaf decoction of Caladium bicolor is used to get rid of external festers in cows. Use of medicinal plants ranges from treatment of ectoparasites to even surgical cases. Aloe vera, neem plant and sandal wood are those plants used with respect to their antipyretic and anti-infective properties. Plants like Acacia catechu, Azadirachta indica, Nerium oleander and Ricinus communis are used widely for their action against external parasite infestation. Spices have good carminative action which can relieve pain, flatulence and bloat apart from promoting gastro-intestinal peristaltic function. Barley and coriander are used as diuretics which increase urine production by direct effect on kidney and urinary bladder. A mixture of Allium sativum, Ferulaassa-foetida, Piper nigrum and Zingiber officinale is considered to be an excellent remedy for indigestion. Infertility often stands to be a great challenge for veterinarians. Citrullus colocynthis, Cocos nucifera, Solanum melongena, Areca catechu, Oryza sativa etc. are all effective in treating infertility. These are only a very few examples of the many cases wherein veterinarians apply “people‟s tradition of animal health care system” for curing animal diseases.
Nature is a unique source of structures of high phytochemical diversity, many of them possessing interesting biological activities and medicinal properties. In the context of the worldwide spread of different diseases, chronic diseases and a variety of cancers, an intensive search for new lead compounds for the development of novel pharmacologica l therapeutics is extremely important. With the advances in synthetic methodology and the development of more sophisticated isolation and analytical techniques, many more phytochemicals need to be identified. Still there exists a further need to deepen the horizon of research on the phytochemical composition of the plants, their mode of action, and furthermore to assess the lethal dose as well as explain how further studies might be conducted to bridge the gap between common uses and lack of studies on the safety and effectiveness of these herbs in lactation. Hence, an optimal standardization and dosing recommendations of these phytochemicals need to be developed by an explicit clarification in pre-clinical and clinical studies through in-vitro and in-vivo experimentations is needed. Advanced research on plants of excessive medicinal values may lead to new source of drugs which are really beneficial for health care of mankind and other important domestic animals. There is an urgent need for biochemical analysis and pharmaceutical investigations of more and more plant species to formulate and standardize the medicine for sustainable uses, progress and development of new avenues. With the advances in synthetic methodology and the development of more sophisticated isolation and analytical techniques, many more of these phytochemicals should be identified. The horizon of phytochemicals has to be explored and exploited to create a “green treatment” protocol to develop an ecofriendly and toxin free production system that is beneficial for existence of both human and animal population in the near future.
Compiled & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
Image-Courtesy-Google
Reference-On Request.
USE OF ETHNO VETERINARY MEDICINE (EVM) KNOWLEDGE IN THE LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN INDIA
