Ethnoveterinary Medicine Research Articles

Phytochemistry, Ethnomedicinal Uses and Pharmacological Properties of Rhamnus prinoides: A Review

Rhamnus prinoides L’Herit belongs to Rhamnaceae family widely distributed in India, Eastern, Central and Southern Africa. In Ethiopia it is commonly known as Gesho (Amharic, Tigrigna and Afan Oromo), Gishe (Guragegna) and Geshu (Agewgna). Decoction of the leaves is recommended as remedy for treatment of variety of diseases such as back pain, malaria, pneumonia, sexually transmitted disease, skin infections, wounds, blood purifiers, water borne diseases and as ethnoveterinary medicine. Various secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, steroids and anthraquinones have been reported from the genus of which polyphenols were abundant with tremedousantioxidant, wound healing and antiinflammatory activities. The plant also serve as hopping agent, making traditional alcoholic beverages like tella and tej (in Ethiopia), animal feed, medicine, nectar for bees, soil conservation, ornamental, shade and dyes in textiles. This review presents chemical profile as well as biological activities of the species which confirmed that the plant is a good source natural polyphenols and provided valuable information in support of its use as an alternative medicine for future healthcare practice.

Ethnoveterinary study of plants used by Fulani agropastoralists for treating livestock diseases in Ido agrarian community of Oyo State, Nigeria

A survey was carried out on ethnoveterinary practices used by Fulani agropastoralists for maintaining the health and treating of livestock diseases in Ido agrarian community of Oyo State, Nigeria. Information was collected from fifty cattle herders using interview method with the help of Hausa interpreter and with the aid of questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (cross tabulations) to generate frequencies and percentages. Plants used for various ethnoveterinary and ethnomedicinal purposes were revealed. Information on the type of animals kept and management practices used by the respondents show that 48% kept cattle, goat and sheep. 14% kept cattle and goat, 36% kept cattle and sheep, while 2% kept cattle only. All the respondents agreed to stomach and intestinal worms as the prevalent ruminant diseases in the area. However, 86% of respondents reported seasonal appearance of worm infestations during wet season, while 14% both seasons. Higher percentage of respondents (80%) adopted the use of traditional medicine and conventional drugs in treating animals. 88% showcased the effectiveness of such combination of traditional and conventional drugs as being very effective. 20% of the respondents used the whole plant in formulating herbal preparations. Urbanization, seasonal variations and unquantifiable dosage have been highlighted as challenges encountered in the use of ethnoveterinary medicine in Ido agrarian community. 12% used decoction method of preparation, 50% used infusion, while 30% mixed plant with non-plant to formulate herbal preparations in solving the problem of helminthiasis and other diseases. The respondents who used local remedies claimed the knowledge of ethnoveterinary was passed from the parents to the children, and this keeps going from generation to generation. The results obtained from this study show that the awareness and the availability of ethnoveterinary plants among Fulani agropastoralists in Ido agrarian community of Oyo state is high, and this is responsible for the high patronage and usage of ethnoveterinary plants in this community. Intestinal worm infestations are the prevalent livestock disease encountered by the Fulani agropastoralists in the study area.

Review on Ethnoveterinary Practices in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Background: Livestock represents an important sector for the livelihood of sub-Saharan African countries’ inhabitants. In these countries, farmers raise livestock to meet household food demands and as additional sources of incomes, but its production is hampered by rampant animal diseases. The impact of animal diseases is particularly severe for poor communities that, although relying heavily on livestock, have limited access to modern veterinary services and therefore rely on indigenous medicines for the treatment of livestock ailments. Methods: The current review focuses on the ethnoveterinary health management practices found amongst livestock producers in sub-Saharan Africa. Documents were sourced from Google databases. Results: A total of 56 documents were reviewed, most of which were published recently (after 2000). The documents revealed the wide use of ethnoveterinary medicines among livestock producers in sub-Saharan African countries because of their cost and accessibility, threats to ethnomedicinal plant species through improper harvesting methods, overexploitation, the existence of inappropriate ethnoveterinary practices, and methods of conserving ethnomedicinal species. Conclusions: Given the persistent threats posed to ethnoveterinary medicine and/or practices in developing countries of sub-Saharan Africa, the findings of this review highlight the importance of integrating and promoting the use of ethnoveterinary medicine that is likely to be lost if it is not given enough importance. It is also important to obtain an overview of recent publications on ethnoveterinary medicines to identify the gaps and scope required to be filled by future studies. It is envisaged that the review will stimulate further ethnoveterinary research among livestock disease management practices, which could lead to new pharmaceuticals in the region.

Evaluation of medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of Ehretia cymosa Thonn. (Ehretiaceae)

Ehretia cymosa Thonn. is a deciduous medium-sized to large tree which occurs naturally from Sierra Leone in West Africa to Eritrea and Kenya in East Africa, and Zimbabwe in southern Africa. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of E. cymosa. This review examines the existing literature on the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of E. cymosa. This study revealed that the bark, leaf juice, leaves, roots, seeds, stems, twigs and whole plant parts of E. cymosa are mainly used as aphrodisiac, laxative and ethnoveterinary medicines and as traditional medicines for gastro-intestinal problems, wounds, malaria, fever, typhoid, convulsions, epilepsy, toothache and respiratory infections. Phytochemical research revealed that the species is characterized by alkaloids, anthraquinones, essential oils, fatty acids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolics, proanthocyanidins, pseudotannins, reducing sugars, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenes. Ethnopharmacological research revealed that the extracts of E. cymosa and phytochemical compounds isolated from the species showed antibacterial, antidiabetic, antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activities. Ehretia cymosa should be subjected to detailed phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological evaluations aimed at correlating its medicinal uses with its phytochemistry and pharmacological properties.

Dromedary camel health care practices reported by caretakers working at a permanent market

Traditional health care practices and ethnoveterinary medicine are still common in camels. This study aimed at describing camel health issues reported by caretakers including their management and treatment practices. Associations between the health issues and caretakers’ background, management practices, and facilities were also investigated. Camel caretakers (n=49) at a permanent market in Qatar were interviewed and data related to the camel pens (e.g. presence of shelters, water, and feeding points) collected. During the interview, questions sought to elicit the following information; i) caretaker’s background (age, level of education, experience, and how they identify when a camel is sick), ii) caretaker’s management practices (feeding, watering, and health care practices), iii) caretaker’s description of the last health problem (camel details, recalled diagnosis/clinical signs, possible cause, treatment, and outcome). The majority of the caretakers were middle-aged (31-50 years old) and they used to identify a sick camel mainly observing its behavioural modifications (p < 0.001). Treatment for endo- and ectoparasites were usually administered by caretakers, health checks routinely performed by veterinarians, while vaccinations were not conducted in most of the pens (p < 0.001). A total of 38 health problems were described and the high environmental temperature was the most reported possible cause (43.2%; p < 0.001). Among the recalled health problems, sunstrokes were the most common (11/38; p = 0.046), followed by fever (9/38). Sunstroke was more likely to affect males (OR: 5.04; CI95%: 1.87-23.38; p = 0.039), while fever younger animals (OR: 0.68, CI95%: 0.47-1.00; p = 0.050). Sunstrokes were more likely managed by non-veterinarians (OR: 4.75; CI95%: 1.05-21.34; p = 0.042). The majority of the cases were early identified and had a full recovery, but 11/38 camels died. Interestingly, drugs were the most common treatment (73.7%, p < 0.001), but often bought and administered directly by caretakers. Duty of care, infectious disease prevention, early and appropriate treatments could be recommended to guarantee the principle of good health and consequently animal welfare. Education on how to identify a sick camel and how to manage it should be also promoted.

Ethno-veterinary practice for the treatment of animal diseases in Neelum Valley, Kashmir Himalaya, Pakistan.

Plant species are not only used as fodder or forage but also contribute substantially in the treatment of various health disorders, particularly in livestock. This study is the first quantitative ethnobotanical effort on ethnoveterinary uses of medicinal plants conducted in the Upper Neelum Valley of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan. Information pertaining to cure different ailments of animals were collected from 126 informants through semi-structured interviews, group discussion and field walks. In order to identify the plant species used and their preferred habitats, elderly and experienced members of the tribes, locally known 'Budhair' (aged), were interviewed and sometimes accompanied in the field. The data was further analyzed through ethnobotanical indices. In all, 39 plant species, belonging to 31 genera and 21 families were documented which were used by the indigenous communities of Kashmir Himalaya for curing 21 different diseases of 7 different types of livestock. The highest number of ethno-medicinal plants were contributed by the Polygonaceae family, followed by Crassulaceae, Asteraceae and other families. Roots were the most used part of the plant for preparing ethnoveterinary medicines, followed by the aerial parts. The highest frequency of citation (41) and relative frequency of citation (7.32) was recorded for Saussurea lappa, followed by Rumex acetosa (37/6.61), Rumex nepalensis (36/6.43), Thymus linearis (28/5.0) and Angelica cyclocarpa (28/5.0). The highest use value was recorded for Saussurea lappa (0.33), followed by Rumex acetosa (0.29), Rumex nepalensis (0.29), Thymus linearis and Angelica cyclocarpa (0.22 each). The current study has made an important contribution towards the preservation of indigenous plants-based knowledge from extinction. The phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of the plants with high use value can be a potential source of novel drugs to treat health problems of animals and humans.

Documentation of ethnomedicinal and ethnoveterinary plants used by paliyar tribes, kurangani hills, western ghats, theni district, tamil nadu, india

A study on medicinal plant utilization in area revealed that the communities commonly used for maintaining their primary healthcare. The ethnomedicinal and ethnoveterinary documentation in the Kurangani forest of Tamil Nadu state was made for a period of two month from January to March 2021. The forest is a tropical evergreen with high species richness where the temperature and rainfall data indicates that it is suitable vegetation for the inhabitation of great number of species. In order to sort out health disorders or diseases based on the plants prescribed there are 8 ailment categories were classified. In present study, totally 50 plant species for ethnomedicine and 25 species of ethnoveterinary were encountered through the knowledge of indigenous tribal communities, Paliyar of Kurangani forest. Most of the treatments in both ethnobotany and ethnoveterinary practices with the use of herbs particularly leaf parts were perceived. For medicinal purposes, the family Malvaceae contributed majorly 5 species followed by Solanaceae with 4 species, Euphorbiaceae and Zingiberaceae contributed 3 species and afterward other family species solely mentioned for different ailments. In ethnoveterinary medicine documentation, 3 species belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae which is predominant, subsequently 2 species belong to Zingiberaceae. The mode of preparation and dosage, mode of application, duration of the treatment for each ailments have documented. This study highlights the traditional medicinal knowledge of the Kurangani tribal people, providing basic data for further research and protection of minority medicine. Thus, conservation of medicinal plants by local communities is emphasized in present study to avoid further loss. Moreover, phytochemical and pharmacological investigation is recommended with due consideration to frequently used medicinal plants.

Evidence-based investigations into the ethnoveterinary use of Mimosa pudica L. (Fabaceae) as an anthlemintic

Purpose: To investigate the toxicity, clinical outcome and anthelmintic effects of M. pudica in vitro and in vivo.Methods: Dried leaves of M. pudica were extracted using 70 % methanol cold maceration method. Acute toxicity inquiry was evaluated using Lorke’s method. Anthelmintic effects were investigated in vitro using the egg hatch assay and in vivo using Heligmosomoides bakeri experimentally infected adult albino mice. Coprological and haematological parameters were recorded during the experiment while the serological analysis and post mortem worm burden were assessed at the conclusion of the research.Results: No mortality was recorded in oral acute toxicity test up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg. A probit-log analysis of the percentage egg hatch of the extract and albendazole gave lethal concentration 50 (LC50) values of 1.160 and -1.042, respectively. A reduction in worm count was observed in all the extracttreated groups post mortem, with the maximum extract group having the least worm count (p < 0.05). Treatment with extract resulted in improvement in the haematological parameters. Serum chemistry revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in alanine aminotransferase and blood urea nitrogen in all groups. However, a dose-dependent increases in the total protein and albumin was observed.Conclusion: These results show that although M. pudica has weak anthelmintic effects compared to albendazole (standard anthelmintic), in vivo and in vitro, at the doses used in this study, nonetheless, it reduces worm burden and improves haematologic parameters, serum total protein, albumin and overall weight gain of the treated mice. Thus, increased doses may be effective in anthelmintic chemotherapy.
 Keywords: Mimosa pudica, Anthelmintic, Toxicity, Heligmosomoides bakeri, Ethnoveterinary medicine, Anthelmintic

Socio-economic constraints on camel production in Pakistan\u2019s extensive pastoral farming

The present research is aimed to evaluate the diverse husbandry practices, ethno-veterinary practices, socio-economic status and distressing constraints of camel pastoralists inhabiting desert (Thal) areas of Pakistan, where they maintain herds of Marecha and Barela dromedaries in extensive production regimes. For this purpose, 200 pastoralists were selected at random to fill out an on-site questionnaire. According to the farmers’ responses, it was perceived that their living status had improved in the last decades due to the progressive optimization of camel productivity and herdsmen responsiveness. In contrast, calf mortality rates, some traditional husbandry practices and the lack of market investments continued to be the major constraints affecting camel overall production. Ethno-veterinary medicines are widely applied as primary health care, thus influencing the general health, production potentials and relief of camels in the study region. With this scenario, concerned stakeholders and authorized institutions must re-evaluate the urgent needs of indigenous communities; their education and husbandry skills to promote economic/ financial support in low-income remote areas. In turn, traditional communities will be adapted to the changing socio-economic and cultural values with regard to camel husbandry and welfare. Current societal perceptions and demands within this livestock production industry, where camels are conceived as a sustainable food security animal, if accomplished to the highest possible extent, will increase effectiveness of the camel value chain and breeders’ quality of life will be noticeably enhanced. However, this success could be multiplied if government may devise community education, veterinary cover, marketing facilitates and interest-free small loans for pastoralists.

Facteurs influençant l’efficacité des recettes galactogènes chez les vaches Borgou élevées en milieu réel au Bénin - Factors influencing the effectiveness of galactogenic recipes in Borgou cows reared in a real environment in Benin

Background: Ethnoveterinary medicine is an integral part of the cultural heritage associated with traditional medicine in Africa, where plants and natural products treat the ailments suffered by animals. Many plants are used to improve the dairy performance of local cows. The study assesses factors that influencing the effectiveness of galactogenic recipes administered to Borgou cows raised in real conditions in Benin.Methodology: A survey was carried out in the middle of the rainy season (April to September 2019), using a "focus group" to classify the plants involved in galactogenic recipes. The results obtained were subjected to a Factorial Correspondence Analysis (AFC) followed by a multiple regression carried out on qualitative data in particular, the organs of the plants used, the modes of use, the additives used and the administration route of recipe.Results: The Factorial Correspondence Analysis (CFA) carried out on the methods of choosing the plants given relative to the zones showed that the correlation between these two variables was explained at 66.69% (Figure 1) by the first two axes. Therefore, the involvement of species in revenue depends on their availability in the study area. Indeed, the correspondences resulting from the projection of the different plants used in galactogenic preparations and the different assessment methods of agro-breeders (Efficient, moderately efficient, and fair) in the AFC axis systems (Figure 1) showed that in the communes of Gogounou and Kalalé, Arachis hypogaea (L.) and Euphorbia balsamifera Aiton were the most effective species. On the other hand, in Djidja, the most efficient plant was Gardenia aqualla Stapf & Hutch.For each species, the results of the multiple regressions carried out with the organs involved in the preparation of galactogenic recipes are shown in Table 1. The organs exhibiting a positive coefficient and a probability less than 0.05 are those which positively influenced milk production. Note that for the species presented in the above table, one or more organs can be used in recipes presumed to be galactogenic by traditional breeders. But the effectiveness of the recipe depends on the type involved in its constitution. It is interesting to note that in certain species: Aganope stuhlmannii (Taub.) Adema, Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn, Calotropis procera subsp. hamiltonii (Wight) Ali, Khaya senegalensis (Desv.) A.Juss, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp, Gardenia aqualla Stapf & Hutch, Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Clapier. Et Dalziel, Saba comorensis (Bojer ex A.DC.) Pichon and Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn, several organs positively impacted milk production. However, for the same recipe, the association of several organs in its constitution has a depressive effect on milk production. Apart from the number of organs involved in the constitution of the recipes, the method of preparation associated with each plant species impacted the milk production of the cows. Out of the thirteen species (19) which had significant effects with milk production, the results of Table 2 indicate that the modes of use were successively ranked as follows (Table 2): Maceration> decoction> powder> infusion were cited. Among the species which have undergone maceration: Budgunnia madagascariensis (Desv.) JHKirkbr. & Wiersema, Arachis hypogaea (L.), Euphorbia balsamifera Aiton and Curcubita maxima (L.) have been mentioned. Species such as: Gardenia aqualla Stapf & Hutch, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench and Vittelaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn could only be effective if used as a decoction. The effectiveness of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp on milk production could only be obtained by trituration for one hour. As for Saba comorensis (Bojer ex A.DC.) Pichon, the method of use was only very effective by infusion (P <0.001).Among the ingredients involved in the recipes, only salt and potash appeared to be significant (P <0.05) on the milk production of cows. In addition, the results of the work indicated that the administration of oral preparations positively influenced milk production (P <0.05).Conclusion: The study shows that agro-pastoralists have a perfect knowledge of the different factors that influence the effectiveness of galactogenic recipes. However, some plant species involved are becoming rare because of the development of crop fields to the detriment of forest cover. Most effective recipes involve the roots. This poses real problems for the ecology of the environment and the development of the species involved. Experiments are underway to confirm the results of the surveys.Keywords: Indigenous knowledge; Galactogenic; plants; affecting; production; milk; organs; Bénin.

Zootechnical, Pharmacological Uses and Chemical Composition of <i>Napoleonaea vogelii</i> Hook & Planch (Lecythidaceae) in West Africa<br/>—A Review

Napoleonaea vogelii, Lecythidaceae family is a tropical evergreen shrub widely distributed in the coastal regions of West African countries including Benin. It is a medicinal plant whose leaves and bark are of great utility in traditional medicine. Despite its importance, it is little used in ethnoveterinary medicine and its pharmacological basis in this field and especially in the treatment of parasitic diseases caused by Haemonchus contortus is very little documented. This review aims to synthesise existing data on the chemical composition, pharmacological and zootechnical usefulness of N. vogelii and to identify the gaps of these works in order to propose research perspectives. Google Scholar database was used to gather the majority of useful information available on N. vogelii. The results showed that of the 23 publications included in the present study, 60.87% dealt distinctly with the pharmacological properties of N. vogelii. These properties include anthelmintic, antidiabetic, wound healing, antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties and N. vogelii contains many secondary metabolites including alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides which give it its pharmacological properties. The Correspondence Factor Analysis performed for the variables extracts and chemical compounds showed that the presence of a given chemical compound is not dependent on the type of extract. This work has gathered information on N. vogelii and found that the species has powerful therapeutic potentials but very little use in traditional veterinary medicine. More research is needed on this plant to make available ethnoveterinary pharmacological data to enable proper use in the treatment of animal diseases in general and gastrointestinal parasitosis of small ruminants in particular.

Ethno-veterinary practices of goat farmers in different districts of Vindhyan Zone of Uttar Pradesh

Ethno-Veterinary Medicine (EVM) is the use of medicinal plants, surgical techniques and traditional management practices to prevent and treat spectrum of livestock diseases. Ethnoveterinary practices used by goat farmers in different districts of Vindhyan zone were studied for rhinitis, bronchitis (coughing), pyrexia of unknown origin, enteritis, skin disorders, mouth ulcer and udder abnormality, and information collected from 120 respondents. In case of Rhinitis commonly used ingredients were neem oil, mustard oil, ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi), ginger (Zingiber officinale), jaggery, garlic (Allium sativum) and asafoetida. For treatment of Bronchitis, mostly respondents used neem oil and ajwain. Neem oil, mustard oil, ajwain. Salt, ginger and garlic were used to treat pyrexia. Heeng, Sesam leaves and neem oil were used for treatment of enteritis. Local application of neem oil and neem leaf paste was the most common practice for treatment of skin disorders. For treatment of mouth ulcer, maximum respondents used neem oil and 40% respondents used neem leaf. Alum, salt, neem oil and amla were used to treat udder abnormality in different districts of Vindhyan Zone.

Use of ethnoveterinary medicine for management of common ailments of dairy animals

Use of ethnoveterinary medicine for management of common ailments of dairy animals

Accessing the nutritional composition and phytochemical screening of Panicum maximum and Newbouldia laevis leaves

Ruminant livestock in most parts of the tropics graze extensively on naturally growing forages which are poor in quality. These tropical forages compared to those in the temperate, support lower levels of ruminant animal production mainly because they contain less nitrogen and are less digestible. The quality and quantity of these grasses become more critical in the dry seasons and thereby imposing more serious constraint to the development and productivity of these animals. Therefore, a study was conducted to access nutritional composition of Panicum maximum and Newbouldia laevis. Phytochemical screening of Newbouldia laevis was also carried out. Newbouldia laevis had higher crude fibre, ether extract and crude protein compared to Panicim maximum. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of Tannin, Alkaloids, Flavonoids and Saponnin in Newbouldia laevis. The percentages of tannin, alkaloids, flavonoids and saponin in the Newbouldia laevis were 11.5, 52.07, 3.1 and 0.64, respectively while none was recorded for Panicum maximum. The relatively high crude fibre, ether extract and crude protein values for both plants s appeared satisfactory for animal production. Also, the presence of the phytochemicals in the plant showed it importance in ethno veterinary medicine and pharmacology.

Ethno-veterinary medicines and livestock production in mushagashe small scale commercial farming area, masvingo

This paper examined ethnoveterinary medicines and practices as cultural heritage in Mushagashe Small Scale Commercial Farming Area in Masvingo province. It applied both quantitative and qualitative approaches to gather data. A Semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and participant observation were used. SPSS version 16 and Excel software were used to analyse quantitative data while themes were developed for qualitative data. Results show that the knowledge of common diseases, diagnosis and medicines was dominated by males (80%). 50% of the age group above 60 years, was more knowledgeable, followed by the (35 - 60 years) age group (35%), while the least (15%) were between 25-35 years. Those in the 25-35 years category ridiculed and regarded traditional medicines as archaic. The age group 36 - 60 years (62.5%), were reluctant to share their knowledge, while herbalists were secretive as a way of socially patenting it. Only 10% respondents were aware of the toxicity levels while the majority (70%) considered traditional medicines as safe and effective. The study concluded that ethnoveterinary supersede modern veterinary practices in the area, but lacks pharmaceutical validation and documentation. It recommended the aligning of government policy on intellectual property rights and the validation to promote commercialisation. Keywords: Ethnoveterinary medicines, Indigenous knowledge systems, Livelihoods, Traditional medicines, Cultural heritage.

Ethnoveterinary medicine for responsible dairying

India is the largest milk producer in the world with 22 percent of the global share and engages around 6.3 crore rural households. The cost and availability of animal health services for small dairy holders in a country like India has always been a cause of concern. There is a growing apprehension about the presence of drug residues in milk and milk products as well emergence of drug resistant bacteria and its associated health risks due to indiscriminate use of these products. The cost of therapeutic medicines, antimicrobial resistance and the residues in milk, meat and other animal products have forced the animal health sector to look for alternate forms of therapy to overcome these deficiencies. The new alternatives should be affordable, farmer friendly and lead to minimal or no residues in milk and other products. Practice of Ethno-Veterinary Medicine (EVM) is an approach that fulfils the above criteria. However, animal health service providers have very limited knowledge about EVM which in India is largely based on Veterinary Ayurveda. EVM has been used throughout the world by traditional animal rearing communities. EVM has been used for most common ailments in almost all domestic animal species. While there are efforts to document these practices, such documents are not widely available. Only recently, scientific scrutiny of these treatments for efficacy, mode of action and active ingredients has been initiated. National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) along with Sabarkantha District Cooperative Milk Producers Union, Sabarkantha, Gujarat and Trans-Disciplinary University, Bengaluru, evaluated the use of EVM initially for management of bovine mastitis and subsequently for management of other common ailments of dairy animals. It was observed that EVM was helpful in successfully managing mastitis (85%), diarrhoea (86%), fever (85%), indigestion (87%), anoestrus (77%), worm infestation (89%), wound healing (79%) and ecto-parasite infestation (87%) with high clinical cure rate. It was economical compared to conventional allopathic treatment. A reduction in residues of common antibiotics (quinolones, tetracycline, sulphonamide, s-lactam) in milk was observed in the area of operation. Drug resistant bacteria ( S. aureus including methicillin resistant S. aureus – MRSA; and E. coli including Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase producing – E. coli - ESBL), were isolated from the milk of bovines suffering from mastitis. EVM was able to cure even these animals. However, awareness about EVM is limited among animal health service providers and other stakeholders. EVM needs to be given adequate focus and mainstreamed. This would entail concerted efforts and initiatives in policy, research and development and infrastructure.

Association of herd management with the infestation of ticks in domestic goats

Three-stage cluster random sampling was done for determination of the association of herd management with the prevalence of tick (Acari: Ixodidae) infestation in goats (Capra hircus) in southern Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 136 nomadic goat herds and settled farms were screened for ticks and related information like nature of herds, herd size, farming pattern, animal keeping, housing, floor pattern and hygienic measures and documented on a pre-structured questionnaire. In addition, participatory epidemiological tools were used to document trends of consultancy and therapy, choice of drugs and therapeutic approaches. A significant tick infestation (56.30%) was found in all the settled farms or nomadic herds irrespective of the herd size; however, herds having 40-60 goats showed highest infestation. Among 109 (80.1%) settled farms and 27 (19.8%) nomadic herds, highest infestation was found in nomadic herds. No significant association of tick infestation was found with the goat herds reared with large ruminants or separately. Association of tick infestation with goat herds reared in closed housing system was found to be significantly higher as compared to partially-closed or open. Tethered goats showed significantly higher rate of tick infestation than free living. Uncemented (Kacha) floor was a higher risk factor for tick infestation as compared to cemented and bricked. The goats of the settled farms were more prone to tick infestation whose owner neglected the tick infestation, consulted with quacks, used ethnoveterinary medicine and petroleum for control of ticks. The findings of present study will be helpful in devising appropriate extension services for the control of tick infestation in the selected region in specific and in resource-poor countries with similar livestock husbandry systems, in general.

A review of plants used in ethnoveterinary medicine in Central India

The Central Indian region consists mainly with Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh states of India and occupied the core zone of the country. The various tribal communities comprise about 24% population of Central India. The scrutiny of literature on ethnoveterinary medicines of Central India indicates that there are about 270 plant species under 218 genera and 84 families are used by tribal and rural communities of Central India for the treatment of 139 types of different ailments, diseases and disorders of their pet/domestic animals. This indigenous knowledge and practice of tribal and rural people is based primarily on locally available medicinal plants found in their surroundings. Therefore, all these medicinal plants should be scientifically screened in order to find out newer sources of ethnoveterinary drugs of herbal origin.

Evaluation of Ethnomedicine and Ethnobotany of Maerua triphylla A. Rich. (Capparidaceae)

Maerua triphylla A. Rich. is a shrub or small tree collected from the wild for its edible leaves and also used as traditional medicine. This study is aimed at evaluating the ethnomedicinal and ethnobotanical uses of M. triphylla. Results of the current study are based on data derived from several online databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct, and pre-electronic sources such as scientific publications, books, dissertations, book chapters and journal articles. This study revealed that the fruit, leaf, root, stem bark and twig infusion and/or decoction of M. triphylla are mainly used as ethnoveterinary medicine, aphrodisiac and antidote for poisoning, and traditional medicine for rheumatism, boils, cancer, respiratory problems, snakebite, headache, migraine and gastro-intestinal problems. Phytochemical compounds identified from dried aerial parts and branches of M. triphylla include betaines and quaternary ammonium compounds such as 3-hydroxyprolinebetaine, glycine betaine, proline betaine and 3-hydroxy-1,1-dimethyl pyridinium. Preliminary ethnopharmacological research revealed that M. triphylla leaf extracts have acaricidal and cytotoxicity activities. Documentation of the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of M. triphylla is important as this information provides baseline data required for future research focusing on ethnopharmacological properties of the species. Maerua triphylla should be subjected to detailed phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological evaluations aimed at correlating its medicinal uses with its phytochemistry and pharmacological properties"

A synthesis and review of ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of Antidesma venosum E. Mey. ex Tul. (Phyllanthaceae)

Antidesma venosum is an evergreen to semi-deciduous tree used traditionally to treat various human and animal diseases. This review aims to provide an overview and critically analyze the ethnomedical uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of A. venosum. The results of the current study are based on literature survey conducted using various search engines such as Elsevier, Pubmed, Google Scholar, PubMed, Springer, Science Direct, Taylor and Francis, and pre-electronic sources such as books, book chapters, scientific journals and other grey literature. The bark, fruit, leaf, root and stem bark decoction or infusion of A. venosum are mainly used for magical rituals, as anthelmintic and ethnoveterinary medicine, and traditional cure for epilepsy, hernia, malaria, skin infections, oral candidiasis, snakebites, sexually transmitted infections, abdominal pains, menstrual problems, respiratory infections, infertility, and gastrointestinal infections. The chemical constituents identified from A. venosum include essential oils, isoquinoline alkaloids, triterpenoids, lactones, phytosterols, saponins, cardiac glycosides, tannins and flavonoids. The species possesses a wide range of biological activities which include antibacterial, antimycobacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antischistosomal, mutagenic and cytotoxicity activities. Antidesma venosum is a valuable medicinal plant species, and future research should focus on animal experiments aimed at assessing toxicity and clinical efficacy of species extracts.