Veterinary herbal medicines in India

Area of Science:

• Ethnoveterinary Medicine
• Pharmacognosy
• Traditional Indian Medicine

Background:

• Synthetic drugs pose toxicity and cost issues.
• Herbal medicines offer safer, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternatives.
• Traditional Indian flora provides a rich source for veterinary healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review 45 Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) 2014-listed medicinal plants for veterinary use.
• To consolidate ethnoveterinary information, addressing a gap in scientific literature.
• To detail botanical, pharmacological, and regulatory aspects of selected veterinary herbs.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review using electronic and manual searches.
• Keywords: veterinary herbal, ethnoveterinary medicines.
• Compilation of data on 45 medicinal plant species from Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) 2014.

Main Results:

• Detailed information on 45 medicinal plant species used in veterinary care.
• Inclusion of botanical names, families, habitats, plant parts, and pharmacological actions.
• Data on standardization, regulatory status (IP, BP, USP), and animal-human dose relationships.

Conclusions:

• Ethnoveterinary medicine in India is supported by a vast array of scientifically validated medicinal plants.
• This review provides a foundational resource for the standardization and regulatory approval of veterinary herbal drugs.
• Further research into these traditional remedies can enhance animal healthcare globally.