ayur. therapy in veterinary practice

Indigenous/Ayurveda system of therapy in Veterinary Practice

Dr. V.K.GuptaSenior Scientist,

Medicine DivisionI.V.R.I.IZATNAGAR(UP)

Introduction Ayurveda is traditional Indian system of medicine

It is considered as one of the best alternative system of medicine

Sanskrit, “ayur” means life or living, and “veda”

means knowledge, so Ayurveda has been defined as

the "knowledge of living" or 'the science of life' or

the "science of longevity."

"Ayurveda is a science, which describes the

beneficial (hita) and the non-beneficial (ahita) aspects

of life, the happiness and pain in life, their quality and

quantity” Charaka

Holistic( body/mind /spirit) approach of restoring

health by harmony between various body system and the environment

PurposeAccording to the original texts, the goal of

Ayurveda is;

• To achieve positive health for the individual

• Protection of the masses

• Ultimate liberation

Contd.

WHO estimates, 80% of the world population relies on

traditional system of medicines, where more than 7500

plants species are used

(Mukherjee,2006)

History of AyurvedaHistory of AyurvedaAyurveda originated as oral tradition in 5000-

2000 BC and in written form around 1500 BC.

It flourished from 1000 BC - 1000 AD and then declined from 1200 AD to 1800 AD.

The Atharvaveda contains the principles of healing on which Ayurveda is based.

In India, use of plants has been documented in Charak samhita and Sushruta samhita, Ashtanga Hridya Samhita

Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Hridya Samhita contain chapters about care of diseased as well as healthy animals.

The oldest existing veterinary text in India is a treatise entitled Asvâyurvedasiddhânta (Complete Âyurvedic system for horses) (Shalihotra)

The treatment of animal diseases using Ayurvedic medicine has also been mentioned in Agni Purana, Atri-Samhita, Matsya Purana and many other texts

Topical, oral, inhalation and suppository were used routes to administer drugs but the intravenous route was not known or used.

Processes for preparing drugs used were - decoction, infusion, fermentation, medicated oils and jams, juice and paste.

Dose adjustments based on patient’s weight, age, diet, digestion, compatibility, constitution, stage and severity of disease and time and season

Surgery was a major component of Ayurveda till 600 AD but it is seldom used now.

“Sushruta Samhita” is the earliest known work dealing with surgery.

Treatment of sinus fistula, burns and scalds, snakebite, fractures, ailments of ligaments/tendons, dystocia, removal of dead foetus, extraction of teeth and fractures were routinely done during Vedic period (Singh, 2002).

General principles of surgery described include preparatory measures and principal measures (including surgery and post-operative measures).

People honored by Ayurveda

Shalihotra, the first known veterinarian of the world, - expert in horse husbandry and medicine and composed a text Haya Ayurveda

Sage Palakapya - an expert dealing with elephants and composed a text Gaja Ayurveda.

During Mahabharata period (1000 BC), Nakula

and Sahadeva - experts of horse and cattle husbandry, respectively.

King Ashoka (300 BC) erected the first known veterinary hospitals of the world.

( Schwabe, 1978) He arranged cultivation of herbal medicines

for men and animals in his empire .

DECLINE AND SHORTCOMINGS

Closed system of learning.

Original texts written in Pre-Sanskrit grammar style, now forgotten .

Lack of anatomical and physiological knowledge .

No objective way to measure doshas or proof of existence.

Lack of high quality pharmaceutical standards to assure consistent quality of preparations.

Lack of toxicology and preclinical

pharmacology data.

Lack of data about proof of safety and efficacy by modern standards of clinical trial.

Inability to match dramatic outcomes with antibiotics, antiulcer agents etc.

Basic Concepts in AYURVEDA

Ayurvedic approach to health care is based on:

Pancha Mahabhuta (The five basic elements) Doshas (Biological elements/humors) Dhatus (Basic tissues) Malas (Waste products) Agni (Biological fire)

Fire

Water

Ether

Earth

Air

PANCHAMAHABHUTA

Five Elements

Concept of DiseaseThe harmony and the balance of the Doshas,

Dhatus, Malas and Agni in the body is the primary condition of the health.

The vitiated Doshas are the prime causative factor for a disease.

Misuse of Mind Or Body, Influence of External Factors, Mismatch Between Senses and Perception leads to disease.

Doshas vitiated- two ways: – normally and abnormally

Normal Vitiation;• seasonal variations, diurnal variations and

various stages of digestion• easy to treat or subsides automatically

Abnormal vitiation ;• exposure to specific etiological factors, both

external and internal

Diagnosis in Ayurveda

Three main methods for diagnosing the Dosha imbalance :

Prasna Pareeksha – asking questions regarding the Imbalance of Doshas.

Darsana Pareeksha – Observing physical signs and symptoms– Example – colour of skin, hair, eyes, behavior, body

condition etc.

Sparsana Pareeksha– touching the patient

– palpation, percussion and auscultation

Treatment The treatment in Ayurveda can be classified

broadly into two parts-Sodhana Chikitsa (Purification/ Elimination Therapy)

– Aims to eliminate the internal causative factors of the disease

– Include Emesis, Purgation, Medicated oil enema, Medicated decoction enema

Shamana Chikitsa (Alleviating Therapy)– done after the sodhana therapy and in less vitiation

– medicines used internally and externally to correct the derangement of Doshas.

Ayurvedic medicine utilizes :

– diet

– detoxification and purification techniques

– herbal and mineral remedies

– yoga

– breathing exercises

– Meditation

– massage therapy

– Fasting

– Aromatotherapy as holistic healing methods

However most commonly used method and field of research is the use

of herbs.

http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Detoxification

http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Yoga

http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Massage+Therapy

The Utilities and Benefits of Indian herbs The Utilities and Benefits of Indian herbs in in Veterinary Therapeutics Veterinary Therapeutics

Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) Clinical Actions: Tonic, adaptogen, nervine, sedative,

antitumor in high doses, anti-inflammatory, anodyne. It has Immune enhancement, Anti inflammatory effects

(Sethi, 1970) due to cyclooxygenase inhibition (Mishra, 2000; Somasundaram,1983)

Hepatoprotective effect (Singh et.al, 1978) Tumor inhibitory effect (Devi et.al, 1993) Chemopreventive activity of extract due to its antioxidant

and detoxifying properties (Prakash, 2001). Withania root extracts have been evaluated for antistress

activity (Singh, 2001; Singh, 2003).

The utilities and benefits of Indian herbsThe utilities and benefits of Indian herbs

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) Clinical Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic,

analgesic, antibacterial, immune suppressant,antidiarrheal. Very good result against osteoarthritis (Reichling, 2004)

Anti-inflammatory (Pachnanda et.al. ) Blocks lipoxygenase (Ammon, 1991) Enhance Cell mediated immunity (Gupta et.al, 1987)

Potential Veterinary Indications: Rheumatism, osteoarthritis, bronchitis and asthma, ulcerative colitis.


Shilajit well known to cure wasting and degenerative

disease, especially diabetes, Kidney problem, Osteoarthritis & spondylosis (Yadav, 1985)

Panacea for high-altitude problems (Meena et.el 2011)

Fulvic acid stimulates blood formation, energy production, and prevents cold exposure and hypoxia (Puri et.al 2003)

Acclimatizing to environments in hilly areas (Frotan 1984)


Guggul (Commiphora mukul) Clinical Actions: Astringent, carminative, diaphoretic,

diuretic, expectorant, stomachic, sedative. Guggul is a potent anti-inflammatory agent in comparison

to hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone (Kapoor, 1990) Reverses aortic atherosclerosis (Baldwa et.al, 1981) Potent hypolipidaemic agent (Singh et.al, 1997) Antagonist ligand for FXR (Moore, 2002) Potential Veterinary Indications: Hyperlipidemia,

hypercholesterolemia, rheumatic disorders (arthritis, stiff muscles)


Gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre) Insulin dependent animal, reduce insulin injection (Malhotra,1973)

Does not increase insulin in non diabetic animals (Shanmugasundaram, 1990)

Increase beta cell formation and insulin release (Dash,1991)

Diuretic effect (Reddy et.al; 2004)

Gymnemagenol has leishmanicidal activity (Venkatesan et.al; 2009)

Anti-inflammatory property (Agarwal et.al; 2000)


Artemisia Artemisia SpeciesSpecies – Antioxidant and Anthelmintic Effects

(Ferreira,2005)Antioxidant effects due to the presence of

phenolic constituents (Ayoola et.al; 2008)

Antimalarial effect its extract (Abdolhossein et.al; 2009)

Neem (Azadirachta indica) Clinical Action: Antibacterial, antifungal, tonic, insecticidal,

antihelmintic, antimalarial, antifertility and astringent. Neem leaves have been shown to have antimalarial,

antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, immunemodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, and antiulcer activities(Subapriya,2005).

Various parts of neem tree and its constituents have demonstrated repellent or larvicidal activity against :– biting midges (Blackwell, 2004)– and mosquitoes (Wandscheer 2004; Batra, 1998; Mishra, 1995).


Effective against Gastrointestinal parasites

(Dawo 2001, Costa 2006) Antiplaque effects ( Pai, 2004) Dose dependent anti inflammatory activity, antipyretic &

analgesic effect (Koley, 1994)

Potential Veterinary Indications: External parasiticide, wound healing, skin and dental infections, diabetes


Cedrus deoduraCedrus deodura sarcoptic mange in sheep (Saxena et.al, 1996)

Kutkin (Picrorrhiza kurroa)- To treat giardiasis & hepatitis (Sodhi, 1992)

Hepatoprotective activity aflatoxin B (Visen 1996)


Bhumiamalaki (Phyllanthus amarus)- Significant hepatoprotective (Gulati et.al, 1995) Inhibit growth of lymphocytic leukemia cell line (Pettit, 1990) Anti-plasmodial (Tran et.al 2003) Antiviral (Notka et.al 2004)

Anti-bacterial (Mazumder et.al 2006) Anti-diarrheal (Akojenu et.al 2000)

Anti-carcinogenic (Rajeshkumar 2002) Anti-inflammatory via inhibition of iNOS, COX-2, and

cytokines (Kiemer et.al 2003)


Turmeric (curcuma longa) Anti-inflammation, inhibit the synthesis of Cox -2 , 5

and 1-lipoxygenase (Ammom et.al,1995)

Antibacterial activity of turmeric oil (Negi et,al 1999) Antioxidant & Hepatoprotective (Srihari et.al, 1982) Immunomodulatory activity of curcumin (Antony, S, 1999)

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)-Sedative features (anxiety & seizures) Potentiates sedative effects of anaesthetic agents

(Hodges 2002)


Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – Heals minor skin inflammation, insect bites, wounds &

burn injuries

Antimicrobial activity (Chakraborthy, 2008)

Scar reducing and emollient (Hill WL, 2010)

Antioxidant activities (Chandran , 2000)


Aloe (Aloe Vera) Clinical Actions: Demulcent, vulnerary, stimulant

laxative. The juice stimulates colonic motility, augmenting

propulsion and accelerating colonic transit, which reduces fluid absorption from the fecal mass and increases the water content in the large intestine (De Witte, 1993).

Promotes wound healing by directly stimulating macrophage and fibroblast activity (Davis, 1994).

Aloe inhibited the inflammatory process following burn injury in rats (Duansak, 2003)

Promotes wound healing in second-degree burns in rats

(Somboonwong, 2000)


Garlic (Allium sativum) Clinical Actions: Antiplatelet, anticholesterolemic,

antiseptic, mucolytic, vasodilator. It has role in lowering of cholesterol, inhibition of

platelet aggregation, immune enhancement, reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and antithrombotic and antioxidant activities

(Agarwal, 1996; Augusti, 1996; Kiesewetter, 1993)

Antitumor and anticarcinogenic properties

(Agarwal, 1996)

Potential Veterinary Indications: Adjunct treatment for cancer, respiratory infection, cough, hyperlipidemia, thrombosis


Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Clinical Actions: Carminative, antispasmodic, anti-

inflammatory , Antiplatelet, diaphoretic. Alleviate nausea, vomiting, motion sickness and 5-HT3

receptors may be involved in this activity of ginger

(Sharma, 1997)

Dogs naturally infected with Dirofilaria immitis were treated with alcoholic extracts of ginger (Datta, 1987)

Potential Veterinary Indications: Adjunct to nausea control in cancer care and chemotherapy; adjunctive dirofilariasis treatment; osteoarthritis; improving circulation in geriatric or nonambulant animals


Albizia (Albizia lebbeck)

Clinical Actions: Antiallergic, antimicrobial, anticholesterolemic .

Extract potentiated the activity of loperamide, suggesting a role in the opioid system (Besra, 2002)

Albizia has some nootropic activity involving monoamine neurotransmitters (Chintawar, 2002)

The Antiallergic activity was investigated, showing a significant action on mast cells and inhibiting early sensitization and synthesis of reaginic-type antibodies.


Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) Clinical Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antipyretic,

antifertility, antihelmintic, immune stimulant, bitter tonic, antihepatotoxin, antimalarial.

Alleviating symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection and may also have a preventive effect (Coon, 2004)

Protects the myocardium from ischemic reperfusion injury (Guo, 1996)

Decoction of leaves killed the microfilaria of Dipetalonema reconditum (Dutta, 1982)


Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) Clinical Actions: Spasmolytic, carminative,

antidiarrheal, Antimicrobial.

Antibacterial activities of its oil have been demonstrated against:

– Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus (Janssen, 1986, George, 1949)

– Salmonella typhimurium (Sivaswamy,1991)

– Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Janssen, 1986)


The essential oil can regulate the activity of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes through the formation of a glutathione conjugate (Choi, 2001)

Potential Veterinary Indications: Mild colic, diarrhea, and flatulence, diabetes, back pain


Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) Clinical Actions: Adaptogen, connective tissue

regenerator, nerve tonic, mild diuretic. The efficacy of Gotu kola in the treatment of wound

healing disturbances has been supported by studies on its constituents, cassosides and asiaticosides

(Brinkhaus, 2000) delayed-type wound healing

(Shukla, 1999; Maquart, 1999) It also reduces scarring (Widgerow, 2000)


The ulcer protective effect of centella juice may be due to strengthening of mucosal defensive factors

(Sairam, 2001)

Suggested Veterinary Indications:

Internal Use:

• Helicobacter pylori infection with ulceration of the

stomach; aspirin/NSAID-induced gastritis

• Lymphoma and possibly other tumors in mice

• Cognitive enhancement

Topically: equine granulomatous lesions, acral lick granulomas, posttraumatic injuries, delayed wound healing, feline leprosy ulcers and anal furunculosis


Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) Clinical Actions: Stimulant, antioxidant, antimutagen. Inhibition of cell activation by catechin was observed

in-vivo and in-vitro studies, suggesting that catechin may be useful in the treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis (Hisano, 2003)

Catechins were investigated for chondroprotective effect as they were effective in inhibiting proteoglycan and type II collagen breakdown (Adcocks,2002)

Naloxone significantly inhibited the antidiarrheal activity of the extract and of loperamide, which suggested a role of the opioid system in the antidiarrheal activity of the extract (Besra, 2003).


Antiparasite effects on motility of infective larvae of the sheep nematodes Teladorsagia circumcincta and Trichostrongylus colubriformis was due to dose dependent inactivation of the infective larvae, as assessed by the larval migration inhibition (LMI) assay and fractions that contained epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and proanthocyanidin oligomers were most effective (Molan, 2004)

Potential Veterinary Uses: Diarrhea, cancer prevention, adjunctive cancer therapy, atopic dermatitis, topically for “hot spots” and rashes, oral cancers.


Some Ayurvadic products in

veterinary use

Regulates level of mitochondrial enzymes

Improves energy production for body functions.

Improves smooth endoplasmic reticulum & enhances ribosomal population Improves protein synthesis.

Stimulates hepatic microsomal enzyme system Aids in biotransformation of xenobiotics.

Exerts a positive effect on nitrogen balance

Promotes growth, weight gain & milk production.

Clears bile stasis & improves fat digestion.

Indications

•Aflatoxicosis•Hepatitis •Jaundice•Ascitis•Fatty liver disease•Debility•Toxemia

Antagonizes the effect of inflammatory mediators Checks the inflammatory process.

Accelerates healing process

Provides quicker recovery.

Protects vascular integrity Prevents edema formation.

MastitisIndications

AntipyreticSelective inhibition of COX-1 & COX-2 (cyclooxygenase)

AnalgesicModifies the release of transmitters in pain transmission.Blocks the sensitization of nerve fibers.

Composition

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)

Sunthi (Zingiber officinale)

Vacha (Acorus calamus)

Yashti-madhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Musta (Cyperus rotundus)

Antagonizes the effect of inflammatory mediators Checks inflammatory process.

Stabilizes lysosomal membranesInhibits the release of inflammatory mediators.

Protects vascular integrity Prevents edema formation.

Indications

•Sprain & strains of tendons & ligaments•Osteoarthritis •Neuralgia, Infective polyarthritis, Fibrositis, Joint-ill in calves & foals•All conditions associated with chronic inflammation

antifrothing, defrothing, antizymotic, antacid, carminative, spasmolytic and digestive stimulant actions

IndicationsGaseous and frothy bloat or tympany. Feedlot bloatColicImpaction

IndicationsEctoparasitic infestation of lice, ticks, fleas, mites, etc. Mange & fungal skin affections.

Miticidal, Antifungal, Antiseptic, Anti-inflammatory and Fly Repellent Skin ointment

Rumenatoric and appetite promoter

Antistress, Adaptogen & Anti-oxidant

References: Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine(David W. Ramey, Bernard E.Rollin) Ayurveda: the traditional health science of India by Charak Ayurveda (Clinic & Research

Center) Veterinary Ethno-Medicinal Plants in Uttarakhand Himalayan Region (Priti Singh, Bibhesh K.

Singh, Girish C. Joshi, Lalit M. Tewari) Traditional veterinary medicine in India by G. MAZARS ( Rev. sci. tech. Off. int. Epiz.,

1994,13 (2), 443-451) From Ancient Medicine to Modern Medicine: Ayurvedic Concepts of Health and Their Role in

Inflammation and Cancer( Prachi Garodia, Haruyo Ichikawa, Nikita Malani, Gautam Sethi, Bharat B. Aggarwal)

Herbal medicine by V. P. Kamboj (CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 78, NO. 1, 10 JANUARY 2000)

Indian medicinal herbs as sources of antioxidants by Shahin Sharif Ali, Naresh Kasoju, Abhinav Luthra, Angad Singh, Hallihosur Sharanabasava, Abhishek Sahu, Utpal Bora(

Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India-3 October 2007).

Hill WL. Scar reducing and massage emollient. United States Patent Number 7205012. Available from:

7. Review on some plants of Indian traditional medicine with antioxidant activity (Paolo Scartezzini, Ester Speroni Department of Pharmacology, Uni6ersity of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy 17 March

Thank you

ayur. therapy in veterinary practice

Documents

sushruta samhita

charak samhita

goal of ayurveda

text gaja ayurveda

science of life

major component of ayurveda

various body system

known veterinary hospitals