October 2014Volume 3 Issue 2

journal of integrative veterinary therapies

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JIVT: An introduction The Journal of Integrative Veterinary Therapies (JIVT) is a biannual publication of CIVT. The Journal publishes material on all aspects of integrative veterinary medicine including Chinese and Western herbal medicine, natural nutrition, environmental medicine, philosophy, history, clinical cases and commentary. The Journal is peer reviewed. Members of the Peer Review Board are:

Steve Marsden DVM ND MSOM Lac Dipl CH RH (AHG) Edmonton, Canada

Susan Wynn DVM RH (AHG) CVA CVCH Atlanta, USA

Barbara Fougere BSc BVMS BHs (Comp Med) MHSc (Herb Med) CVA CVBM CVCP MOrd D&T CMAVA MNHAA Sydney, Australia

Nancy Scanlan DVM MSFP CVA California, USA

Joyce Harman DVM MRCVS CVA Washington, USA

Richard Palmquist DVM Los Angeles, USA

Jean Dodds DVM Los Angeles, USA

Lyndy Scott BSc BVMS MBA MANCVS FAICD Perth, Australia

Hue Karreman DVM Lancaster County, USA

The Peer Review Board encourages contributions to the Journal on all areas of integrative veterinary medicine. Instructions for contributions are on the last page. For full instructions go to www.civtedu.org, membership, journal.

Editorial Committee: Barbara Fougere, Lyndy Scott, Karen Goldrick, Steve Marsden and Joanna Milan.

The College was founded in 2008 and is the world’s first distance education institution specializing in evidence based natural medicine for animals. Our mission is to provide international leadership in delivery of comprehensive and quality veterinary natural medicine education that is evidence based. We aim to bridge science and tradition to benefit animal health and wellbeing by integrating the best of natural medicine and conventional health care practices. We encourage an ecological and environmentally aware approach to the health of our animals, ourselves, our communities and our planet.

Letters to the Editor We welcome and encourage your letters and feedback. We envisage that your words will be part of a vibrant and ongoing dialogue within a growing community of integrative veterinarians and allied health professionals. Email your letters to editor@civtedu.org

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ArticleHerb-Drug Interactions in Cancer Therapy: Friend or Foe?Steve Marsden DVM ND MSOM Lac DiplCH CVA AHG

Introduction: It is standard practice for veterinary and medical oncologists to discourage patients and clients from using alternative therapies during cancer treat-

ment. The rationale is that, since many alternative therapies are antioxidants, they could interfere with chemotherapy and radiation which kill tumors in part by induc-ing oxidative stress.

How well informed is this argument? One of the banes of herbal medicine research is that it has spawned abundant speculations of herb-drug interactions. Many of these have no basis in actual clinical experience and remain theoretical concerns only.

This paper provides a brief overview of the few systematic reviews and meta-analyses that looked at whether deleterious herb-drug interactions exist in cancer therapy. All studies listed in pubmed for this topic were included in this survey and will be individu-ally addressed. All studies in print at present pertain to humans.

Platinum-Based Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer: Platinum-based chemo-therapeutics such as cisplatin interfere with tumor cell DNA replication and are effective antineoplastic agents against a wide variety of tumors. Unfortunately, the drugs are also quite toxic, causing ototoxicity, bone mar-

row failure, renal damage and neurological damage.

Lung cancer is one of the tumors treated with cisplatin. From a Chinese medical perspective, the shortness of breath that accompanies it is considered a sign of Lung Qi (ie power) deficiency. The Lung Qi tonic Shenqi Fuzheng (Tonify the Qi and Support the Correct Formula) is an injectable drug concocted from Astragalus (a well known immune stimulant) and Codonopsis roots. Concomitant use of the formula with plati-num drugs enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity in multiple clinical trials1. This is one of the few large scale studies that was able to focus on a specific complementary therapy.

Use of CHM as Adjuvant Treatment for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: This study reviewed 15 trials, encompassing 900 patients, where Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) was used as an adjuvant treatment along with chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer. No interference with chemo-therapy effectiveness was found, but an improved quality of life was noted in those who took herbs, along with reduced ane-mia and neutropenia secondary to chemo-therapy2.

Adjuvant Phytotherapy in the Treat-ment of Cervical Cancer – A System-atic Review and Meta-Analysis: This study examined 18 trials, encompassing 1,700 patients, where herbal medicine was used as an adjuvant to the conventional treatment of cervical cancer. In patients who took herbs, higher one-year survival rates were noted. In addition, the tumor remission rate was higher in the group that received herbal medicine. The review found fewer side effects were experienced in the group who took herbs, on a par with the

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relief typically experienced with pharma-ceuticals’ use. No interference with conven-tional treatment was noted.

Chinese Medicinal Herbs to Treat the Side-effects of Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients: This study, published by Cochrane, found that qualify of life was improved in patients receiving CHM. They experienced less bone marrow suppression from chemotherapy and no interference with treatment outcomes4.

Medicinal herbs for esophageal can-cer: Another Cochrane study found simi-lar results in esophageal cancer to those achieved in breast cancer – an improved quality of life and no interference with con-ventional therapies5.

A final study examined 49 trials encompass-ing 4,000 patients and concluded that the benefits of herbal therapy, in tandem with conventional therapy, are not in doubt. Benefits include:

• Improved quality of life• Reduced side effects• Increased survival• Tumor regressions

Conclusions: All reviews to date have found no negative impacts of integrating herbal medicine with cancer therapies, this would not be expected given the general moratorium on their use by oncologists. That stance has no clinical support thus far. On the contrary, no negative studies can be found regarding the use of herbs with conventional cancer treatment. All impacts have been positive, indicating they have an enduring place in oncology in general.

Even positive studies are, as yet, unable to

recommend specific prescriptions for vari-ous tumor types, due to marked variances in study design amongst the various trials surveyed. However, the overall benefits of herbal therapy in cancer are no longer in question.

References

1. Dong J, Su SY, Wang MY and Zhan Z (2010). Shenqi fuzheng, an injection con-cocted from Chinese medicinal herbs, com-bined with platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review. J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 22(29):137.

2. Chen S, Flower A, Ritchie A, Liu J, Molas-siotis A, Yu H and Lewith G (2010). Oral Chi-nese herbal medicine (CHM) as an adjuvant treatment during chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer: A systematic review. Lung Cancer. 68(2):137-45.

3. Xu M, Deng PX, Qi C, Deng B, Zhao ZZ, Wong V, Ngan T, Kan V, Tian XY, Xu DY and Au D (2009). Adjuvant phytotherapy in the treatment of cervical cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Altern Comple-ment Med. 15(12):1347-53.

4. Zhang M, Liu X, Li J, He L and Tripathy D (2007). Chinese medicinal herbs to treat the side-effects of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 18(2):CD004921.

5. Wei X, Chen ZY, Yang XY and Wu TX (2007). Medicinal herbs for esopha-geal cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 18(2):CD004520.

6. Molassiotis A, Potrata B and Cheng KK (2009). A systematic review of the effec-tiveness of Chinese herbal medication in

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symptom management and improvement of quality of life in adult cancer patients. Complement Ther Med. 17(2):92-120.

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ArticleBackyard Chickens and Herbal Medicine

Barbara Fougere BSc, BVMS(Hons), BHSc(Comp Med), MHSc(Herb Med), CVA, CVBM, CVCP, GD Bus Mgt, MOrg D&T, CMAVA, MNHAA

Objective: Outline the evidence for the use of several herbs in chickens and which herbs can enhance backyard chicken health and wellbeing.

Introduction

Holistic care of chickens follows the same principles as our regular patients. A natural diet, minimize stress, a healthy environ-ment, clean water and engaged care. These mean a proactive approach to health pro-motion and prevention of disease.

I am the doting friend of Frizzles, Wyan-dottes and hybrids, named Sassafras, Pop-py, Ginger, Saffron, Daisy, Nutmeg, Cocoa, Vanilla and Nigella, as well as Zac the 43 year old sulphur crested cockatoo. I am not an expert with birds, but I am a willing stu-

dent of my feathered teachers. They seem to humor me in my attempts to make them the happiest birds I can, enriching their lives and, in the process, mine too.

With increasing concerns about drug residues and antibiotic resistance, a more natural approach to chicken care warrants discussion. This paper explores the herbal medicine approach to enhancing backyard-chicken health and wellbeing.

The Basics

Backyards present bugs, frogs, visiting wild birds, worms and other interesting things to chickens. They also present hazards. These include long grass and foreign objects that can be ingested and cause crop impaction. A backyard can be a major source of molds and toxins by way of compost heaps, ferti-lizers, potting mixes, plus decaying vegeta-ble and fruit matter in vegetable gardens. The hen yard can be a source of mold-laden pelleted food, decayed table scraps and contaminated grains and seeds. Chickens seem susceptible to toxins because of their curious and insatiable appetite.

Wet and damp weather increases the risk of disease, so grain and grit should be re-placed daily to minimize contamination. Chickens need a safe roost and pen, direct sunlight, clean water and a balanced diet of mainly grass, green leafy vegetables and a protein rich diet supplemented with fresh table scraps (or rice vermicelli, fish, flax seeds, coconut, sweet potato, ground nuts in winter, warm oatmeal, lentils, beans, and herbs). Store all dry food in air tight con-tainers. Make sure grass (a favorite food) is mowed and then let the chickens do the

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work for you. Chickens need clean soil to bathe in, to roll in, to luxuriate in and clean their feathers. Nothing epitomizes joy and pleasure more than the facial expression (yes, they can look happy) of a chicken hav-ing a dirt bath!

Resilient by nature, chickens are however ruled by their emotions and their complex social lives reflect a schoolyard scene. There are bullies, there are peace makers, the shy, the extrovert and dramas abound. Resourc-es are the major source of friction and care needs to be taken that resources are shared. Be aware of chickens whose lives are not happy – move them, set up a new home so they do not let them live in a stressful envi-ronment. Provide plenty of room to move, interesting parts of the backyard to explore and spend time with them. I call it chicken therapy.

Herbs for Backyard Poultry

Note that there are no drugs approved for birds laying eggs for human consumption in the USA. Any treatments other than or-ganic therapies are off label.

Echinacea Purpurea, Pallidae: Echina-cea spp possess antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. A glycerine and an aqueous ethanolic extract both exerted immune-enhancing effects in chickens (Ma et al 2009). Zhang (2005) reported that E. purpurea extract (1g/L drinking water) used for 5 days significantly augmented antibody production in chickens that were vacci-nated for Newcastle’s disease and infec-tious bursal disease (IBD). Currier and Miller (2000) showed daily dietary administration of E. purpurea root extract to mice for only

one week resulted in a significant increase in natural killer (NK) cells. Boosting of such a fundamental immune cell population suggests a prophylactic role for this herb in chickens.

Other herbal medicinal ingredients have demonstrated the ability to enhance im-munity in chickens, including astragalus polysaccharide, Isatis root polysaccharide, propolis polysaccharide and epimedium flavone (Liang et al 1998, Kong et al 2004).

Calendula Officinalis: Water extracts are made with 90g fresh cut stems/leaves/flow-ers immersed in 1L boiled distilled water for 15 minutes, then filtered. The extract is diluted up to 6L with distilled water. The extract had a significant benefit in clearing IBD virus form their Bursa of Fabricus and protecting from atrophy, lesions and ne-crosis in a study comparing Calendula and Centaurea ainetensis (Barbour et al 2005). The Bursa is the immune organ involved in B cell maturation in chickens; consequently IBD virus causes immunosuppression, leading to poor protection against other pathogens. C. officinalis has the ability to

Ganoderma Lucinum

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inhibit replication of human HIV type 1 (Kalvatechev et al 1997). Antiviral effects of calendula have been proposed to be due to calendula polysaccharides stimulating im-munity (Wagner 1985).

Reishi Mushrooms (Ganoderma Luci-dum): Enhance innate immunity in chick-ens (Lee et al 2010) and is effective against Eimera tenella (coccidia) infected broilers at 200mg/ml for 7 consecutive days, this compared equally to amprolium standard treatment (Oqbe et al 2009). The reishi mushroom has a significant immune effect, mainly through its polysaccharides and bitter terpenes. The beta glucans provide the polysaccharide energy sources for the phagocytic properties of the NK cells.

Dichroa Febrifuga: Has anticoccidial ac-tivity and, at 20mg/kg with 2mg diclazuril/kg feed, significantly increased body weight gain and reduced bloody diarrhea and oo-cyst excretion compared to diclazuril alone (Zhang 2012).

Allium Sativum: Hens sprayed with 10% garlic juice in water once every 7 days for 3 weeks (compared to water alone) had sig-nificantly fewer mites and it was proposed that garlic juice may be an effective way to control mites in chickens (Birrenkott et al 2000). On the other hand, a garlic product with a high level of allicin was used against Ascaridia galli infection in chickens. Chick-ens were given the recommended dose or a tenfold increase in dose, no significant differences were demonstrated compared to untreated chickens and only the fluben-dazole (10mg/kg) group resulted in elimina-tion. It was concluded that allicin does not represent an alternative to flubendazole for

the treatment of A. galli infections in chick-ens (Velkers et al 2011). However, garlic powder at the rate 1-1.5g/kg can prevent subclinical necrotic enteritis caused by Clostridium perfringens in chickens (Jimoh et al 2013). 1-3% garlic powder does not appear to have any beneficial effect on humoral response to live Newcastle disease virus vaccine (Jafari et al 2008).

Azadirachta Indica: Neem leaf water extract (100mg/kg bw for 9 days) was com-pared to Baycox in chickens experimentally infected with E. tenella. The efficacy of Baycox was shown to be superior to that of Neem, but an additive histopathologi-cal toxic effect besides those produced by E. tenella infection could be recorded with Baycox. In contrast, Neem appeared to have a remarkable improvement on caecal integ-rity (Toulah et al 2010). Neem has also been evaluated against Northern Flow Mite (O. sylviarum) infestations in laying hens. Neem extract at 2% is effective to control infesta-tions by O. sylviarum and at least 3 sprays of the product are required weekly for an effective control of the parasite.

Azadirachta Indica

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Sambucus Nigra: Can inhibit infectious bronchitis and viral replication at an early point in infection, probably by rendering the virus non-infectious. It was found to have potential for the prevention and treat-ment of IBD in chickens (Chen et al 2014).Nigella sativa: seed supplementation of 4% or 5% of the diet significantly increased shell thickness and decreased serum LDL cholesterol and egg yolk cholesterol con-centration compared to other groups. In ad-dition, nigella enhanced immunity against Newcastle disease virus (Khan et al 2013).Zingiber officinale: dietary supplementa-tion of ginger powder improved laying performance and serum and egg yolk antioxidant status in a dose-dependent manner. The optimum supplementation rate of ginger powder in the diet of laying hens appeared to be between 10 and 15g/kg of diet (Zhao et al 2011). Ginger extract at 100mg/chicken has some anthelmintic activity against Ascaridia galli, as does cur-cumin extract at 100mg and a wormicidal effect is concentration dependent (Bazh 2013, El Bahy 2013).

Flaxseed: At 10% of the diet in two stud-ies and fed for 1-4 years to hens, demon-

strated a significant reduction in ovarian cancer severity and incidence compared with the control diet-fed hens. Hens are used as a model for ovarian cancer in hu-mans. Concentrations of PGE2 and expres-sion of COX-2 were diminished in ovaries of flaxseed-fed hens (Eilati et al 2013a, Eilati et al 2013b).

Aspalathus Linearis: Rooibos Tea, as a substitution for drinking water or dietary supplementation, was assessed on aging and egg production in quails. Although rooibos treatment did not significantly increase egg production in young hens, the decrease in egg production of rooibos-treated aged hens (360 days of age) was significantly reduced, regardless of the egg production levels (high - 80%, low - 20%) before the treatment. Rooibos tea positively prolonged the productive period of aged animals. Further studies would be needed to address the question whether these effects are due to the antioxidant or phyto-oestrogenic activities of rooibos (Juráni et al 2008).

Ligustrum Lucidum or Schisandra Chinensis: Supplemented at 1% of the diet had beneficial effects on egg produc-tion, immune function and antioxidant status of hens during heat stress (Ma et al 2005).

Essential Oils: The toxicity of a range of plant essential oils to the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, was assessed. D. gallinae may cause losses in egg produc-tion, anaemia and, in extreme cases, death. Fifty plant essential oils were selected for their toxicity to arthropods reported in the literature. Twenty-four of these essential oils

Sambucus Nigra

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were found to kill >75% of adult D. galli-nae in contact toxicity tests over a 24-hour period at a rate of 0.21mg/cm. Subsequent testing at lower rates showed the essential oils of cade (Juniperus oxycedrus), manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and thyme were especially toxic to adult D. gallinae (George et al 2010). In another study, seven essential oils tested (manuka, thyme, pal-marosa, caraway, spearmint, black pepper and juniper leaf ) were repellent to D. galli-nae at 0.14mg oil/cm (initial concentration) during the first two days of study. Thyme essential oil appeared to be the most effec-tive, where repellence lasted until the end of the study period (13 days) (George et al 2009).

Fresh Kale Leaves: Added to chickens’ diets increases egg weight significantly, the shell is stronger and eggs have less sulphur aroma, they also have significantly higher lutein and β-carotene content. Violaxanthin, an orange xanthophyll, tended to be higher in kale and eggs from hens receiving kale (Hammershøj, Steenfeldt 2012). Dietary hemp seed and hempseed oil in hen diets lead to increased omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content and color intensity of egg yolks (Goldberg et al 2012).

Administration of Herbs: Herbs can be given to chickens in a number of ways. a) Teas can be diluted in drinking water, how-ever ensure chickens are drinking the water. b) Take dried herbs and form a small ball with water and give by mouth. c) Tinctures can be diluted, 2-5 drops (0.25ml in 1-2ml water) twice daily of a single herb, up to 1ml diluted of a formula. d) Drops can be placed directly into the mouth (but remove alcohol first). e) Dried and fresh herbs can

be offered as greens or chopped finely and mixed in feed. Offer dried herbs in the nest-ing area. Aromatic herbs will be used by the chickens and do not be surprised if they roll in them.

Growing Herbs for Chickens: Aromatic herbs can act as insect repellants when grown near the hen house. Wormwood, lav-ender, lemon balm and rose geranium have proved popular. Scatter seed under the herbs so that chickens brush against them for an insecticidal ‘spray’. They can also be added to straw inside the hen house.Common diseases and proposed integra-tive treatment

Coccidiosis: is a major disease of young chickens that causes bloody diarrhea, sud-den depression and increased susceptibil-ity to other diseases such as worms, E. Coli, Marek’s and respiratory disease. There are different forms of Coccidiosis and, conven-tionally, routine monthly treatment is given to young chickens until they are 6 months old to prevent the disease. Adults can also be susceptible. Boosting immunity or treat-ment should be considered during an out-break or when extended periods of rain have caused wet patches to appear in the yard.

Protocols: Probiotics, Immune support with Echinacea, reishii mushroom extract, astra-galus, garlic, calendula, Ligustrum lucidum or Schisandra chinensis could be consid-ered. With anticoccidial effects, Dichroa febrifuga and Azadirachta indica could be considered in prevention or control and treatment, depending on the severity of infection.

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Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD): Caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum. CRD is transmitted via the egg and manifests as eye infection, inflammation around the face and cere, open mouth breathing and gur-gling throat sounds. Stage 1 is usually just wetness around the eyes – stress and vita-min A deficiency can also look like this. Eye treatment can clear the infection in 2 days. Stage 2 includes swelling of the orbital sinus causing a donut appearance around the eyes. Doxycycline plus tylosine in the drinking water for 7 days and eye treatment is usually needed. A poor response indi-cates stress is a major factor. Stage 3 is ad-vanced and signs include red eyes, swollen cere, cheesy eye discharge, pasted eyelids and open gaping mouth. Prognosis is grave.

Protocols: Clean eyes with euphrasia or chamomile tea (filtered). Immune support with Echinacea, reishii mushroom extract, astragalus, garlic, calendula, Ligustrum lucidum or Schisandra chinensis could be considered. Tremella fuciformis extract, astragalus extract and Lentinus edodes extract stimulate beneficial bacteria (bifido-bacteria and lactobacilli) in a dose-depend-ent manner while reducing harmful bac-teria (Bacteroides and E. coli). The immune polysaccharides may help modify intestinal microbiotica to Mycoplasma galliseptiucum (Guo et al 2004). For respiratory signs con-sider Sambucus nigra, marshmallow, liquo-rice and other respiratory herbs. Nebulise or steam with thyme tea in a tent.

Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT): is caused by a herpes virus in young and adult chickens, and its spread is slow. Signs include eye symptoms, coughing and gur-gling sounds, head shaking, gaping, lethar-

gy, swollen eyelids, watery red conjunctiva, crusty eyes and ocular discharge, open-mouth breathing and stretching the neck out to breath. Coughing up blood is almost characteristic of ILT. It can mimic other respiratory disease such as infectious bron-chitis, coryza (this does not cause coughing, gaping or bloody discharges) and aspergil-losis. Birds that recover can have no signs and be carriers. Leucosis, with raised skin nodules around feather follicles, should be assumed to be Marek’s disease. Some chick-ens die without any signs.

Protocols: Sambucus nigra, Echinacea, marshmallow, garlic, honey syrup. Bathe eyes, insides of beaks and nostrils with a thyme tea. Nebulise or steam with thyme or eucalyptus or lemon myrtle tea in a chicken tent (make sure the chicken can see or hear friends).

Marek’s Disease: This viral infection often follows a cold change and mainly affects young birds. However, those that survive become carr iers and, if stressed later in life, they can shed the virus. Signs include lame-ness, paralysis of legs (one leg forward one behind), wings or neck. The virus causes tumors in the nerves and immunosuppres-sion. Pullets with weakness, pale wattles and combs, poor appetite, diarrhea and are poor ‘dooers’ can have Marek’s. Paralysis of the vagus nerve can cause a dilated crop and crop impactions. Signs can mimic res-piratory disease with gaping and gasping. Anisocoria and vision impairment, or iris discolouration, is most likely Marek’s. Post mortem reveals nodules of cancer through-out the body. Stress factors can precipitate Marek’s, social stress due to overcrowding, worms, coccidiosis, lice, mites and mixing

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young and old birds together, or anything that prevents a chicken from eating or drinking or that prevents the chicken from being happy. There are no conventional cures and vaccination can be used to con-trol the disease.

Protocols: Affected birds could be support-ed with Echinacea, gotu kola, turmeric and cinnamon.

Crop and Gizzard Impaction: is life threatening. It can occur with gizzard mal-function, foreign bodies and long fibrous grass. High egg-producing breeds like Isa Browns are susceptible, as pelleted diets do not provide them with enough nutri-ents to support high egg production and a backyard environment has various haz-ards which predispose them to impaction problems. First signs are a full doughy crop in the morning, when it should be empty. Immediate treatment is effective. If not treated, there is weight loss and fluid accu-mulation in the crop and a foul odour from the mouth. The chicken withdraws, closes its eyes and produces a watery vomit. Giz-zard malfunction can occur with fluctuating weather conditions (eg sudden cold, wet or hot spells) which alter metabolism and alter pH levels in the crop, gizzard and cloaca. The increased alkalinity affects motility, electrolytes, microbiota and gut inflamma-tion. The chicken may have pica and target clays, charcoal and rocks, brick pieces etc. These foreign bodies contribute to impac-tion. The ingestion of contaminated food (decaying table scraps etc) is another cause of impaction. Mouldy maize, grains and cereal grains contaminated with fumonisin moulds can cause problems in backyard chickens. These include: liver and bone dis-

ease; proventriculus and gizzard malfunc-tion; as well as egg peritonitis and with egg laying.

Protocols: Immediate treatment. Crop needle or dropper 2-3ml olive oil into the mouth and gently massage the crop to break down the impaction and repeat the same day. Feed mash and yoghurt to sof-ten the impaction and neutralise pH and bacteria. An alternative mix is olive oil, milk and gentian powder (1/4 teaspoon) given twice. Probiotics can also be added. Those containing lactobacillus help prevent afla-toxin absorption from the small intestine (Nikbakht et al 2013).

Emergency treatment is 20-30ml warmed saline into the crop to flush and empty it. Repeat three times daily for 2-3 days if nec-essary. Heat, milk thistle seeds and antibiot-ics may be necessary. Endoscopic or surgi-cal removal of contents may be necessary.

Egg Binding: Can be caused by aflatoxins, dietary deficiencies, infections, inflamma-tion of the oviduct related to viral infection, cold weather, laying out of season, or a large egg etc, that weaken the vaginal mus-cles and prevent the egg from being laid. The chicken is lethargic, the abdomen is distended and there is a swollen and pasted vent. The symptoms mimic egg peritonitis, uterine infection, cystic ovary, ectopic eggs and ascites from liver or heart failure.

Protocols: Emergency treatment involves 50ml heated fluids and liquid calcium into the crop. Heat the bird to 30oC for 10 min-utes. Use a lubricant if necessary, however this protocol should help restore vaginal function. Firm digital pressure can then be

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used. Repeated administration of fluids and calcium may be needed if egg binding is long standing. Antibiotics are usually rec-ommended. Ginger powder or grated gin-ger in tea can be given into the crop for its thermogenic properties.

Heat Stress: Climate change will increase the risk of heat stress (Frizzles are well adapted to heat). Prevention – feed the chickens early in the morning and remove food so they do not eat for 6 hours before the hottest part of the day as digestion increases body heat. Avoid overcrowding. If temperatures are forecast above 35oC, add 20ml apple cider vinegar and a pinch of Celtic sea salt into 2L drinking water. Ap-ple cider is high in potassium which is lost in heat stress and the potassium increases thirst. If the temperature is expected to reach 40oC, add 5 teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda into the same water to help counter heat-induced acidosis. Mist spray the chick-ens.

Protocols: immediate treatment if the chick-en looks stressed – panting, holding wings out from the body, with increased thirst, reduced food intake and inactivity. Remove food and grit. Use sea salt (pinch), apple ci-der vinegar (20ml) and bicarbonate of soda (5 teaspoons) into 2L drinking water. Mist spray the birds.

Mite Infestations: treatment is directed at killing the mites and supporting a full re-covery by supplementing the diet with nu-tritional additives. Conventionally ivermec-tin is used. Herbal options include aqueous garlic, neem and thyme essential oil.

Conclusion

Ideally, organic and chemical-free produce is desired. Herbal medicines offer adjunc-tive and alternative options and, increas-ingly, research supports their use. In many cases however, herbs do not replace the need for conventional diagnosis and treat-ment.

References

Barbour E, Sheib H, Sagherian V et al (2005). Immunoprotection Activities of Calendula officinalis and Centaurea aintensis against IBD (Gumboro) Virus in Chicken Broilers. JAHVA. 23(4):15-20.

Bazh E and El-Bahy N (2013). In vitro and in vivo screening of anthelmintic activity of ginger and curcumin on Ascaridia galli. Parisitol Res. 112(11):3679-86.

Birrenkott G, Brockenfelt G, Greer J and Ow-ens M (2000). Topical Application of Garlic reduces Northern Fowl Mite Infestation in Laying Hens. Poultry Science. 79:1575-1577.Chen C, Zuckerman D, Brantley S et al (2014). Sambucus nigra extracts inhibit in-fectious bronchitis at an early point during replication. BMS Vet Res. 10:24.

Currier N and Miller S (2000). Natural killer cells from aging mice treated with extracts from Echinacea purpurea are quantitatively and functionally rejuvenated. Exp Geroniol. 35: 627-639.

Eilati E, Hales K, Zhuge Y et al (2013). Flax-seed enriched diet-mediated reduction in ovarian cancer severity is correlated to the reduction of prostaglandin E(2) in laying

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hen ovaries. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 89(4):179-87.

Eilati E, Bahr JM and Hales DB (2013). Long term consumption of flaxseed enriched diet decreased ovarian cancer incidence and prostaglandin E₂in hens. Gynecol Oncol. 130(3):620-8.

George DR, Sparagano OA and Port G (2010). Environmental interactions with the toxicity of plant essential oils to the poul-try red mite Dermanyssus gallinae. Med Vet Entomol. 24(1):1-8. George DR, Sparagano OA, Port G et al (2009).Repellence of plant essential oils to Dermanyssus gallinae and toxicity to the non-target invertebrate Tenebrio molitor. Vet Parasitol. 162(1-2):129-34.

Goldberg EM, Gakhar N, Ryland D et al (2012). Fatty acid profile and sensory char-acteristics of table eggs from laying hens fed hempseed and hempseed oil. J Food Sci. 77(4):S153-60.

Guo F, Williams B, Kwakkel R et al (2004).Effects of mushroom and herb polysaccha-rides, as alternatives for an antibiotic on the caecal microbial ecosystem in broiler chick-ens. Poult Sci. 83(2)175-82.

Hammershøj M and Steenfeldt S (2012). The effects of kale (Brassica oleracea ssp. acephala), basil (Ocimum basilicum) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) as forage material in organic egg production on egg quality. Br Poult Sci. 53(2):245-56.

Jafari R, Jalali M, Ghorbanpoor M and Saraei S (2008). Effect of dietary garlic on immune

response of boiler chicks to live Newcastle’s Disease vaccine. Pak J Biol Sci. (14):1848-51.

Jimoh A, Ibitoye E, Dabai Y and Garba S (2013). In vivo antimicrobial potentials of garlic against Clostridium perfingens and its promoting effects on performance of boiler chickens. Pak J Biol Sci. 16(24):1978-84.

Juráni M, Lamosová D, Mácajová M et al (2008).Effect of rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) on Japanese quail growth, egg pro-duction and plasma metabolites. Br Poult Sci. 49(1):55-64.

Kalvachev Z, Walder R, Garzaro D (1997). Anti-HIV activity of extracts from Calendula officinallis flowers. Biomedicine Pharmaco-therapy, The Netherlands. (51):176-180.

Khan SH, Anjum MA, Parveen A, Khawaja T and Ashraf NM (2013). Effects of black cum-in seed (Nigella sativa L.) on performance and immune system in newly evolved crossbred laying hens. Vet Q. 33(1):13-9.

Kong X F, Hu YL, Rong R, Wang DY and Li XR (2004).Effects of Chinese herbal medici-nal ingredients on peripheral lymphocyte proliferation and serum Ab titer after vac-cination in chicken. Int. Immunopharmacol. 4:975–982.

Lee S, Lillhoj H, Hong Y et al (2010). In vitro effects of plant and mushroom extracts on immunological function of chicken lympho-cytes and macrophages. Br Poult Sc. 51(2): 213-21.

Liang R, Guo KK, Yi L, Zhang YX, Li JQ and Yue ZQ (1998). Study of Chinese herbal medicinal immune stimulator on immune

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enhancement in chickens. Chinese J Vet Sci Technol. 28:11–13.

Ma D, Shan A, Chen Z et al (2005). Effect of Ligustrum lucidum and Schisandra chin-ensis on the egg production, antioxidant status and immunity of laying hens during heat stress. Arch Anim Nutr. 59(6):439-47.

Ma A, Shi W, Niu X et al (2009). Effects of Echinacea purpurea extract on the Immu-nological response to infectious bursal dis-ease vaccine in broilers. Front Agric China. 3(4):452-456.

Nikbakht E, Jamaluddin R, Abdul Mutalib M et al (2013). Reduction of aflatoxin level in aflatoxin-induced rats by the activity of probiotic Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota. J Appl Microbiol. 114(5):1507-15.

Oqbe A, Atawodi S, Abdu P et al (2009). Changes in weight gain, faecal oocyst count and packed cell volume of Eimera tenella infected broilers treated with a wild mush-room (Ganoderma lucidum) aqueous ex-tract. J S Afr Vet Assoc. 80(2):97-102.

Soares NM, Tucci EC, Guastalli EA and Yajima H (2008). Control of Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini and Fanzago, 1877) (Acari: Mac-ronyssidae) infestation in commercial laying hens by using Azadirachta indica extract. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet. 17(4):175-8. (Article in Portuguese].

Toulah FH, Ismeel HA and Khan S (2010). Effect of treatment with Neem (Azadirachta indica) compared with Baycox drug on the caecum of chicken experimentally infected with Eimera tenella. J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 40(1):93-106.

Velkers F, Dieho K, Pecher F et al (2011). Effica-cy of allicin from garlic against Ascaridia galli infection in chickens. Poult Sc. 90(2):364-8.Wagner H (1985). Immunostimulating ac-tion of polysaccharides (heteroglycans) from higher. Arzneimittelforschung. 35:1069-1075.

Zang C (2005). Influence of Echinacea pur-purea extract on antibody production to Newcastle disease and infectious bursal disease vaccination. J Tradition Chin Vet Med. 24(5):26-7. (Article in Chinese).

Zhang DF, Sun BB, Yue YY, Zhou QJ and Du AF (2012). Anticoccidial activity of tradition-al Chinese herbal Dichroa febrifuga Lour. Extract against Eimera tenella infection in chickens. Parasitol Res. 111(6):2229-33.

Zhao X, Yang ZB, Yang WR et al (2011). Ef-fects of ginger root (Zingiber officinale) on laying performance and antioxidant status of laying hens and on dietary oxidation sta-bility. Poult Sci. 90(8):1720-7.

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Herb MonographAn Integrative View ofCodonopsis: Traditional Uses and Modern PotentialsJennifer C Kareklas DVM

Historical Overview: Dang Shen is the PinYin name for the root of Codonopsis pilosula, an important medicinal herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Its nature is sweet and neutral and it enters the Spleen and Lung channels. It should be used cautiously in patients with excess heat. It is a mild, but highly therapeutic, Qi tonic. Dang Shen is generally considered safe; however large doses may cause car-diac arrhythmias or discomfort. It is incom-patible with Li Lu (Veratrum nigrum) (Chen, Chen and Crampton 2012 p 843).

Traditionally, the therapeutic actions of Dang Shen are as follows: tonifies Qi, strengthens Middle Jiao, tonifies Lung, nourishes Blood, promotes production of Body Fluids, restores Constitution and expels Pathogenic Factors. Clinical indications include Zhong Qi defi-ciency, organ prolapse, constipation, Lung Qi deficiency, Blood deficiency, Body Fluid deficiencies, as well as respiratory infections

in the face of constitutional deficiencies (Chen et al 2012 pp 843-4).

Modern Research: In the past five years there are 84 listed publications on PubMed which describe the medicinal potential of plants in the Codonopsis genus. The re-cent research focus has been largely on the neuroprotective, immunomodulatory and anti-obesity effects of a related species, Co-donopsis lanceolata (47 listed studies). Nev-ertheless, 37 investigations of Dang Shen, C. pilosula, have yielded potential anti-tumor, hematopoietic, immunomodulatory func-tions – and more (National Center for Bio-technology Information 2014).

Several recent studies focused on evaluat-ing medicinal herb samples of C. pilosula for quality (He, Ma et al 2014), herb au-thentication (Kim et al 2014; Lin, Tsai and Kuo 2013) and potentially hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid content (He, Zhu et al 2014; Wakana, Kawahara and Goda 2013; Gilbert et al 2014). One recent study evalu-ated C. pilosula for anti-fatigue benefits, however the abstract is not available in English online at this time (Xia et al 2014).

Of the available recent research, most stud-ies focused on cancer-related topics. Sev-eral investigate the remarkable anti-tumor effects of the herb (Yang et al 2013; Huo et al 2013; Xin et al 2012). The latter study also demonstrates suppression of metastasis. In addition to controlling cancer itself, there is a study demonstrating the hematopoetic effects of Dang Shen administration in mice after radiation and chemotherapy treat-ments (Liu et al 2014).

Immunomodulatory studies include the use of Dang Shen for treatment of experi-mentally induced peritoneal sepsis in mice (Zheng et al 2014) and a comparison of the

Codonopsis Pilosula

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immune enhancing polysaccharides in C. pilosula and Tremella (Zhao et al 2013). A mouse study documents protective effects against renal ishchemia and reperfusion injury (Li et al 2012). A further study shows neuroregenerative effects of Dang Shen, specifically proliferative and migratory ef-fects on Schwann cells (Chen et al 2010).

The demonstrated capacity of this herb to modulate immune function and enhance the body’s ability to adapt to stressors cor-relates well with the traditional Chinese cat-egorization of a Qi tonic which strengthens deficiencies and helps expel pathogens.

Potential Veterinary Indications: There are veterinary uses suggested by both TCM and modern research. These include immune support for chronically deficient patients, anemia and geriatric constipation cases. Additionally, the demonstrated im-munomodulatory effects suggest that the traditional usage of Dang Shen for Lung Qi deficiency and respiratory infections/abscesses may be appropriate even though research has not focused on the respiratory system.

Modern research reaches beyond tradi-tional indications as well. One promising study suggests Dang Shen may have appli-cation for nerve regeneration, which could be appropriate for traumatic paralysis and/or neurodegenerative diseases. Hopefully, potential uses for renal ischemia and rep-erfusion injury will be investigated further. Modern research confirms repeatedly the anti-tumor effects of C. pilosula, suggest-ing it can be a good choice in treatment of some cancer patients (herbal anti-tumor protocols, palliative care or supportive care for conventional treatment).

References

Chen JT, Chen TT and Crampton L (2012). Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacol-ogy. Art of Medicine Press, City of Industry, CA: 843-4.

Chen HT, Tsai YL, Chen YS, Jong GP, Chen WK, Wang HL, Tsai FJ, Tsai CH, Lai TY, Tzang BS, Huang CY and Lu CY (2010). Dangshen (Codonopsis pilosula) activates IGF-I and FGF-2 pathways to induce proliferation and migration effects in RSC96 Schwann cells. Am J Chin Med. 38(2):359-72. Accessed 9/2/2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20387231

Gilbert JD, Musgrave IF, Hoban C and Byard RW (2014). Lethal hepatocellular necrosis associated with herbal polypharmacy in a patient with chronic hepatitis B infec-tion. Forensic Sci Int. 241:138-40. Accessed 9/2/2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24915453

He JY, Ma N, Zhu S, Komatsu K, Li ZY and Fu WM (2014). The genus Codonopsis (Cam-panulaceae): a review of phytochemistry, bioactivity and quality control. J Nat Med. Accessed 9/2/2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25099952

He JY, Zhu S, Goda Y, Cai SQ and Komatsu K (2014). Quality evaluation of medicinally-used Codonopsis species and Codonopsis Radix based on the contents of pyrrolidine alkaloids, phenylpropanoid and polyacety-lenes. J Nat Med. 68(2):326-39. Accessed 9/2/2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24203345

Huo J, Qin F, Cai X, Ju J, Hu C, Wang Z, Lu W, Wang X and Cao P (2013). Chinese medicine formula “Weikang Keli” induces autophagic cell death on human gastric cancer cell line

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SGC-7901. Phytomedicine. 20(2):159-65. Ac-cessed 9/2/2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23141426

Kim EY, Kim JA, Jeon HJ, Kim S, Kim YH, Kim HY and Whang WK (2014). Chemical finger-printing of Codonopsis pilosula and simul-taneous analysis of its major components by HPLC-UV. Arch Pharm Res. 37(9):1148-58. Accessed 9/2/2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24497036

Li Z, Zhu L, Zhang H, Yang J, Zhao J, Du D, Meng J, Yang F, Zhao Y and Sun J (2012). Protective effect of a polysaccharide from stem of Codonopsis pilosula against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats. Car-bohydr Polym. 90(4):1739-43. Accessed 9/2/2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22944441Lin LC, Tsai TH and Kuo CL (2013). Chemi-cal constituents comparison of Codonopsis tangshen, Codonopsis pilosula var. mod-esta and Codonopsis pilosula. Nat Prod Res. 27(19):1812-5. Accessed 9/2/2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23506253

Liu M, Tan H, Zhang X, Liu Z, Cheng Y, Wang D and Wang F (2014). Hematopoietic effects and mechanisms of Fufang ejiao jiang on radiotherapy and chemotherapy-induced myelosuppressed mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 152(3):575-84. Accessed 9/2/2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24534527

National Center for Biotechnology Infor-mation. US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. PubMed.gov. updated August 2014. Accessed 9/2/2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed

Wakana D, Kawahara N and Goda Y (2013). Two new pyrrolidine alkaloids, codonop-sinol C and codonopiloside A, isolated from Codonopsis pilosula. Chem Pharm

Bull (Tokyo). 61(12):1315-7. Accessed 9/2/2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24436963

Xia ZD, Wang ZF, Zhong L and Yang FM (2014). Experimental study on anti-fatigue and anti-hypoxia effect of rich selenium-banqiao-codonopsis pilosula. Zhongguo Ying Yong Sheng Li Xue Za Zhi. 30(2):156-8. Accessed 9/2/2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=codonopsis+pilosula

Xin T, Zhang F, Jiang Q, Chen C, Huang D, Li Y, Shen W, Jin Y and Sui G (2012). The inhibitory effect of a polysaccharide from Codonopsis pilosula on tumor growth and metastasis in vitro. Int J Biol Macromol. 51(5):788-93. Accessed 9/2/2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22829051

Xu C, Liu Y, Yuan G and Guan M (2012). The contribution of side chains to antitumor activity of a polysaccharide from Codonop-sis pilosula. Int J Biol Macromol. 50(4):891-4. Accessed 9/2/2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22285989

Yang C, Gou Y, Chen J, An J, Chen W and Hu F (2013). Structural characterization and an-titumor activity of a pectic polysaccharide from Codonopsis pilosula. Carbohydr Polym. 98(1):886-95. Accessed 9/2/2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23987425

Zhao X, Hu Y, Wang D, Liu J and Guo L (2013). The comparison of immune-enhanc-ing activity of sulfated polysaccharidses from Tremella and Condonpsis pilosula. Carbohydr Polym. 98(1):438-43. Accessed 9/2/2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23987365

Zheng YS, Wu ZS, Ni HB, Ke L, Tong ZH, Li WQ, Li N and Li JS (2014). Codonopsis

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pilosula polysaccharide attenuates cecal ligation and puncture sepsis via circuiting regulatory T cells in mice. Shock. 41(3):250-5. Accessed 9/2/2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24296433

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Case ReportHerbal Therapy to Treat a Case of Moderate Osteoar-thritis and Pain in a DogJason Rowan DVM

Abstract: A combination herbal tincture formula was used in conjunction with oral nutraceuticals to treat a case of moderate osteoarthritis and pain in a Staffordshire Terrier. The formula helped with mobility and activity levels and was used to over-come an acute episode of pain after a stren-uous exercise.

Case history and clinical signs: an 8 year old, 17 kg spayed female Staffordshire Terrier was presented with mild to moderate lame-ness. The owner had noted a slow deterio-ration of gait and some signs of pain. The dog was shaking in the hind end at times while standing. She was beginning to miss jumps or to take several attempts to jump up on the bed. She was not striding as long on her gait at a run and she preferred the left lead to the right lead. She did not run like she used to and her left hind leg had more of a short stride than the right hind.

When the dog was five months of age, she had lameness in the left foreleg that trans-ferred to the right hind, then the left hind leg. The lameness responded to homeopa-thy and chiropractic adjustments at the time. The breeder reported some cases of osteochondrodystrophy (OCD) in the line. The dog was spayed later than usual, at four years of age as the owner had intended to breed her. Spaying occurred at that age because a larger German Shepherd dog had attempted to mount her while she was being watched by another caregiver. One day after, the dog came home with paralysis of the hind end and an acute case

of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Radio-graphs showed a possible fracture at T6-T8, or a congenital malformation or hemi-ver-tebrae. A short course of prednisone was given. The disc resolved with a combination of rest, chiropractic treatment and home-opathy.

Physical exam revealed a decreased range of motion in both front shoulders. She had tight muscles in the mid lumbar back. In the area of T6-T8 there is a prominence where the previous vertebral malformation was noted. She has a large medial buttress in the left hind stifle and decreased range of motion in that joint.

Treatment: The dog is being fed a raw diet of 80% chicken or beef with 20% vegeta-bles. She is fed kibble on a short-term basis which is usually a low- or no-grain formula. She had been on a glucosamine/MSM/vi-tamin combination in the past (Recovery SA, Purica, Canada) but recently this sup-plement had been stopped. She receives 2g fish oil/day. A simple turmeric herbal supplement had been given in the past. This formula had negative side effects. The owner described the dog as appearing ‘hot’ and her behaviour had changed. She was hyperactive and had become lost while off lead in the park.

The goals of the herbal formula were to pro-vide anti-inflammatory benefits and pain control while avoiding the negative side effects such as those found with turmeric. She was placed on a herbal formula of Salix alba, Harpagophytum, Hypericum perfora-tum and Withania somnifera.

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Herbal Formula: The dog was placed on the following herbal formula tincture after initial examination. Dose was 3ml BID with food.

Salix alba bark 1:3 25mlHarpagrophytum procumbens 1:3 25mlHypericum perforatum 1:3 25mlWithania somnifera 1:3 50mlTotal 125ml

After two months of therapy, the formula was modified to the following dosed at 2ml BID with food.

Zingiber officinale 1:3 25mlHarpagrophytum procumbens 1:3 25mlHypericum perforatum 1:3 25mlWithania somnifera 1:3 50mlTotal 125ml

WHITE WILLOW (Salix Alba)

Family: SalicaceaeParts used: barkEnergetics: cool, dry and bitter Actions: anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, analgesic, anti-pyretic, astringentIndications: headaches, fever, rheumatism, arthritisContraindications: gastric ulceration, gas-

trointestinal disorders, renal disease, liver disease, bleeding disorders, do not use in catsPotential interactions: avoid concurrent use with other salicylates or NSAIDS, metho-trexate, metoclopramide, anticoagulants

Mechanism of action: the plant contains salicylates and tannins. The salicylates work through inhibition of prostaglandin syn-thesis and reduction of inflammatory path-ways. Salicylates also inhibit oxidative phos-phorylation and Krebs cycle enzymes.

Dose: (human) 6ml TID. 10-20mg/kg BID-TID

DEVIL’S CLAW (Harpagrophytum Procumbens)

Family: PedaliaceaeParts used: secondary storage rootsEnergetics: bitter, coolActions: bitter tonic, anti-inflammatory,

Salix Alba

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anti-rheumatic, analgesicIndications: arthritis, rheumatism, digestive upsets, anorexia, pyrexia, inflammatory conditions, menstrual and labour pain, liver congestion and gall bladder ailments, anal-gesiaContraindications: gastric ulceration. Given the herb is a bitter digestive, there is poten-tial to increase gastric acid secretion and potentiate the problemPotential interactions: theoretically with an-tiarrhythmics, anticoagulants, antihyperten-sives and cardiac drugs. No reported clinical interactions have been published.

Mechanism of action: the main constituent is harpagoside which has been studied in human medicine and compared to rofecoxib. It was shown to reduce pain scores similar to the COX-2 selective inhibitor. The mechanism of action of the herb is not completely understood and it is thought to be a sum of the plant’s parts as opposed to just harpagosides. One study showed it suppressed prostaglandin synthesis and nitric oxide production in vitro.

Dose: 1:3 with 1-2.5ml/10kg divided daily

ST JOHN’S WORT (Hypericum Perforatum)

Family: ClusiaceaeParts used: flowering tops or aerial partsEnergetics: bitter, coolActions: nervine tonic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, vulnerary, anti-viralIndications: peripheral neuropathy, depres-sion especially associated with pain, anxi-ety, obsessive-compulsive disordersContraindications: none knownPotential interactions: antidepressants, anti-coagulants, immune-suppressives, antineo-plastic agents, theophylline

Mechanism of action: inhibition of reuptake of neurotransmitters and action on dopa-mine and opioid receptors

Dose: 1:2 or 1:3 with 0.5-1.5ml/10kg divided daily.

ASHWAGANDHA (Withania Somnifera)

Family: SolanaceaeParts used: root, leaf and whole plantEnergetics: warm, pungent, and sweetActions: a panacea of actions. It is consid-ered antioxidant, immunomodulatory, a hematopoietic, chemoprotective, thyroid stimulating, cardiopulmonary tonic, nerv-ous system calming, cognitive enhancer, antitumor and anti-inflammatory.Indications: general debility, osteoarthritis, cognitive dysfunction, chemotherapy or long-term prednisone usage, anemia, hypo-thyroidism, hypertension, chronic disease (especially if inflammatory).Contraindications: pregnancyPotential interactions: sedatives or anxiolytics

Mechanism of action: with respect to its

Harpogophytum Procumbens

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anti-inflammatory properties, Ashwagan-dha has COX inhibition.

Dose: 1:2 or 1:3 with 1.0-2.5ml/10kg divided daily.

GINGER (Zingiber Officinale)

Family: ZingiberaceaeParts used: RhizomeEnergetics: hot, dryActions: diaphoretic, carminative, anti-in-flammatory, antiplatelet, antispasmodicIndications: nausea, flatulence, arthritis, and poor peripheral circulationContraindications: gallstones, decreased coagulationPotential interactions: anticoagulants

Mechanism of action: ginger increases gastric motility and promotes absorption of toxins and acids. Ginger root extract has been shown to have effects on the nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 which may ac-count for its role as an anti-inflammatory.

Dose: 1:2 or 1:3 with 0.25-0.5ml divided daily. Zingiber Officinale

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Research Abstract

Common Herbal Medications can Af-fect Bioavailability of Viagra

Al-Mohizea AM, Ahad A, El-Maghraby GM, Al-Jenoobi FI, Alkharfy KM, Al-Suwayeh SA.: Effects of Nigella sativa, Lepidium sati-vum and Trigonella foenum-graecum on sildenafil disposition in beagle dogs. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2014 Apr 11. [Epub ahead of print]

This study suggests that the bioavailability of Sildenafil (Viagra), used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hyper-tension, may be adversely compromised by concurrent use of several common herbal treatments. These are:

• Nigella sativa (black cumin seeds), tradi-tionally used in herbal medicine all over the world for the treatment and prevention of a number of diseases and conditions that include asthma, diarrhoea and dyslipidae-mia, and shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antimicrobial and antineoplastic activity (Ali & Blunden, 2003)

• Lepidium sativum (cress), whose seeds are used traditionally in Indian medicine as a bitter, thermogenic, depurative, rube-facient, galactogogue, tonic, aphrodisiac, ophthalmic, antiscorbutic, antihistaminic and diuretic

• Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek), known for its hypoglycaemic effects (Khosla et al, 1995).

These common herbal medicines were thought to negatively impact the bioavail-ability of Viagra.

References

Ali BH, Blunden G Pharmacological and toxicological properties of Nigella sativa. Phytother Res. 2003 Apr;17(4):299-305.Khosla, P., Gupta, D.D., Nagpal, R.K., Effect of Trigonella foenum Graecum (Fenugreek) on Blood Glucose in Normal and Diabetic Rats. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 1995, 39(2): 173-174

Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi a Po-tent Chemotherapeutic Agent Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Park HS, Park KI, Hong GE, Nagappan A, Lee HJ, Kim EH, Lee WS, Shin SC, Seo ON, Won CK, Cho JH, Kim G: Korean Scutel-laria baicalensis Georgi methanol extracts inhibits metastasis via the Forkhead Box M1 activity in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. (Note: in Xiao Chai Hu Tang) J Ethnop-harmacol. 2014 Aug 8;155(1):847-51. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.05.053. Epub 2014 Jun 6.

The ground root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (skullcaps) is used in many Asian medicines, including the Chinese Herbal formula Xiao Chai Hu Tang. The current research focused on the anti-metastatic ef-fects of this herb with results indicating that it inhibited the proliferation of hepatocellu-lar carcinoma cells and decreased metasta-sis. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi potentially inhibited proliferation of HepG2 cells, dose dependently, and decreased metastasis through the regulation of matrix metallo-proteinase 2 (MMP-2) and FOXM1 activities at the transcription and translation levels.

Motherwort Proposed as a Cardio-Protective Agent

Bernatoniene J, Kopustinskiene DM, Jaks-tas V, Majiene D, Baniene R, Kuršvietiene L,

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Masteikova R, Savickas A, Toleikis A, Trum-beckaite S: The effect of Leonurus cardiaca herb extract and some of its flavonoids on mitochondrial oxidative phospho-rylation in the heart. Planta Med. 2014 May;80(7):525-32. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1368426. Epub 2014 May 19.

Leonurus cariaca, motherwort, is used as a complimentary medicine to improve heart function and blood circulation. It is antibac-terial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic. This study showed that mother-wort had a marked effect on the processes within the mitochondria which would sup-port its efficacy as a cardio-protector.

The constituents (chlorogenic acid, orientin, quercetin, hyperoside, and rutin) of L. car-diaca herb extract uncouple mitochondrial oxidation from phosphorylation, partially inhibit the mitochondrial respiratory chain in cases of pyruvate and malate as well as succinate oxidation, and effectively attenu-ate the generation of free radicals in mito-chondria, processes which are considered as being cardio-protective.

Chinese Rhubarb Not Found to Effect Progression in Naturally Occurring Kidney Disease in Cats

Hanzlicek AS, Roof CJ, Sanderson MW, Grauer GF: The Effect of Chinese Rhu-barb, Rheum officinale, with and without Benazepril on the Progression of Naturally Occurring Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2014 Jul;28(4):1221-8. doi: 10.1111/jvim.12365. Epub 2014 Apr 28

Rheum officinale, Chinese Rhubarb, had shown anti-fibrotic properties, in part through the inhibition of TGF-β, and had slowed the progression of kidney disease in rat models. In this study with naturally oc-

curring feline kidney disease a randomised, positive-control study was performed to compare the progression of kidney disease in groups treated with Chinese rhubarb or benazepril or both. However, results ob-tained showed no significant differences in serum creatinine concentration, body weight, haematocrit, UPC and systemic ar-terial pressure over time between or within treatment groups.

Oral Herbal Tincture Appears to Facili-tate Expulsion of Retained Placenta and Improves Fertility

Cui D, Li J, Wang X, Xie J, Zhang K, Wang X, Zhang J, Wang L, Qin Z, Yang Z: Efficacy of herbal tincture as treatment option for retained placenta in dairy cows. Anim Reprod Sci. 2014 Feb;145(1-2):23-8. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.12.018. Epub 2014 Jan 10.

Retained placenta is a major therapeutic challenge in cattle and the aim of the pre-sent study was to evaluate the efficacy of an herbal tinture, extracted from Herba Le-onuri (Motherwort), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Angelica root), Flos Carthami (Safflower), Myrrha (Myrrh) and Rhizoma Cyperi (Nut-grass or Flatsedge root), as a treatment. Two treatment groups had cows with retained placenta randomly allocated with Group A receiving the oral tincture and Group B receiving intrauterine oxytetracycline in-fusion. Group C was a control group with no retained placenta diagnosed. In Group A, 73% of cows had passed the retained placenta within 72 hours compared with zero expulsion in Group B. Furthermore the median day to first service and the median number of days that cows were open was lower in Group A than Group B. The per-centage of cows pregnant at 100 days post-partum was highest in Group A – greater

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than both Group B and the cows in Group C that had not been diagnosed with retained placenta.

The results strongly suggest that the herbal tincture assisted in the expulsion of the retained placenta and also improved subse-quent fertility.

Sheng Hua Tang Effective as Preven-tative Therapy for Post-Partum Dairy Cows

Cui D, Wang X, Wang L, Wang X, Zhang J, Qin Z, Li J, Yang Z. The administration of Sheng Hua Tang immediately after deliv-ery to reduce the incidence of retained placenta in Holstein dairy cows. Theriog-enology. 2014 Mar 15;81(5):645-50. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.11.019. Epub 2013 Dec 18.

A classical Chinese herbal formula, Sheng Hua Tang, consisting of Angelicae sinen-sis Radix (Angelica root), Ligustici rhizome (Chinese Lovage root or Ligusticum root), Semen persicae (peach kernel), Zingiberis rhizome (ginger), and Radix glycyrrhizae (licorice), is known to be beneficial in allevi-ating postpartum diseases and facilitating a return to normal reproductive function. This study investigated whether the administra-tion of Sheng Hua Tang within 2 to 4 hours after delivery was effective as a preventive treatment for reducing the risk of retained placenta in Holstein dairy cows. The cows were randomly allocated to a treatment and non-treatment group, with the treat-ment group receiving a daily dose of the herb (0.36g/kg bodyweight) for 3 consecu-tive days. Controls were untreated.

The treated group had a significantly lower rate of retained placenta, a shorter calving-to-first-service interval, a shorter calving-to-

conception interval and fewer services per conception. There were a statistically sig-nificant difference in pregnancy rate at 180 days post-partum, with the treated group higher. While further study is needed, this study clearly suggested that Sheng Hua Tang had benefits in dairy cows and may be useful as a general preventative treatment strategy.

TENS Improves Blood Flow to Organs and Reduces Apoptosis

Zhang L, Shao X, Zhou C, Guo X, Jin L, Lian L, Yu X, Dong Z, Mo Y, Fang J: Transcutane-ous electrical nerve stimulation regulates organ blood flow and apoptosis during controlled hypotension in dogs. PLoS One. 2014 Apr 14;9(4):e94368. doi: 10.1371/jour-nal.pone.0094368. eCollection 2014.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is commonly used in clinical practice for alleviating pains and physiological dis-orders and it has been reported that TENS could counteract ischemic injury in some vital organs. The current research tested this hypothesis by inducing hypotension and measuring the reduced blood perfusion to organs to groups, one being treated with TENS.

The group having TENS treatment showed a significantly higher perfusion to the stomach and liver than the control group. Following the restoration of normal pres-sure, hepatic blood flow increased rapidly in both groups but gastric blood flow re-mained low in the non-TENS group and after 72 hours the non-TENS group showed signs associated with apoptosis in stomach and kidney tissue.

Conclusions suggest that TENS is able to improve blood flow to the liver and stom-

27JIVT 2(3) 2014

ach and reduce apoptosis in the stomach and kidney.

Dietary Nettle Improves Hemato - Bio-chemical Parameters and Immune Function of Juvenile Fish

Binaii M, Ghiasi M, Farabi SM, Pourgholam R, Fazli H, Safari R, Alavi SE, Taghavi MJ, Bank-ehsaz Z.: Biochemical and hemato-immu-nological parameters in juvenile beluga (Huso huso-European sturgeon) following the diet supplemented with nettle (Ur-tica dioica). Fish Shellfish Immunol. 2014 Jan;36(1):46-51.

The present study investigated the effects of different dietary nettle (Urtica dioica) lev-els on biochemical, hematological and im-munological parameters in fish (Huso huso). 4 groups were fed for 8 weeks with 0%, 3%, 6% and 12% of nettle and blood samples collected on week 4 and 8. At 4 weeks, the total red blood cell (RBC) and hematocrit (Ht) showed a significant increase in 12% nettle group compared to the 3% net-tle and control groups, but haemoglobin (Hb) had a significant change in 12% nettle compared to the control. After 8 weeks, the fish treated with nettle exhibited significant increases in neutrophil and Hb levels com-pared to the control and between treat-ment groups, with the 12% nettle group showing the highest Hb, while RBC and Ht values significantly rose in fish fed 12% net-tle compared to the control.

Supplementing with 6% and 12% nettle increased the total white blood cells (WBC) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) compared to the other groups. The group fed 12% showed a highly significant difference in respiratory burst activity (RB), total immunoglobulin (Ig) and total protein (TP) after 8 weeks. However, triglycerides

and cholesterol were significantly decreased in the juvenile fish fed with the 6% and 12% nettle diet compared to the other groups. The results suggest that by using this herb there will be an improvement in hemato-biochemical parameters and immune func-tion of juvenile fish (Huso huso).

28JIVT 2(3) 2014

About the Journal of Integrative Veterinary Therapies The Journal of Integrative Veterinary Therapies (JIVT) is the first international veterinary publication addressing evidence based natural medicine for animals.

This is a modern, clinically relevant and peer reviewed journal. JIVT is issued quarterly. JIVT publishes material on all aspects of integrative veterinary therapies including case reports, research articles, research updates, book reviews, commentary and other relevant information. The Journal of Integrative Veterinary Therapies welcomes contributions. Categories include:

Case study Case studies from practitioners are welcome. Published case histories receive a payment of $100.00 CIVT voucher except for those submitted as part of a CIVT course assessment (these will be peer reviewed).

Research, original or other article These articles will be peer reviewed. Published articles may receive payment of up to $250 CIVT voucher. Global veterinary dispensary Articles on medicine, folk or traditional aspects of animal health and wellbeing.

Veterinary student Veterinary students may submit articles.

Published articles receive $50.00 CIVT voucher. Commentary: Issues of significant interest to practitioners.

Book reviews: New books of interest.

Clinical Pearls: Pearls of wisdom from experienced practitioners. Editorial policy l Articles must relate to integrative veterinary therapies.

l Articles must have an evidence base in natural medicine.

l Accepted articles remain the property of the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies.

l Contributions will be subject to peer review and editing.

l Contributions must not be submitted elsewhere.

l Contributions may be rejected without supplying a reason.

Peer review l Feature articles will be reviewed by two peers. l If required, articles will be returned to the author for modification and resubmission.

29JIVT 2(3) 2014

Contribution requirements l Articles should be less than 5000 words including references and any tables. The number of references should be limited to no more than 30.

l An abstract of the article, of no more than 200 words should be included. l A brief author’s profile should be included.

l Files must be saved as a word document and emailed to the college office. The email address can be found on the instructions to contributors’ download.

l All graphs, tables and pictures not in Word form must be included as .tif or .jpeg quality files.

l All statements must be referenced according to the instructions for contributors and a reference list must be included. If the statement is the author’s opinion or observation this should be made clear.

l All statements should be of a professional nature and exclude any inflammatory, derogatory, racist or other inappropriate styles of writing.

© Journal of Integrative Veterinary Therapies. The journal is intended for educational purposes. The information herein does not substitute for the advice of a qualified health care professional. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

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