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’s Ayurvedic veterinary - ancient medicine to modern boom

Catherine Schuetze The Camperdown NSW 2006

Introduction

The Ayurvedic veterinary medical tradition of India has existed in the literary record for at least 4000 years and the oral lineage is older than that.1 The first veterinary hospital was recorded in 1463 BC and in 300 BCE King Ashoka created a national state network of veterinary hospitals and dispensaries to serve the general public.1 He ordered medicinal trees and plants be planted in public spaces, along highways and villages, and developed protocols for the use of medicinal plants. This veterinary tradition has continued and currently boasts a multimillion-dollar veterinary ayurvedic . The Indian Ayurvedic market is worth AUD 1.2 billion annually and is growing at 15-20% per year. Of the 450 registered companies, 200 market veterinary nutraceuticals and herbs and are worth AUD 260 million per annuum. 2

Indian traditional healers use over 8000 species of plants including many common household edibles like pepper, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, tamarind, fenugreek, tulsi, and other culinary spices and herbs. However, the classic medical systems of India only use 2000 species, in various combinations and formulas.2 is a prescribed medical system with an extant literary record, and an active network of state sponsored and private teaching universities, hospitals and treatment facilities. Historically, Ayurvedic veterinary practitioners treated both and , and the records show specialised animal appear in the Mahābhārata, one of Indian most famous compositions. Two of the most well-known veterinary texts are the Asvayurvedasiddĥ antâ (Complete Ayurvedic system for ) and the Samhita written by Shalihotra (2350 BCE to 3 BCE depending on the source) who is credited as being the father of as he was the first to author a dedicated series of texts on the subject. Hastyâyurveda (Ayurveda of Elephants), written by Pâlakâpya (300 to 1000 BCE depending on the source) shows the importance of elephants and horses to the Indian state in times of war where were deputed to the battlefield to treat injured animals.

Classically trained Ayurvedic veterinary practitioners were possibly reserved for the military, elite and nobility, but at the village level local healers, herders and farmers used treatments and remedies learned through oral lineages that might be considered distinct from the institutionalised system of Ayurveda. India is a large continent with hundreds of geosocial regions, each with a unique environment, flora and fauna. This local medicine is an important resource and contemporary subsistence farmers, many unable to afford imported or branded pharmaceuticals, continue to use traditional methods of animal healing and maintain community medical gardens to supply ingredients. Currently the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, The Indian Veterinary Research Institute, the National Botanical Research Institute, and the Veterinary Council of India all participate in, and support research on veterinary Ayurveda and ethnoveterinary . Researchers have published hundreds of ethnoveterinary surveys across India in peer reviewed journals and book publications. 3,4,5,6,7,8 Efficacy studies in animals are emerging and constitute an important research focus moving forward.

Proceedings of VetFest 2020 Schuetze, C – India’s Ayurvedic veterinary medicine- ancient medicine to modern boom

416 Veterinary Ayurveda Today India has the world’s largest herd and is the largest producer of globally. The majority of Indians (75%) still live in rural areas and practice subsistence livelihoods. More than 70 million rural households produce milk4 and rely on a network of state veterinary clinics, dispensaries, veterinarians and paravetsi for their animal care needs. Primarily focused on livestock for food and fibre production, these veterinary services supply medications, including Ayurvedic veterinary products, from state government veterinary dispensaries. In addition, the rapidly expanding commercial nutraceutical and ayurvedic veterinary market sells direct to the farmer via company representatives and veterinary . The authors first experience of these pharmacies was baffling, with dozens of products available for conditions such as bloat, , retention of placenta, , and liver and digestive tonics containing unrecognisable ingredients. Both the commercial herbal products, and those made locally in the village, are important sources of medicine for livestock, are locally available, affordable and culturally acceptable. Proprietary livestock feed formulas often include herbs and nutraceuticals, particularly following the national Indian ban on growth promoters in animal feeds. Ingredients used in feed include: sage (Salvia officinalis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), moringa (Moringa oleifera), neem (Azadirachta indica), turmeric (Curcuma longa), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), garlic (Allium sativum), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), cumin (Cuminum cyminum), pepper (Piper nigrum), Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus). 9,10,11 The Government of India (GOI) are investing considerable resources into tackling the country’s anti-microbial resistance problem and promoting organic through the use of Ayurvedic medicine. The commercial market is rapidly expanding to accommodate the increased demand. The use of traditional medicines and traditional knowledge is normative in Indian culture, including veterinary and medical culture, and not treated with suspicion as in some other countries. Continued investment in research is revealing a significant evidence base for the benefit of herbal medicines in livestock and this research could be applied to their use in companion animals similarly.

The Himalayan state of Sikkim is transitioning to become 100% organic, including animal agriculture. Ayurvedic veterinary medications constitute 30% of the government budget of veterinary medications and additionally, private pharmacies sell these herbal products and feeds containing herbs directly to the farmer. The veterinarians believe the products are as effective as chemical pharmaceuticals, are cheaper and have less . They are introduced to some of the products during veterinary school, and learn more from their peers in the workplace, and through government sponsored continuing . specialists from universities and research institutes run seminars to upskill their knowledge and practice of Ayurvedic veterinary medicine. Sikkimese local village healer’s use of traditional medicines is extensive12 and combined with the use of commercial Ayurvedic formulas, Sikkim is making progress towards organic animal agriculture using these herbal medicines.

Ayurveda Theory and Practice

It is beyond the scope of this paper to review all of Ayurvedic veterinary medicine and the medicinal pharmacopeia. A very good overview and clinical guide to the topic is available10 for the more interested reader, however a brief outline of Ayurveda and a few common remedies easily available in Australia will be discussed in this paper. Ayurveda principles are recognisable in ancient Greek medicine (a precursor to modern European medicine), Traditional Chinese medicine, Tibetan medicine, and other medical traditions of the middle i Formally trained community-based animal workers who are usually the ones administering treatments in the field not always under the supervision of veterinarians.

Proceedings of VetFest 2020 Schuetze, C – India’s Ayurvedic veterinary medicine- ancient medicine to modern boom

417 east and central Asia. This is unsurprising as the trade routes and military campaigns across Euro-Asia led to an exchange of knowledge along with spices, silk, medical ingredient, and peoples throughout these regions, thus spreading ideas, materials and beliefs about medicine between regions and cultures. Ayurveda is based on the principles of balance or homeostasis which is similar to these neighbouring medical traditions. Seeking balance of both the elements that make up all of existence (earth, water, fire, air and space), and the three doṣas (sometimes translated as humours or bodily elements) vāta (wind), pitta (bile) and kapha (phlegm) maintains health and wellbeing while imbalance leads to illness. The aim of is to bring the body back to homeostasis using physical , medicines, , dietary therapy, yoga and meditation. Interestingly, surgical techniques recorded in ancient texts include rhinoplasty, cataract removal, suturing, foreign body removal, and kidney stone removal (Charaka Samhita; 600 BCE to 1 CE depending on source). Up to 80% of the Indian, Nepali and Sri Lankan population use Ayurveda today and it forms an important part of the state health systems.

The early Ayurvedic veterinary texts focused on elephant, , and medicine and surgery, the animals most valued in ancient society. The classification of disease in Ayurvedic theory applied to animals and was caused byimbalance in the three doṣas and five elements. Prevention was prioritised, based on general hygiene and food hygiene. Food therapy was paramount and discussed in great detail. For example, sea salt should be fed to horses with wind and venous disorders, but never for very old or young horses. The administration of tonics and aphrodisiacs was emphasised. Long life elixirs (rasâyana) often contained Asparagus (racemosus Willd.), Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), Terminalia bellerica Roxb., Terminalia chebula Retz., Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.), ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and buffalo horn.13 Formulas were designed to maximise synergy between ingredients, balance the tridoṣas and elements, enhance or prolong the effects of some ingredients, and mitigate side effects of others. Medical ingredients were monstly plant based but minerals and animal products were also used at times. Blood-letting and cauterising (an early form of moxibustion where the skin is burnt on specific sites with a hot iron rod) are intricately described and are recognisable in current day ethno-veterinary practices across Asia. Pin firing procedures in horses is one example of this procedure having spread across Europe.

A veterinary digestive tonic and calminative with anthelminthic properties is an example of how the ancient texts are still informing current practice. This product is produced commercially today and uses a formula derived from the ancient texts. It contains 59 ingredients and is recommended for digestive disorders in cattle, , goats, horses and . The main ingredients area: Aegle marmelos Corr., Aquilaria agallocha Roxb., Butea monosperma (Lam.) Kuntze, Centratherum anthelminticum Kuntze, Curcuma longa L., Ferula narthex Boiss., Moringa oleifera Lam., Piper longum L., Punica granatum L., Terminalia bellerica Roxb., Terminalia chebula Retz., Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers, Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague and Zingiber officinale Rosc. Another example of these complicated formulas is an ointment used for sprains and sores, made from the following plants: Abrus precatorius L., Acorus calamus L., Celastrus paniculatus Willd., Hyoscyamus niger L., Moringa oleifera Lam., Nardostachys jatamansi D.C., Ocimum sanctum L., Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke and Vitex negundo L. Extracts of seven other plants are added: Anacyclus pyrethrum D.C., Colchicum luteum Baker, Curcuma amada Roxb., Gloriosa superba L., Litsea sebifera Pers., Myrica nagi Thunb. and Nerium odorum Sol.14

Ayurvedic Medicines Available in Australia

One of the most successful commercial Ayurvedic herbal companies in India is Himalaya Herbs. One could compare them to Blackmores in Australia for their commercial success, good reputation and wide distribution. Himalaya Herbs have developed a companion animal line of products over the last 15 years, reflecting the rise in companion animal

Proceedings of VetFest 2020 Schuetze, C – India’s Ayurvedic veterinary medicine- ancient medicine to modern boom

418 ownership amongst the burgeoning Indian middle class and a corresponding commercial market for their health care.15 These are widely available in human pharmacies, veterinary pharmacies and shops. Recent international distribution networks make them available in Australia through a dedicated distributer and online ordering.16 These are some of the first dedicated Ayurvedic products available for animals in Australia. Their website claims they are World Health Organisation, ISO9001:2008 and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified and passed the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) and Biosecurity Authorities requirements. Their range includes complex formulas for anxiety and stress, immune and modulators, liver tonic and protectant, urinary and kidney support, digestive tonic, calcium supplement, skin supplement and an anti-inflammatory.

These complex formulas may seem daunting; however, a knowledge of Ayurveda theory is not needed to use Ayurvedic medications. Many studies have been published on the pharmacological actions of the active ingredients in the products and veterinarians can base their prescribing on these actions and it is feasible to use only single ingredients or a combination of two or more. In fact, many clients may already be administering these herbs to their . Perhaps the most famous example of this is turmeric (curcumin), which has shown to have significant anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-infective, anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic and anti-coagulant effects.17 Thousands of curcumin products are available in Australia and utilised by people for themselves and their animals. Products specifically marketed for animal are available18, human products that are prepared to maximise absorption and bioavailability can be utilised19, or the culinary spice can be made into what is colloquially known as Golden Paste20, a mix of turmeric, coconut oil and sometimes black pepper to aid absorption.

Other Ayurvedic veterinary medicinal products recognisable to most integrated veterinarians include aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), neem (Azadirachta indica), brahmi (Bacopa monniera), shallaki (Boswellia serrata), gotu kola (Centella asiatica), amla (Emblica officinalis), tulsi (Ocimum bacillium), valerian (Valeriana officinalis), and Ashwagandha or winter cherry (Withania somnifera). Many food and condiment items are commonly used including: cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), corianda (Coriandrum sativum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), garlic (Allium sativum), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare), mint (Mentha sp.), nutmeg (Myristica frgrans), pepper (Piper sp.), pomegranate (Punica granatum), sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum), fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum) and cloves (Syzygium aromatic).13

There are many products available in Australian that are produced for humans and can be readily adapted for use on veterinary patients. One example is Boswellia Complex produced by Mediherb which contains Boswellia serrata, turmeric (Curcuma longa), celery seed (Apium graveolens) and ginger (Zinzibar officinale). This is useful to treat inflammation, joint , arthritis, and circulatory disorders, particularly in the chilly patient. Boswellia’s anti-inflammatory effects are supported by its reduction of glycosaminoglycan degradation thus improving joint health. Boswellic acids are a specific, non-redox inhibitor of leukotriene synthesis, either interacting directly with 5-LO or by blocking its translocation. In laboratory animals Boswellia showed a 45-67% reduction in arthritic activity. Research and points to its antiarthritic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti- atherosclerotic, analgesic and hepatoprotective functions.21 Other indications for Boswellia include inflammatory bowel disease, , ulcerative colitis, diabetes, asthma and use in skin healing.22

Withania is another Ayurvedic herb useful to the . It is renowned as an adaptogen (supports the body’s ability to deal with physical and emotional stress); has anti- anxiety activity through its inhibition of GABA; antineoplastic via reduction of nuclear factor kappa B; anti-inflammatory via its steroidal lactone components; it is immunomodulatory; has hemopoietic effects; is rejuvenating via its effects on stem cell proliferation and reduction in leukopenia; increases haemoglobin and red blood cell levels; and increases

Proceedings of VetFest 2020 Schuetze, C – India’s Ayurvedic veterinary medicine- ancient medicine to modern boom

419 the haemolytic antibody response of erythrocytes.23 Clinical applications are vast and include any stress related condition, anxiety and other psychological problems, any inflammatory condition, cancer, , epilepsy and other neurological conditions, bacterial infections and diarrhea.13 It can be used as a sole agent or in combination with other Asian or western herbs as required. Withania is useful for the veterinary practitioner themselves and many integrated vets take it to mitigate stress and fatigue in the workplace.

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is found growing in Australia and other south Asian countries and even Bunnings sells it as seedlings. It is often called an Asian wonder herb and cure-all. Research has shown it is useful as a neuroprotective agent with different modes of action such as enzyme inhibition, prevention of amyloid plaque formation in Alzheimer’s disease, dopamine neurotoxicity in Parkinson’s disease, and decreasing oxidative stress. Other researched activities include anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, hepato-protective, cardio- protective, anti-infective, anti-oxidant, immunostimulatory, anti-neoplastic, is calmative, and improved diabetes control and wound healing.24 It has demonstrated anti-anxiety effects, benefits to cognitive disorders, improves learning ability in children and is used for seizure control. Gotu kola’s neurological benefits come from: stimulating neuronal dendritic growth in hippocampal CA3 neurons; increasing cerebral levels of GABA due to its binding to cholecystokinin receptors which are a group of G protein coupled receptors which bind the peptide hormones cholesystokinin or gastrin and were thought to play a potential role in modulation of anxiety, nociception, and memory; decreasing MDA and increasing glutathione and catalase levels; and is neuroprotective through its strong inhibition of beta- amyloid and free radical-induced neural cell death.25,26 Commercial products are available in tablets, capsules, powders and liquid extracts. The fresh herb grows like a weed in gardens and pots and can be easily added to the patient’s food.

Conclusion

Ayurvedic veterinary medicines are of interest to Australian veterinarians and the veterinary profession for several reasons. The urgent priority of veterinary professional groups everywhere to engage in antimicrobial stewardship has propelled many, like India, to search for alternatives. Research on Ayurvedic herbs that are used in livestock production and to replace growth promoters in feed is resulting in a vast evidence base for their efficacy. Similarly, the Australian livestock industry could reduce the use of antimicrobials leading to more sustainable practices through the inclusion of some of these medicinal products. The growing global interest in herbal and traditional medicines amongst clients results in many of them self-prescribing or looking outside the profession for these services for their pets, sometimes with unintended consequences like herb-drug adverse events. Up to 25% of pet owners in Australia have used or would use herbal medicines for their pets.27 Veterinarians are best suited to advise and guide clients in the use of these products and if one quarter of your practice are using them anyway, this is a largely untapped market and potential for growth. The traditional argument that there is no evidence base for the efficacy of these products is no longer valid. A simple search in any academic database reveals hundreds of peer reviewed research and review articles on most of these herbs, and more are being published every month as the world seeks better ways to sustain animal and human health moving into the future. The potential for Ayurvedic medicines to improve animal health in Australia is vast, and is a sustainable option as most of the ingredients readily grow in Australia’s climate.

Proceedings of VetFest 2020 Schuetze, C – India’s Ayurvedic veterinary medicine- ancient medicine to modern boom

420 References 1. Abdul Rahman, S. The History of in India. Journal of Veterinary 31.1 (2004): 55–60. 2. Sankar, P. (2016). Veterinary Drug Development from Indian Herbal Origin: Challenges and Opportunities. Journal of Analytical & Pharmaceutical Research, 3 (2). 3. Jain, S. K., & Srivastava, S. (1999). Dictionary of ethnoveterinary plants of India. Deep Publications. 4. Rao, J. K., & Reddi, T. V. V. S. (2011). Ethnoveterinary Medicine in India: Ethnoveterinary Medicine. LAP Lambert Academic Publishing. 5. Balaji, N. S., & Chakravarthi, P. V. (2010). Ethnoveterinary practices in India—A review. Veterinary World, 3, 549–551. 6. Ramdas, S. R. (2004). Ethnoveterinary Research in India: An Annotated Bibliography. Anthra. 7. Martin, M., Mathias, E., & McCorkle, C. M. (2001). Ethnoveterinary medicine: An annotated bibliography of community animal healthcare. ITDG Pub. 8. Janssen, E., & Swinnen, J. (2019). Technology adoption and value chains in developing countries: Evidence from in India. Food Policy, 83, 327–336. 9. Vinus R.D., Sheoran, N., Maan N.S. & Tewatia B.S. (2018). Potential benefits of herbal supplements in poultry feed: A review. The Pharma Journal.7(6): 651-656. 10. Shukla P.K., Yadav B.K., & Bhattacharyya A. (2018). Utilization of Shatavari meal in poultry feed: An overview. International Journal of Avian & , Volume 3(Issue 6). 11. Eevuri T.R. & Putturu R. (2013) Use of certain herbal preparations in broiler feeds - A review, Vet World, 6(3):172-179. 12. Bharati, K. A., & Sharma, B. L. (2012). Plants Used as Ethnoveterinary Medicines in Sikkim Himalayas. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 10(0), 339–356. 13. Silver, R. (2007). Ayurvedic Veterinary Medicine: Principles and Practices. In Veterinary , Elsevier Health Sciences, 59–83. 14. Mazars, G. (1994). Traditional veterinary medicine in India. Revue Scientifique Et Technique (International Office of Epizootics), 13(2), 433–451. 15. https://himalayawellness.in/collections/animal-health. Accessed 22/6/2020. 16. https://himalayapets.online/. Accessed 22/6/2020. 17. Mahmood, K., Zia, K. M., Zuber, M., Salman, M., & Anjum, M. N. (2015). Recent developments in curcumin and curcumin based polymeric materials for biomedical applications: A review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 81, 877–890. 18. https://www.turmericlife.com.au/. Accessed 22/6/2020. 19. https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/product/preview/Theracurmin-BioActive. Accessed 22/6/2020. 20. https://www.turmericlife.com.au/blogs/recipes/turmeric-recipes-golden-paste. Accessed 22/6/2020. 21. Siddiqui, M. Z. (2011). Boswellia Serrata, A Potential Antiinflammatory Agent: An Overview. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 73(3), 255–261. https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-474X.93507 22. Sultana, A., Khaleeq-ur-Rahman, Padmaja, A. R., & Shafeeq-ur-Rahman. (2013). Boswellia serrata Roxb. a traditional herb with versatile pharmacological activity: A review. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJPSR), 4(6), 2106–2117. 23. Bhasin, S., Singh, M., & Singh, D. (2019) Review on bioactive metabolites of Withania somnifera. (L.) Dunal and its pharmacological significance. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 8(3): 3906-3909 24. Prakash V., Jaiswal N., Srivastava M. (2017) A Review On Medicinal Properties Of Centella Asiatica. Asian J Pharm Clin Res, Vol 10, Issue 10, 69-74.

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421 25. Visweswari, G., Prasad, K. S., Chetan, P. S., Lokanatha, V., & Rajendra, W. (2010). Evaluation of the anticonvulsant effect of Centella asiatica (gotu kola) in pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures with respect to cholinergic neurotransmission. Epilepsy & Behavior, 17(3), 332–335. 26. Gohil, K. J., Patel, J. A., & Gajjar, A. K. (2010). Pharmacological Review on Centella asiatica: A Potential Herbal Cure-all. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 72(5), 546–556. 27. https://www.australiandoglover.com/2019/07/more-aussies-using- alternative.html. Accessed 22/6/2020.

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