India’s Ayurvedic veterinary medicine- ancient medicine to modern boom.

Catherine Schuetze
The University of Sydney
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 pharmaceutical industry. The
Indian Ayurvedic market is worth AUD 1.2 billion annually and is growing at 15-20% per
year. Of the 450 registered animal health 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 Ayurveda 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 humans and animals, and the records show
specialised animal physicians appear in the Mahābhārata, one of Indian most famous
compositions. Two of the most well-known veterinary texts are the Asvâyurvedasiddhânta
(Complete Ayurvedic system for horses) and the Shalihotra Samhita written by Shalihotra
(2350 BCE to 3 BCE depending on the source) who is credited as being the father of
veterinary medicine 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 veterinarians 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 medicines. 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.

Veterinary Ayurveda Today

India has the world’s largest livestock herd and is the largest producer of milk globally. The
majority of Indians (75%) still live in rural areas and practice subsistence livelihoods. More
Proceedings of VetFest 2020
Schuetze, C – India’s Ayurvedic veterinary medicine- ancient medicine to modern boom.
than 70 million rural households produce milk 4 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
pharmacies. The authors first experience of these pharmacies was baffling, with dozens of
products available for conditions such as bloat, mastitis, retention of placenta, infections,
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 antibiotic growth promoters in animal feeds. Ingredients used in poultry 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 agriculture 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 side effects. 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 education.
Traditional medicine 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 available 10
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
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

iFormally trained community-based animal health care workers who are usually the ones administering treatments in the field not
always under the supervision of veterinarians.
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Schuetze, C – India’s Ayurvedic veterinary medicine- ancient medicine to modern boom.
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 therapy is to bring the body back to homeostasis using physical
therapies, medicines, surgery, 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, horse, and cattle medicine and
surgery, the animals most valued in ancient society. The classification of disease in human
Ayurvedic theory applied to animals and was caused by imbalance 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, sheep, goats, horses and
dogs. 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
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 pet shops. Recent international distribution networks make them available

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Schuetze, C – India’s Ayurvedic veterinary medicine- ancient medicine to modern boom.
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 stimulants 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 pets. 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 pain, 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
pharmacology points to its antiarthritic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-
atherosclerotic, analgesic and hepatoprotective functions. 21 Other indications for Boswellia
include inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, ulcerative colitis, diabetes, asthma and use in
skin healing.22

Withania is another Ayurvedic herb useful to the veterinarian. 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
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, anemia, epilepsy and other neurological conditions,
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Schuetze, C – India’s Ayurvedic veterinary medicine- ancient medicine to modern boom.
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 animal husbandry 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.

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Schuetze, C – India’s Ayurvedic veterinary medicine- ancient medicine to modern boom.