eChapters

Gladiolus saundersii

ABSTRACT

Artemisia annua L. is known for the content of anti-malarial drug, artemisinin. It is widely distributed in subtropical, temperate and subtropical zones worldwide and traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments. Artemisinin has been the frontline treatment since the late 1990s and saved countless lives, especially among the world’s poorest children. The major chemical constituents of Artemisia annua L. are sesquiterpenoids and some phenolics. The essential oil of Artemisia contains artemisia ketone, camphor, caryophyllene oxide, 1,8- cineole and -pinene, and these essential oils constituents are known for their medicinal properties.Artemisinin was discovered in 1971 bya Chinese Medicinal Chemist Youyou Tu (Nobel Prize in 2015). As the demand for artemisinin remains high worldwide, exploring the chemical and the genetic variation especially knowledge, about its mechanisms for high-yielding would be more important. The plant extract is also known for other biological activities such as anti- hypertensive, anti-microbial, immuniosuppresive, and antiparasitic activities. To increase the production of artemisinin and to investigate the effect of climate change on artemisinin content will be the major research area in future from Artemisia genus. Exploring the alternative resources such as microbial production and semisynthetic approaches from other easily available natural molecules would be of high demand. Some other molecules from Artemisia should also be focused for the future development of man kind and in drug discovery science. An overview of present status of medicinal applications, phytochemistry, and future perspectives for the research possibilities on the active ingredient Artemisinin from A. annua is discussed in this chapter.

1. Introduction

During the last decade, considerable attention has been focused on the involvement of oxygen free radical (OFR) in various diseases. Molecular oxygen, while providing an efficient energy from ingested food, results in free radical and peroxide by-products, which have high intrinsic toxicity. Numerous physiological processes in living organisms occasionally produce free radicals, reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) as by-products. Their broad ranges of effects in biological systems have drawn the attention of many experimental works. ROS have been implicated in the pathophysiology of several clinical disorders, including ischemia, reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction, rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegenerative, atherosclerosis, acute hypertension, hemorrhagic shock and diabetes mellitus (Hemnani and Parihar, 1998).

Oxidative stress occurs in a cell or tissue when the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated exceeds the antioxidant capability of the cell (Simic and Jovanovic, 1986). Although humans and other organisms possess antioxidant defense and repair systems to protect against oxidative damage, these systems are insufficient under certain conditions to prevent the damage totally (Chang and Miles, 1982). Hence, the oxygen free radicals mediated damage to protein, DNA and other biomolecules accumulates during the lifetime of organisms. Many synthetic antioxidant components exhibited toxic or mutagenic effects that have directed the attention to the naturally occurring antioxidants in recent years. A multitude of natural antioxidants have already been isolated from different plant materials such as oilseeds, cereal crops, vegetables, fruits, leaves, roots, spices and herbs (Ramarathnam et al., 1995).

ABSTRACT

Our country is well known for developing into rich and ancient traditional system of medicines based on plants. For centuries, these ancient cultures and professional practicing on traditional system viz. Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha could remain in house hold and pass through generations to generation. India is being a developing country, of late uses bioactive natural products (secondary metabolites) using in vitro culture technology of the medicinal plant species. Recently, commercial utilization of these compounds using modern techniques is in good progress. The developed western affluent world has to now depend on these compounds mostly in drug and pharmaceutical industry in recent years. Orchids as medicinal herbs, details on plant medicinal potentialities, traditional medicinal systems viz. Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha have been described.

Abstract

Since the beginning of the civilization, medicinal plants have been used to prevent and treat various ailments. At present, most of the pharmaceutical/ nutraceutical industries highly depend on wild medicinal plants for the supply of raw materials for extraction of bioactive compounds. As medicinal plants receive increased scientific and commercial attention, there is increasing pressure on the wild medicinal plant populations.

Introduction

Medicinal plants are considered as rich ingredients resources which may be utilized in medicines development pharmacopoeia, non-pharmacopoeia or synthetic industry. Apart from any region, these plants play a critical role within the development of human cultures around the whole world. Plant is a crucial source of drugs and plays a key role in world health. Medicinal herbs or plants are known to be a critical potential source of therapeutics or curative aids. The utilization of medicinal plants has attained a commanding role in health system all over the place the planet. This involves the utilization of medicinal plants not just for the treatment of diseases but also as potential material for maintaining healthiness and conditions. Many countries within the world, that is, two-third of the world’s population depends on herbal medicines for primary health care. The explanations for this are often due to their better cultural acceptability, better compatibility and adaptableness with the physical body poses lesser side effects. Evidently, records showed that most of the used drugs contain plant extracts. Some are containing active ingredients (bioactive components or substances) obtained from plants. Through recent researches, it revealed that plant-derived drugs were mostly discovered from the study of curative, therapeutic, traditional cures and above all the folks knowledge of indigenous people and a few of those claims and believe of individuals are irreplaceable despite the recent advancement in science and technology. A number of the drugs believed to be obtained from plants are aspirin, atropine, artimesinin, colchicine, digoxin, ephedrine, morphine, physostigmine, pilocarpine, quinine, guanidine, reserving, taxol, tubocurarine, vincristine and vinblastine. The importance of medicinal plants can’t be taken lightly; therefore, it’ll be of significance to look at the characteristics and roles of photochemical in a number of the medicinal plants commonly utilized throughout the world.

Feed additives like antibiotics, hormones are successfully employed in chicken production along with basic minerals, vitamins, and nutrients. Because of worries about antibiotic residues in animal tissues and the resulting development of bacterial resistance, the use of antibiotics as growth promoters (AGP) in cattle was outlawed in 2005. Given the rising concerns about antibiotic use and its involvement in antibiotic resistance, the use of plant-based chemicals in animal feed has become essential. Phytogenic feed additives, which are made from plants and their secondary metabolites, are becoming more and more popular as a result of the search for sustainable farming methods.
These natural growth promoters are seen as alternatives to synthetic chemicals, which are often associated with adverse environmental and health impacts. The usage of plant additions, also known as phytobiotics, have existed since the beginning of time, when people and farm animals were treated and prevented with herbs. The unique qualities of herbs and plant additions were effectively utilised by the ancient Greek, Egyptian, Roman, and Chinese civilisations. Phytogenic feed additives offer multiple benefits for livestock, including enhancing growth, improving immunity, supporting digestion, and promoting
overall animal health. Water or alcohol extracts derived from plant additions, whether fresh or dried, fermented, or freeze-dried, can be used in poultry practices.

The therapeutic potential of plants and its parts has been explored since ancient times and has been used for the well being of humans as well as animals. In the era of emergence of multi drug resistant bacteria modern research aims to find out alternative therapeutic approaches preferably from herbal source to combat the infection. Medicinal plants owing to their antibacterial, antioxidant, anti inflammatory capabilities have been used against many bacterial infections in livestock and companion animals. Ethnoveterinary practices have been documented against bacterial diseases in animals like mastitis, colibacillosis, Salmonellosis, pyoderma, otitis externa, gastrointestinal infection, pneumonia and many others, some of which are enlisted below.
Bovine mastitis, predominantly a bacterial disease continues to threaten the dairy sector as it inflicts great economic losses to the dairy farmers. The disease caused by more than 200 species of bacteria is characterized by inflammation of the mammary gland with physical and chemical changes in the milk and pathological changes in the glandular tissue. There is a significant reduction in the milk yield and many times it’s accompanied with abnormalities in the udder, milk and the cow. In addition to this, milk from affected animals may harbor the organisms which are potentially pathogenic to humans. Use of antibiotics is a common practice to cure mastitis.

The control of external parasites and the pertinent disease vectors using chemicals is riddled with various issues and hence there is a huge demand for alternative approaches. Natural products, being a prominent resource for poor farmers, can majorly serve as a cheaper, environment friendly and sustainable alternative. Further, ethno-veterinary and traditional knowledge has provided a diverse array of plants, which need to be validated for their repellent, insecticidal and acaricidal activities to claim their effect against external parasites. Besides, phytochemical study of these therapeutic plants has progressively revealed the existence of a variety of bioactive components in these plant derived extracts, catering to their efficacy against external parasites.
External Parasites in Domestic Animals
External parasites, also known as ectoparasites are organisms that live on the surface of domestic animals, feeding on their blood or skin. Fleas, ticks, mites, lice and flies are among the most common external parasites. These parasites can cause significant health issues in animals including discomfort, skin irritation and even severe diseases. Infestations can lead to conditions such as dermatitis, anemia and secondary infections. Moreover, many external parasites are vectors for serious diseases that can affect both animals and humans. Hence, effective management of these parasites is essential to ensure
the health and well-being of domestic animals.

Introduction
Helminths are a group of internal parasites of animals and human beings that usually infest gastrointestinal tract that feed from the host which provides protection to the parasite. The infestation cause loss of blood and nutrients from the host, making it weak, and vulnerable to other infections. There can be injury to other organs due to the migration of different stages of the parasite, formation of cysts or secretion of toxins that can cause damage.
The heminths belong to two phyla including nemathelminthes which are round worms and Platyhelminthes that has flukes, and tapeworms. Nematodes are round worms who have a resistant cuticle and most of them have separate sexes with direct or indirect life cycle. The major nematodes include Ascarids, Strongyles, strongyloides, Trichostrongyles, Filarids, Trichuris etc. Tape worms have a flat body with a head or scolex, neck and strobili having proglottids. They are hermaphrodites and the proglottids contain reproductive organs. They require more than one host for completion of life cycle. The flukes are ususally leaf like , unsegmented and have suckers that help them to attach to the internal organs of the host. They also have a life cycle in more than one host.

Viral Diseases in Domestic Animals
Viral diseases significantly impact the health and productivity of domestic animals, including livestock and companion animals, leading to substantial economic and emotional costs. In livestock, diseases like Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) cause severe production losses in terms of milk, meat, and wool. Similarly, in poultry, Newcastle disease and Avian Influenza outbreaks result in high mortality and disruptions to egg production. Among companion animals, viruses such as Canine Distemper and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) lead to serious morbidity and reduced quality of life. Current control measures rely heavily on vaccination and biosecurity practices, but the lack of effective antiviral treatments, coupled with the emergence of drug-resistant strains, underscores the need
for novel therapeutic approaches. Medicinal plants with antiviral properties have garnered significant interest as sustainable and holistic solutions. Plantderived bioactive compounds offer a dual advantage of modulating immune responses and directly targeting viral pathogens, making them a promising area of research for the management of viral diseases in both livestock and pet animals.

Herbal galactagogues are medicinal plants used to stimulate, sustain, and boost milk production. Several plants known for their galactagogue activity are being used traditionally in many cultures to stimulate milk production in animals. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the safety and efficacy of these medicinal plants. Moreover, the mechanism of action of the herbal constituents present in these plants is not yet elucidated. Although, many herbal galactagogues have been reported as safe in domestic animals and can be used as food supplements in the dairy industry. Nowadays, the use of plantderived supplements has increased in the dairy sector promoting a new trend of organic dairy farming. Traditional remedies being used for increasing milk production in animals often incorporate herbal treatments, mainly comprising
of the following important herbs [1-8]:

Introduction
Arthritis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the joints, is prevalent among livestock species, particularly in older animals or those subjected to intensive farming conditions. It results in pain, reduced mobility, and diminished productivity. Herbal plants with anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities are being investigated as a result of the increased interest in natural therapies, even if treatments like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids have been utilized to manage arthritis in livestock. This chapter addresses the use of herbal plants to treat arthritis in cattle, including
a summary of the best plant-based remedies, their modes of action, and the scientific data that backs them up.
Pathophysiology of Arthritis in Livestock
Arthritis in livestock is primarily caused by joint degeneration, trauma, infection, or autoimmune disorders. The inflammation of the synovial membrane leads to the discharge of cytokines that cause inflammation, which degrade cartilage and cause pain. The condition significantly impacts the animal’s ability to move, affecting their overall well-being and productivity. In farmed animals, arthritis can lead to decreased milk production, reduced growth rates, and compromised meat quality, thus representing a significant economic loss.

Cardiovascular System Disorders in Domestic Animals
Cardiovascular system disorders in domestic animals include a range ofM conditions that affect the heart (pericardium, myocardium, endocardium), veins, arteries and lymphatic vessels. Infectious disorders like Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis, vegetative endocarditis in pigs, equine viral arteritis). Patency of the foramen ovale, interventricular foramena, patent ductus arteriosus, persistence of the right aortic arch, coarctation of the aorta, transposition of the aorta, congenital aneurysm, pulmonic stenosis, subaortic stenosis, ectopia cardis, acardia, and diplocardia are examples of congenital and developmental disorders that can result in these conditions. Traumatic disorders like Traumatic reticulopericarditis and cardiac failure. Degenerative diseases like fatty and hyaline degeneration. Inflammatory disorders like pericarditis,
myocarditis, endocarditis and phlebitis may also lead to cardiovascular system disorders. Some tumours associated with the cardiovascular system like rhabdomyosarcoma, fibroma and myxofibroma also cause cardiovascular system disorders.

Nervous system Disorders in Domestic Animals
Nervous system disorders in domestic animals encompass a range of conditions that affect the brain, peripheral nerves, and spinal cord. These disorders can result in a variety of clinical signs, depending on the area of the nervous system involved. Infectious disorders like rabies, canine distemper, toxoplasmosis, listeriosis. Congenital and developmental disorders like hydrocephalus, cerebellar hypoplasia and chiari-like malformation can cause these disorders. Traumatic and degenerative disorders like Intervertebral Disc Disease. Degenerative myelopathy, metabolic and toxic disorders like hepatic encephalopathy, hypocalcemia, lead poisoning, organophosphate toxicity, autoimmune and inflammatory disorders like meningitis and meningoencephalitis may also lead to nervous system disorders. Some tumours associated with nervous system like meningiomas and peripheral nerve sheathtumours also cause nervous system disorders.  

Introduction
Diabetes mellitus is a disease the related to metabolism of the body and malfunctioning of pancreas. Pancreas having alpha and beta cells where alpha cells produce enzymes needed for the digestion and beta cells mainly produce insulin. One important component that regulates blood glucose (sugar) levels and how it is delivered to the body’s cells is Insulin. The body’s cells run out of their primary energy source when insulin levels are low. Insulin voices the body’s cells to engross glucose from the bloodstream. Without an satisfactory amount of insulin glucose cannot invade the cells and so it accrues in the blood, triggering hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). In retort to this ostensible starvation, the body starts flouting down supplies of protein & fat for energy, producing weight loss contempt a ravening appetite. The body efforts to remove the extra glucose by micturating. To avoid thirst, the dog drinks more and more water. Type I increased diabetes mellitus outcomes from completeobliterat ion of the insulin-creating beta cells. In dogs, this is the most prevalent kind of diabetes. As the name implies, insulin injections are necessary to balance blood sugar in dogs with this kind of diabetes.

Medicinal Plants for Arsenic Toxicity
Name of the Condition- Nephrotoxicity
About the condition/Definition- Intoxication of arsenic (arsenite or arsenate) result in renal impairment which is marked by a significant increase in the levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid and decline in levels of plasma protein profile especially albumin level in body.
Etiology- Nephrotoxicity results from arsenic damages mitochondria, which results in the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a decline in ATP, and a suppression of respiratory activities along with dramatic alterations in the incidence of cellular growth. There is acute inflammation and the development of tubular necrosis, which lowers the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
Symptoms- Phosphaturia (Fanconi syndrome), aminoaciduria, proteinuria and glycosuria along with progressive drop of renal function.
Pathogenesis- Arsenic produces renal damage by reducing mitochondrial complex function and elevating cellular ROS levels which directly damages renal cells. Membrane lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation by ROS, which results in complete loss of membrane potential and mitochondrial swelling.
General treatment- Acute arsenic intoxication can be counter by using chelating agents like DMSA, DMPS and BAL, fluid therapy, forced dieresis & dialysis.

Introduction
The use of medicinal plants for the treatment of diseases is a practice that spans centuries. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using herbal remedies for treating fungal infections in livestock and animals. Fungal infections, caused by pathogenic fungi such as Aspergillus, Candida, Dermatophytes, and Mucor, can lead to significant health issues in animals, affecting both domestic and wild species. These infections often manifest as skin diseases, respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal problems, and systemic infections, and can even lead to death if left untreated. While antifungal drugs are commonly used to manage these infections, concerns about drug resistance, toxicity, and sustainability have encouraged the exploration of alternative therapeutic options, particularly herbal medicine.
This chapter explores the potential of medicinal plants used as antifungal agents in livestock and animals, highlighting their efficacy, safety, and practical applications.

Our digestive structure is not only just a food handle centre. It’s a foundation of fitness, moving everything from our immunity to mental well-being. A fit gut aids in the digesting and assimilation of nutrients supports a healthy and strong immunity, and helps in the effective elimination of waste. Asserting good gut fitness is critical because it can influence our whole body’s health, prevent chronic afflictions, and develop value of growth. Plants have been second-hand for curative purposes for thousands of years, and many up-todate cures are still coming from plant compounds. In this chapter, we will
study some commonly used medicinal plants used to treat common digestive system diseases, along with associated ethnomedicinal details.
1. Diarrohea
About the condition/Definition- Loose, watery and possibly more-frequent passage of stool is called diarrohea. Feeling of urgent need of frequent bowel movement in a day.
Etiology- A few causes include infections, diseases, and food intolerances. Rotavirus, norovirus, viral gastroenteritis; salmonella, E. coli; giardiasis, amoebiasis and food intolerance are few important causes of diarrohea.
Symptoms- The symptoms include a strong desire to have bowel movement and frequent loose, watery feces. Occasionally linked to cramps, bloating, thirst, nausea, and abdominal pain

Introduction:The phenomenon of reproduction is an important aspect, which needs special attention in livestock farming to achieve optimum productivity and increase the economic status of the farmers. Variousgynaecological problems like anestrus, repeat breeding, endometritis,  retention of placenta, etc reduce thereproductive performance in farm animals. Besides indirect reducing the milk yield, it also creates financial burden on the farmers due to high cost of therapeutic drugs prescribed for their treatment. The use of various hormonal preparations and antibiotics has been critical in treating these disorders inthe farm animals. However, herbal treatments render a holistic approach to manage the reproductive problems with minimalcost and no side effects.
1. Name of the condition: Anestrous
About the condition/definition: Anestrus is a reproductive cycle dysfunction in which an animal does not display the obvious symptoms of estrus. It is one of the major limiting factor in achieving better reproductive
performance in farm animals.
Etiology and pathogenesis: Expression of estrus is controlled by secretion of reproductive hormones. Any disturbance in their secretion due to the effect of either ofSeason, stress, uterine diseases, poor management techniques, inadequate nourishment, etc., delays the process.The animals with smooth non-functional ovary are said to true anestrous, whereas absence of estrus due to retained CL on ovary due to uterine pathology are false anestrous.