A REVIEW OF PLANTS USED IN ETHNOVETERINARY MEDICINE

Abstract

In this review, we summarize our current state of understanding therapeutic potential and immunomodulatory effects of different plants used in ethnoveterinary medicine. The use of drugs derived from plants dates back to antiquity, so that today herbal medicine is practised worldwide. The great number of plants has been used in traditional ethnoveterinary medicines in the prevention and treatment of milder forms of diseases, chronic diseases and recurrent infections. One of the possibilities for stimulation of the functions of immuno system is the application of herbal preparations which can incite the function of the effect or defensive cells and emphasize their defensive capacities. Extracts from some plants possess immune-stimulating properties and are able to increase the specific and nonspecific resistence of the animal organism to pathogens and stress. One of the most promising alternatives to classical antibiotic treatment is the use of plants for enhancing host defence responses and as potential growth promoters. Botanical compounds exibit a number of beneficial therapeutic properties and also their usage is the importance for the animal welfare. This compounds have been used as repellents and antiparasitics, or to treat the gastrointestinal, respiratory, reproductive, urinary or nervous system. Many of herbs are useful in several body systems.