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Frontiers of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture in Veterinary Medicine

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A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2021) | Viewed by 56310

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Huisheng Xie

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President and Professor，Chi University，9650 W. Hwy 318, Reddick, FL 32686, USA
Interests: botanical medicine; acupuncture; cancer; geriatric; gastroenterology

Dr. Jiahao Lin

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Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medcine, China Agriculture University, Beijing 10083, China
Interests: acupuncture; tumor immunotherapy; natural product; pharmacy; dermatology; nanomedicine; pharmaceutical analysis

Dr. Kai Fan

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College of Veterinary Medcine, China Agriculture University, Beijing 10083, China
Interests: acupuncture; pharmacy; dermatology; nanomedicine

Prof. Dr. Jennifer Ketzis

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Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O Box 334 Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies, USA
Interests: efficacy of endo- and ecto-parasiticides; parasitic zoonoses of both public health and agricultural importance; epidemiology of parasites

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Herbal medicine and acupuncture have evolved over thousands of years to address health problems in both humans and animals. Though they can be traced back over two millennia in recorded history, they, like any medical system, continue to evolve today, and current research on acupuncture and herbal medicine is beginning to shed light on their mechanisms of action. Chemists have been exploring plant-derived drugs (e.g., morphine, taxol, physostigmine, quinidine, and emetine) as prototypes in their attempts to develop more effective and less toxic medicines, which not only helps to clarify the material basis of herbal medicine, but also provides abundant reserves for the research and development of natural drugs. Moreover, in recent years, the international development and promotion of the scientific research on herbal medicine and acupuncture have become of even greater interest for veterinarians and scientists working in the natural sciences resulting in increasing adoption of these methods in the veterinary clinic.

The Special Issue on the “Frontiers of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture in Veterinary Medicine” is dedicated to gathering and disseminating the latest data and knowledge on herbal medicine and acupuncture. Review articles, clinical studies, case reports, and scientific research on topics such as the biological and pharmacological effects of herbal medicine and acupuncture based on the principles established through international conventions will be highlighted and discussed.

Prof. Dr. Huisheng Xie
Dr. Jiahao Lin
Dr. Kai Fan
Prof. Dr. Jennifer Ketzis
Guest Editors

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 42561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking to Analyse the Potential Mechanism of action of Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R. Br. in the Treatment of Bovine Hoof Disease

by Zhen Dong, Mengting Liu, Xianglin Zou, Wenqing Sun, Xiubin Liu, Jianguo Zeng and Zihui Yang

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9010011 - 30 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3254

Abstract

Based on network pharmacological analysis and molecular docking techniques, the main components of M. cordata for the treatment of bovine relevant active compounds in M. cordata were searched for through previous research bases and literature databases, and then screened to identify candidate compounds based on physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetic parameters, bioavailability, and drug-like criteria. Target genes associated with hoof disease were obtained from the GeneCards database. Compound−target, compound−target−pathway−disease visualization networks, and protein−protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed by Cytoscape. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed in R language. Molecular docking analysis was done using AutoDockTools. The visual network analysis showed that four active compounds, sanguinarine, chelerythrine, allocryptopine and protopine, were associated with the 10 target genes/proteins (SRC, MAPK3, MTOR, ESR1, PIK3CA, BCL2L1, JAK2, GSK3B, MAPK1, and AR) obtained from the screen. The enrichment analysis indicated that the cAMP, PI3K-Akt, and ErbB signaling pathways may be key signaling pathways in network pharmacology. The molecular docking results showed that sanguinarine, chelerythrine, allocryptopine, and protopine bound well to MAPK3 and JAK2. A comprehensive bioinformatics-based network topology strategy and molecular docking study has elucidated the multi-component synergistic mechanism of action of M. cordata in the treatment of bovine hoof disease, offering the possibility of developing M. cordata as a new source of drugs for hoof disease treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture in Veterinary Medicine)

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12 pages, 1875 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Toxicity, Bacteriostatic, Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antipyretic Activities of Huangqin-Honghua-Pugongying-Jinyinhua Extract

by Dongyang Ye, Jing Sun and Yinqian Li

Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(12), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8120330 - 15 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3851

Abstract

The extensive use of antibiotics has caused the global spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria and genes, seriously reducing antibiotic efficacy and threatening animal and human health. As an alternative, traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) was used in this study for its lack of drug resistance and low toxicity. Huangqin-honghua-pugongying-jinyinhua extract (HHPJE), a novel TCVM, consists of the extracts of Huangqin (Scutellaria baicalensis), Honghua (Carthami Flos), Pugongying (Taraxacum) and Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos), and was developed to treat bovine mastitis. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity, bacteriostatic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities of HHPJE. Our results show that HHPJE did not show any acute oral toxicity and can be considered safe for oral administration. Additionally, HHPJE possessed a dose-dependent antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus dysgalactiae. HHPJE (60, 30 and 15 g/kg) can reduce the abdominal pain by 44.83 ± 7.69%, 43.15 ± 9.50% and 26.14 ± 4.17%, respectively. The percentages of anti-inflammation inhibition (60, 30 and 15 g/kg) were 35.34 ± 2.17%, 22.29 ± 2.74% and 12.06 ± 3.61%, respectively. The inhibition rates (60, 30 and 15 g/kg) of antipyretic activity were 82.05%, 65.71% and 52.80%, respectively. The evaluation of pharmacodynamics and toxicity indicate that HHPJE possesses significant bacteriostatic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic potential, and also that it is safe for acute oral toxicity, which means it has potential value for treating bovine mastitis in future and alleviating clinical symptoms with no drug resistance or side effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture in Veterinary Medicine)

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9 pages, 2504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Simple Single-Acupoint Electroacupuncture Frame and Evaluation of the Acupuncture Effect in Rabbits

by Huan Huang, Jianrong Zhang, Fuxing Gui, Sheng Liu, Chonghua Zhong, Tingting Wang, Hongxu Du, Xianlin He and Liting Cao

Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(10), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8100217 - 5 Oct 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2819

Abstract

To reduce the circulation path of the output current of traditional electroacupuncture (TEA) process in the body, a simple single-acupoint electroacupuncture (SEA) frame was designed and the acupuncture effect of SEA was evaluated through Hou-san-li (ST-36) and Qian-san-li (LI-10) acupoints. Forty-two healthy New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into seven groups and underwent acupuncture for 20 min in an awake state. Blood samples aseptically collected from the ear vein 3 h before acupuncture and 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 h after acupuncture were used for the detection of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) and motilin (MTL) in serum. The simple SEA frame was developed successfully, and the acupuncture results showed that the serum AST and ALT levels were significantly higher at 3 h after TEA with high frequency (p < 0.01) compared with the control group. Regarding serum CK-MB levels, no significant differences were found after SEA or TEA stimulation (p > 0.05). Serum MTL levels were significantly increased at 0 h after SEA and TEA (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences at other time points after SEA and TEA treatment (p > 0.05). SEA not only maintains the effect of TEA but also shortens the circulation loop of the electroacupuncture (EA) current in the body, which effectively avoids body injury. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture in Veterinary Medicine)

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16 pages, 2485 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Effects of Water Extract of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi against Oxidative Stress-Related Osteoporosis In Vivo and In Vitro

by Yi Wu, Yusheng Hu, Zeguang Zhao, Lina Xu, Ye Chen, Tongtong Liu and Qin Li

Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(9), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8090198 - 17 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3302

Abstract

Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL) is the fruit of Ligustrum lucidum Ait and is a component of many kidney-tonifying traditional Chinese medicine formulae for treating osteoporosis. Accumulating evidence has linked oxidative stress with the progression of bone diseases. The present study aimed to identify the effects of FLL on oxidative stress-related osteoporosis in vivo and in vitro. To construct animal models, we utilized d-galactose (D-gal) injection to induce oxidative stress combined with a low calcium (the exact percentage in the diet was 0.1%) diet. Thirteen-week-old Kunming female mice were gavaged with water extract of FLL for 20 days. Then, eight-month-old Kunming female mice were treated with FLL under standard administration and diet as the aged group. In vitro, MC3T3-E1 cells stimulated by H₂O₂ were treated with FLL for 24 h. The micro-CT results showed that the modeling approach combining oxidative stress with a low calcium diet caused low conversion type osteoporosis in mice. FLL exerted a prominent effect on preventing osteoporosis by inhibiting oxidative stress, increasing bone mineral density (BMD), improving bone microstructure, and promoting osteoblast proliferation and osteoprotegerin (OPG) protein expression; however, FLL had no therapeutic effect on bone loss in aged mice. In conclusion, FLL showed outstanding anti-bone loss ability both in vivo and in vitro and could probably be developed as a prophylactic agent for osteoporosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture in Veterinary Medicine)

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Review

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10 pages, 899 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Evidence-Based Application of Acupuncture for Pain Management in Companion Animal Medicine

by Janice L. Huntingford and Michael C. Petty

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(6), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9060252 - 26 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 13132

Abstract

The use of veterinary acupuncture for pain relief is expanding among small animal practitioners. Although acupuncture was developed as part of the medical system in Ancient China, research into the scientific basis of its effects is expanding rapidly. Acupuncture is very effective for analgesia on a local, segmental, and suprasegmental level. Many forms of acupuncture can be used independently or as part of a balanced multi-modal approach for the control of acute and chronic pain. In the hands of a skilled practitioner, acupuncture can be a safe and effective modality for treating pain in companion animals. This article outlines the mechanisms of action of acupuncture, its related neurophysiology and provides examples from the literature demonstrating its effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture in Veterinary Medicine)

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16 pages, 5138 KiB

Open AccessReview

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in Zoological and Exotic Animal Medicine: A Review and Introduction of Methods

by Tara M. Harrison and Sarah M. Churgin

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(2), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9020074 - 9 Feb 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 10207

Abstract

Acupuncture has been used extensively in domestic animal medicine to treat a variety of medical conditions and diseases as an adjunct or primary therapy. Exotic animals are becoming increasingly common as pets. Owners are expecting therapies for these non-domestic animals to be similar to those available to their other domestic pets. Additionally, zoological and aquatic facilities provide medical care for the entire lives of the animals that are housed in their facilities. Many conditions similar to those observed in domestic animals can develop in zoological species and can benefit from treatment with acupuncture. Through operant conditioning or routine medical examinations, the use of acupuncture as an adjunct therapy is becoming more common. The following paper presents a summary of the types of non-domestic animals treated, for which conditions, and how these methods are commonly used. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture in Veterinary Medicine)

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14 pages, 2869 KiB

Open AccessReview

Evidence-Based Application of Acupuncture in Theriogenology

by Gilbert Reed Holyoak and Aituan Ma

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(2), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9020053 - 28 Jan 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5337

Abstract

Historical evidence of acupuncture predates written history. It has been a component of Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine for many generations and is officially recognized in recorded history for treating equine disease in the Zhou Dynasty, circa 1050 BC. Drawing from a range of searchable databases, we present the use of veterinary acupuncture related to theriogenology. We touch on human-based medicine only as an introduction to current uses within veterinary medical acupuncture. This review is confined to the use of acupuncture encompassing dry needle, electroacupuncture, aquapuncture, and the few reports of laserpuncture. Starting with acupuncture’s influence on the master organs of reproduction, the hypothalamus and the pituitary glands, and the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, we then review reports specific to the gonads—ovaries and testicles—and then its influences on the uterus. From there, we review reports on the influence of acupuncture on pain associated with reproductive surgery, and finally, on the use of acupuncture for maternal lactation. Based on published reports, we conclude that acupuncture has been shown to be effective in many situations as a treatment for infertility and/or reproductive tract disfunction, resulting in improvements in both female and male patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture in Veterinary Medicine)

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49 pages, 1676 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Ethnoveterinary Knowledge, Biological Activities and Secondary Metabolites of Medicinal Woody Plants Used for Managing Animal Health in South Africa

by Kelebogile Martha Selogatwe, John Awungnjia Asong, Madeleen Struwig, Rendani Victress Ndou and Adeyemi Oladapo Aremu

Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(10), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8100228 - 12 Oct 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5246

Abstract

Globally, the use of ethnoveterinary medicine as remedies for animal health among different ethnic groups justify the need for a systematic exploration to enhance their potential. In addition, the increasing popularity and utilisation of woody plants remain common in traditional medicine, which may be attributed to their inherent benefits. The current review was aimed at analysing ethnoveterinary surveys, biological activities, and secondary metabolites/phytochemical profiles of the woody plants of South Africa. Eligible literature (period: 2000 to 2020) were retrieved from different databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Sabinet, and Science Direct. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 ethnoveterinary surveys were eligible and were subjected to further analysis. We identified 104 woody plant species from 44 plant families that are used in the treatment of different diseases in animals, particularly cattle (70%) and goats (20%). The most mentioned (with six citations) woody plants were Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC and Ziziphus mucronata Willd., which were followed by plants with five (Cussonia spicata Thunb., Pterocarpus angolensis DC and Vachellia karroo (Hayne) Banfi & Galasso) or four (Acokanthera oppositifolia (Lam.) Codd, Cassia abbreviata Oliv., and Strychnos henningsii Gilg) individual mentions. The most dominant families were Fabaceae (19%), Apocynaceae (5.8%), Rubiaceae (5.8%), Anacardiaceae (4.8%), Combretaceae (4.8%), Euphorbiaceae (4.8%), Malvaceae (4.8%), Rhamnaceae (4.8%), and Celastraceae (3.8%). Bark (33%), leaves (29%), and roots (19%) were the plant parts dominantly used to prepare remedies for ethnoveterinary medicine. An estimated 20% of woody plants have been screened for antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antioxidant, and cytotoxicity effects. Phytochemical profiles established a rich pool of valuable secondary metabolites (phenolic, flavonoids and condensed tannins) that may be responsible for the exerted biological activities. Overall, the significant portion of woody plants lacking empirical evidence on their biological effects indicates a major knowledge gap that requires more research efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture in Veterinary Medicine)

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17 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessReview

Research Progress on the Mechanism of the Acupuncture Regulating Neuro-Endocrine-Immune Network System

by Jingwen Cui, Wanrong Song, Yipeng Jin, Huihao Xu, Kai Fan, Degui Lin, Zhihui Hao and Jiahao Lin

Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(8), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8080149 - 30 Jul 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6678

Abstract

As one of the conventional treatment methods, acupuncture is an indispensable component of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Currently, acupuncture has been partly accepted throughout the world, but the mechanism of acupuncture is still unclear. Since the theory of the neuro-endocrine-immune network was put forward, new insights have been brought into the understanding of the mechanism of acupuncture. Studies have proven that acupuncture is a mechanical stimulus that can activate local cell functions and neuroreceptors. It also regulates the release of related biomolecules (peptide hormones, lipid hormones, neuromodulators and neurotransmitters, and other small and large biomolecules) in the microenvironment, where they can affect each other and further activate the neuroendocrine-immune network to achieve holistic regulation. Recently, growing efforts have been made in the research on the mechanism of acupuncture. Some researchers have transitioned from studying the mechanism of acupuncture as a single linear pathway to using systems approaches, including metabolomics, genomics, proteomics and biological pathway analysis. This review summarizes the research progress on the neuro-endocrine-immune network related mechanism of acupuncture and discusses its current challenges and future directions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture in Veterinary Medicine)

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