Tresch, et al (2019) provides a systematic review of publications (final number 138), including 4 books and surveyed veterinarians specializing in phytotherapy, to evaluate the most commonly used medicinal plants for therapy of canine skin diseases.
These plants were: Calendula officinalis L. (Marigold), Hypericum perforatum L. agg. (St. John's Wort), Matricaria chamomilla L. (syn. Matricaria recutita L., Chamomile) and Salvia officinalis L. (Sage).
The ability of extracts of these plants to provide additional therapeutic tools in the treatment of pyoderma, canine atopic dermatitis (CAD), otitis externa (OE), and dermatophytosis were proven through their ability to provide antibacterial and antifungal effects on a broad spectrum of common canine skin bacteria & fungi, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The beneficial effects of all extracts included fighting off infection and promoting wound healing and strengthening skin layers. In addition, synergistic effects with antibiotics and disinfectants were provided by Chamomile and Sage.
The ability of these plant extracts to provide therapeutic benefits in the treatment of canine skin disease not only provides increased therapeutic tools but also provides means of helping prevent antibiotic resistance development and development of tolerance to biocides (chlorhexidine) in veterinary medicine.
Put simply - utilising the benefits of herbal medicines - benefits proven through time, use and science, allows not only means of treating wounds and promoting healing, but the ability to help prevent the development of antibiotic resistance and resistance to commonly used antiseptics.
With canine skin disease, for example, these are very common diseases and antibiotics are widely, commonly used. So by having the ability to use herbal treatments instead of or in combination with antibiotics, we can fight infection more efficiently and promote more rapid wound healing.
