Abstract

SCOPE OF AYURVEDIC MEDICINE IN VETERINARY SCIENCE: BRIDGING ANCIENT KNOWLEDGE WITH MODERN ANIMAL HEALTHCARE

Dr. Shilpi Trivedi*, Dr. Sarla, Dr. Avirag Shukla, Dr. Swati Gupta, Dr. Sudha

Abstract

Ayurveda, the traditional system of Indian medicine, offers a holistic approach that extends beyond human healthcare to include the treatment of animals and plants. This study explores the ancient roots and modern relevance of Ayurvedic veterinary science— Pasu-Ayurveda through the magnifying classical texts, current applications, and emerging scientific evidence. Fundamental treatises such as the Shalihotra Samhita, Garuda Purana, and Atri Samhita provide rich documentation of animal medicine, particularly for horses, cattle, and elephants. In contemporary contexts, some people are re-examining traditional Ayurvedic practices to see if they can help with modern health issues like antimicrobial resistance, residue-free animal products, and sustainable farming. Evidence-based applications include Ayurvedic interventions for mastitis in dairy cattle, phytogenic feed additives in poultry, and herbal remedies in companion animals for arthritis and stress. This paper aims to bridge ancient Ayurvedic principles with modern veterinary research, highlighting both opportunities and challenges for integration. To use Ayurvedic therapies effectively, it is not necessary to have an understanding of the basic philosophy of Ayurveda. Modern veterinarians can use Ayurvedic herbal therapies on the basis of the scientifically determined pharmacologic actions of the botanical compounds contained in these formulas. A large volume of basic and clinical research has been undertaken on the herbs of Ayurveda. Thus, in the World scientific literature, documentation is available that enables the veterinary practitioner to evaluate herb safety, efficacy, and dosing. Veterinary herbal medicine includes plant-based treatments and therapeutic, for preventive or diagnostic purposes in the field of animal health care. The use of herbal medicine in both human and animal health care has a long history, dating back thousands of years.

Keywords: Ayurveda; Pasu-Ayurveda; Veterinary medicine; Sharir Siddhanta; Herbal formulations; Livestock health; One Health; Ethnoveterinary; Holistic animal care; Indian medicine.