Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
External Application of Essential Oils in Animals
Jürgen ReichlingInstitute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology,
Department of Biology, University of Heidelberg
Mentha x piperita Rosmarinus
officinalis Thymus vulgaris Matricaria recutitaBeautifulboy
Outline
• Phytotherapeutical use of essential oils in animals
• Antifungal effect of tea tree oil (TTO) on Malassezia pachydermatis isolated from canines suffering from cutaneous disease
• Topical use of a 10% TTO-containing cream against canine localized pruritic dermatitis
• Species specific differences and toxicolo-gical aspects
• Conclusion
Phytotherapeutical use of essential oils in animals
1. Wounds and other problems of the skin2. Respiratory ailments3. Nervous system disorders4. Ailments affecting the loco motor
apparatus like rheumatism and arthritis5. Repellents and antiparasitics6. Antimicrobials and antibiotics7. Digestion system and diarrhea8. Control of pet odor
Phytotherapeutical use of selected essential oils in animals
PLANT ESSENTIAL OIL USE
Calendula officinalis
Pot marigolds Otitis, gastritis, cuts, wounds, inflamed skin, dermatitis
Matricaria recutita German chamo-mile oil
Wounds, burns, itching, dermatitis, inflamed skin
Melaleuca alternifolia
Tea trea oil Flea treatment, insect repellant, dermatitis
Mentha pulegium Pennyroyal oil Bacterial infections, flea treatment
Artemisia absinthium
Absinthe oil Wormer
Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus oil Wounds, inflammations, cuts, insect repellent, flea treatment
Phytotherapeutical use of selected essential oils in animals
PLANT ESSENTIAL OIL USE
Pelargonium roseum Geranium oil Insect repellent, itching
Helichrysum italicum Helichrysum oil Paw cuts, dermatitis, irritated skin, wounds
Lavandula angustifolia Lavender oil Paw cuts, dermatitis, itching, insect repellent
Cymbopogon citratus Lemongras oil Insect repellent, fungal infection
Thymus vulgaris Thyme oil Eczema, bacterial infections
Commiphora myrrha Myrrh oil Wounds, ear and teeth care, repellent for fleas
and ticks
Treatment of fleas
• For treatment of flea infested animals an USA patent propagates a mixture of pennyroyal oil, eucalyptus oil, cedar oil, citronella oil and rue oil inserted into apricot kernel oil, olive oil or almond oil in concentrations up to 7%.
• In the market you will find different essential oil-containing preparations, such as herbal flea shampoos, herbal flea collars or herbal flea drops for dogs
Acaricidal effect of Tea Trea Oil (TTO)
• In an in vitro experiment the acaricidal effect of TTO on nymphs of Ixodes ricinus was examined. It was found that 8 to 10µl of TTO was lethal for more than 80% of the ticks when TTO was inhaled.
• The acaricidal effect correlated very well with the duration of exposure of ticks to TTO.
Parasitic mite infection control in honeybee colonies
Selected essential oils Mites: Varroa destructor (V) and Acarapis woodi (T)
Lemon oil V and T
Lemongras oil V and T
Thyme oil V and T
Eucalyptus oil V
Oregano oil V
Rosemary oil V
Malassezia pachydermatis
Dog paw of a Labrador Retriever infected by Malassezia pachdermatis
Antifungal effect of Tea Trea Oil (TTO) on Malassezia pachydermatis isolated from
canines suffering from cutaneous disease
Clinical isolates MFC of TTO[µg/ml]
MFC of Terb.-HCL [µg/ml]
B 7097 1120.0 0.8 – 1.6
B 7104 560.0 0.8
B 7124 1120.0 0.4 – 0.8
B 7139 1120.0 0.4
B 7148 1120.0 0.8
Antibacterial activity of Tea Tree Oil (TTO) against different Staphylococcus species
Staphylococcus species MIC [µg/ml]
Staphylococcus aureus 2500
Staphylococcus capitis 1200 – 2500
Staphylococcus epidermidis 2500 – 5000
Staphylococcus haemolyticus 2500 – 5000
Staphylococcus hominis 1200
Staphylococcus saprophyticus 2500 -5000
Staphylococcus xylosus 2500
Topical use of a 10% TTO-containing cream against canine localised pruritic dermatitis
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Tea tree oil cream
Control cream
Overall efficacy in % of dogs
very goodgoodmoderateinsufficient
Topical use of a 10% TTO-containing cream against canine localised pruritic dermatitis
Pruritus
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Tea tree oil cream
Control cream resolvedimprovedunchangedworse
Alopecia
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Tea tree oil cream
Control cream resolvedimprovedunchangedworse
Erythema
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Tea tree oil cream
Control cream
% of dogs with symptom
resolvedimprovedunchangedworse
Species specific differences and toxicological aspects
• 1. Dogs can utilize carotinoids from plants to synthesize retinol, but cats require preformed Vitamin A from animal tissue.
• 2. Dogs can use either fish or plant sources of omega-3-fatty acids, whereas cats require fish because they lack in delta-6-desaturase. Cats can synthesize neither eicosapentaenoic acid from α-linolenic acid nor arachidonic acid from linoleic acid.
Species specific differences and toxicological aspects
• 3. Cats are highly sensitive to essential oils because they are lacking in glucuronyl transferase activity.
• 4. In most cases of reported adverse side effects, the essential oils were used to treat dermatological conditions at inap-propriate high doses.
Species specific differences and toxicological aspects
• 5. The most common clinical signs after dermal exposure of inappropriate high concentrations of essential oils include ataxia, muscle weakness, depression, and behavioral abnormalities.
• 6. Some essential oils are phototoxic (e.g. bergamot oil) and can burn skin badly if exposed to sunlight.
Conclusion
1. Evidence-based veterinary phytotherapy is still in its infancy.
2. At present, the use of essential oils in animals is exclusively based on anec-dotal reports and experiences of aroma therapists and pet owners.
3. So called aroma therapists are mostly laymen and subsequently lacking in a medicinal background.
Conclusion
4. Our first clinical trial with TTO in dogs have shown that an evidence-based use of essential oil in animals is possible.
5. When using essential oils in animals species specific differences have to be taken into account.
6. Essential oils are powerful biological agents which should be used in appro-priate doses, indicated ailments, during a limited time period and with care.
Thank you for your attention
