Ancient Wisdom of <i>Ayurveda</i>: The Anti-inflammatory Benefits of Herbs for Managing Mastitis in Dairy Animals in South Asia

Mastitis, characterized by mammary gland inflammation due to microorganisms, significantly reduces dairy animal productivity by up to 70%. Clinical mastitis prevalence stands at 11%, with sub-clinical cases at a staggering 77%, highlighting its substantial impact on milk yield. Given the escalating concern of antibiotic resistance, exploring alternative therapies for mastitis treatment, particularly herbal remedies from Ayurveda and Ethno-veterinary practices, is imperative. Literature on herbs used in bovine mastitis within South Asian countries was meticulously gathered from diverse sources, including books and electronic databases like Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and domestic literature. A comprehensive review identified 83 herbs with documented anti-inflammatory properties, assessing their potential in treating mastitis in dairy animals. Constituents such as flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, vitamins, and minerals were scrutinised for their anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, formulations mentioned in the ancient Indian veterinary Sanskrit manuscript ‘Ashvavaidyakam’ have been revealed to verify their ability to mitigate inflammation associated with mastitis in the future. This review synthesizes traditional wisdom with contemporary scientific evidence to advocate for further research and dialogue. It underscores the potential of herbal therapies to develop effective and sustainable mastitis control strategies in South Asian dairy practices. Plant-based remedies are highlighted for their ability to reduce production losses and veterinary costs, thereby proving their therapeutic significance for dairy farmers. The integration of ancient knowledge with modern scientific findings presents promising avenues for addressing mastitis in dairy animals. Embracing herbal remedies offers not only economic benefits but also contributes to the sustainability of dairy farming practices in South Asia. Further research in this area is crucial to harness the full potential of alternative therapies in mastitis management. Major Findings: A total of 83 herbs with documented anti-inflammatory properties were identified for mastitis treatment. Active constituents such as flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids and alkaloids exhibit significant therapeutic potential. Herbal formulations from Ashvavaidyakam offer promising leads for mastitis management in dairy animals.