Ginseng in Veterinary Practice: Benefits and Considerations

Abstract

Plants have been used as medicine for all diseases since the inception of this universe. Plant based preparations and their active single components are widely used as prophylactic and therapeutic agents. The major advantage of plant-based remedies is their least to no side effects. Panax Ginseng is native plant of China, Japan, and Korean peninsula. It is widely used in various forms like tablets, syrups, capsules, jelly, tea and many more. All the parts of this plant are used in herbal medicine; however, the roots of this plant are more enriched in single, active compounds called ginsenosides. This plant is also called a panacea because it has been reported for its unique biological properties like anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-microbial, anti-melanogenic, immune booster and many more. Many studies have revealed the beneficial effects of ginseng on laboratory animals for various disease models. Clinical trials on humans have also revealed cardio-protective and libido enhancing effects of ginseng. In animals, ginseng has been reported as immune boosting agent for various viral and bacterial diseases. Our chapter focuses on the diverse application of ginseng in veterinary field for the treatment of various diseases related to ruminants, equines, canines, and poultry.