Homeopathic potential of medicinal plants in fighting microbial overgrowth found in canine otitis

UNCP Author/Contributor (non-UNCP co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
L. Renee Hoot (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP )
Web Site: http://www.uncp.edu/academics/library
Advisor
Joseph White

Abstract: AbstractCanine otitis, commonly known as a canine ear infection, is a frequent issue inveterinary medicine. The condition is typically caused by bacterial or fungalimbalances within the microbiome of the ears. Although antimicrobial treatments forthese overgrowths are available, a veterinary visit is required, treatment can beexpensive, and antibiotic resistance is a potential concern. In fact, during a recentsurvey, 48% of owners stated that they would be willing to attempt an at-home,natural remedy using easily-sourced ingredients before visiting their local veterinaryoffice. The current project aimed to build on existing research to determine theviability of at-home treatment options for canine otitis, using supplies and methodseasily accessible and reproducible for the average pet owner. Several common plantswith known medicinal properties were used to create crude extracts and infused oilsusing household supplies. These extracts were then applied to pure cultures ofStaphylococcus pseudintermedius and Malassezia pachydermatis (two of the mostcommon microorganisms to cause infection) to determine whether each extractinhibited pathogen growth and to allow for comparison between the different extractpreparation techniques. It was anticipated that the crude extracts would have a moresignificant inhibitory effect than the infused oils but that both had the potential tosuppress microbial growth. Of all the medicinal plants tested, clove was the mostsuccessful at suppressing the growth of S. pseudintermedius but had no effect on M.pachydermatis. Meanwhile, when garlic was extracted at 36 °C for a 24 hr period, itshowed minor inhibitive properties when tested on both microbes. Future studiesmay include varying the concentrations of the extracts used and comparison betweeninhibitory zones of extracts against routine prescriptive medicine.

Additional Information

Publication
Honors Project
Language: English
Date: 2022
Keywords
medicinal plants, microbial overgrowth, canine otitis, homeopathy

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