De la herbolaria a la producción pecuaria
extractos vegetales como alternativa biotecnológica ante la multirresistencia antimicrobiana
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29105/bys9.18-267Keywords:
ethnoveterinary, multidrug resistance, natural ingredients, plant extracts, sustainable livestock production systemsAbstract
The widespread use of antibiotics in livestock production has enabled the control of infections that previously caused severe economic losses, as well as accelerated animal growth. However, these benefits have been accompanied by a global challenge: multidrug resistance (MDR), which now poses a major concern for both livestock production and public health. Within this context, plant extracts have emerged as a promising natural alternative due to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, which can support animal health without compromising productive performance. The use of plants as bioinputs not only rescues ethnobotanical knowledge but also promotes biotechnological applications aligned with sustainable approaches such as those advocated by the World Health Organization and other international agencies under the One Health framework. Collectively, this evidence indicates that the transition toward natural bioactive ingredients may contribute to more sustainable, resilient, and environmentally sound livestock production systems.
Downloads
References
Adetunji, A.O., J. Price, H. Owusu, E.F. Adewale, P.A. Adesina, T.P. Saliu, Z. Zhu, C. Xedzro, E. Asiamah, S. Islam. 2025. Mechanisms by which phytogenic extracts enhance livestock reproductive health: Current insights and future directions. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 12: 1568577. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1568577
Aguirre-Sánchez, J.R., N.C. del Campo, J.A. Medrano-Félix, A.O. Martínez-Torres, C. Chaidez, J. Querol-Audi. 2024. Genomic insights of Staphylococcus aureus associated with bovine mastitis in a high livestock activity region of Mexico. Journal of Veterinary Science. 25(4). https://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.23286
Ahmadi, F., H.A.R. Suleria, F.R. Dunshea. 2025. Role of plant bioactive compounds in improving ruminant resilience to heat stress. Animal Production Science. 65(6): AN23386. https://doi.org/10.1071/AN23386
Aiemsaard, J., G.N. Borlace, E. Thongkham, C. Jarassaeng. 2023. Antibacterial efficacy of essential oil spray formulation for post-milking disinfection in dairy cows. Veterinary World. 16(7): 1552-1561. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2023.1552-1561
Alami, M.M., S. Guo, Z. Mei, G. Yang, X. Wang. 2024. Environmental factors on secondary metabolism in medicinal plants: exploring accelerating factors. Medicinal Plant Biology. 3: e016. https://doi.org/10.48130/mpb-0024-0016
Alberto, T.-P., A. Keiner, M. Le Gall, F. Molist, X. Guan, A. Middelkoop, E. Jiménez-Moreno, A. Balfagón, G. Mantovani, M. Nofrarías, T. Aumiller. 2025. Impact of a phytogenic feed additive on diarrhea incidence, intestinal histomorphology and fecal excretion of F4-fimbriated enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in post-weaning piglets. Stresses. 5(1): 8. https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5010008
Anderson, E.S. 1968. Drug resistance in Salmonella typhimurium and its implications. British Medical Journal. 3(5614): 333-339. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.3.5614.333
Anderson, E.S., N. Datta. 1965. Resistance to penicillins and its transfer in Enterobacteriaceae. The Lancet. 1(7382): 407-409. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(65)90004-8
Băieş, M.H., C. Lăcătușu, C. Mălăncioiu, D. Mierliță, D. Cucu, D. Moț, D.I. Hădărugă. 2024. Antiparasitic activity of plant-derived powders (garlic and wormwood) in pigs naturally infected with gastrointestinal parasites under low-input farm conditions. BMC Veterinary Research. 20(1): 99. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-03983-3
Bhadange, Y.A., J. Carpenter, V.K. Saharan. 2024. A comprehensive review on advanced extraction techniques for retrieving bioactive components from natural sources. ACS Omega. 9(29): 31274-31297. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.4c02718
Biswas, S., I.H. Kim. 2025. A thorough review of phytogenic feed additives in non-ruminant nutrition: production, gut health, and environmental concerns. Journal of Animal Science and Technology. 67(3): 497-519. https://doi.org/10.5187/jast.2025.e26
Casas, A., J. Blancas, R. Lira. 2016. Mexican ethnobotany: Interactions of people and plants in Mesoamerica. En: R. Lira, A. Casas, J. Blancas (eds). Ethnobotany of Mexico. Springer, New York, NY, pp. 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6669-7_1
Coates, M.E., C.D. Dickinson, G.F. Harrison, S.K. Kon, W.F.J. Cuthbertson. 1951. A mode of action of antibiotics in the stimulation of growth of chicks. Nature. 168: 332-333. https://doi.org/10.1038/168332a0
Comisión Europea. 2005. La prohibición de los antibióticos como promotores del crecimiento en la alimentación animal entra en vigor el 1 de enero de 2006. En: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_05_1687 (consultado el 21/10/2025).
da Silva, R.A., N.E. Arenas, V.L. Luiza, J.A.Z. Bermudez, S.E. Clarke. 2023. Regulations on the use of antibiotics in livestock production in South America: A comparative literature analysis. Antibiotics. 12(8): 1303. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12081303
do Nascimento, G.M., R.A. Rodrigues, H.C. Brugnera, J.C. Barbosa, F.R. Favaron, G.A.M. Rossi, C.R.S. de Bragança, R.P. Schocken-Iturrino, F.A. de Ávila, M.V. Cardozo. 2025. Antimicrobial activity of teat antiseptic formulations based on plant extracts for controlling bovine mastitis: In vitro and in vivo evaluation. Veterinary Sciences. 12(4): 293. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12040293
Enshaie, E., S. Nigam, S. Patel, V. Rai. 2025. Livestock antibiotics use and antimicrobial resistance. Antibiotics. 14(6): 621. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14060621
Férrer, J.P., M.V. da Cunha, M.V.F. dos Santos, T.R. Torres, J.R.C. da Silva, R.M.L. Véras, D.C. da Silva, A.H. da Silva, L.M.D. Queiroz, M.T. Férrer, E.L.S. Neto, D.M. Jaramillo, E.J.O. de Souza. 2021. Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) extract as a phytogenic additive for sheep finished on pasture in the semiarid region. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology. 12(1): 14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40104-021-00556-2
Freu, G., T. Tomazi, A.F.S. Filho, M.B. Heinemann, M.V. dos Santos. 2022. Antimicrobial resistance and molecular characterization of Staphylococcus aureus recovered from cows with clinical mastitis in dairy herds from southeastern Brazil. Antibiotics. 11(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11040424
Gessner, D.K., R. Ringseis, K. Eder. 2017. Potential of plant polyphenols to combat oxidative stress and inflammatory processes in farm animals. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 101(4): 605-628. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.12579
Greathead, H. 2003. Plants and plant extracts for improving animal productivity. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 62(2): 279-290. https://doi.org/10.1079/pns2002197
Hashemi, S.R., H. Davoodi. 2011. Herbal plants and their derivatives as growth and health promoters in animal nutrition. Veterinary Research Communications. 35(3): 169-180. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-010-9458-2
Hennessey, M., P. Alarcon, I. Samanta, G. Fournié, H. Paleja, K. Papaiyan, M. Gautham. 2025. Formulating antibiotic policy: Analysis of India’s ban on colistin use in food producing animals. Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 240: 106534 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106534
Kerek, Á., Á. Szabó, P.F. Dobra, K. Bárdos, L. Ózsvári, P. Fehérvári, Z. Bata, V. Molnár-Nagy, Á. Jerzsele. 2023. Determining the in vivo efficacy of plant-based and probiotic-based antibiotic alternatives against mixed infection with Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli in domestic chickens. Veterinary Sciences. 10(12): 706. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10120706
Krishnamurti, C., S.S.C. Rao. 2016. The isolation of morphine by Serturner. Indian Journal of Anaesthesia. 60(11): 861–862. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5049.193696
Lees, P., L. Pelligand, E. Giraud, P.L. Toutain. 2021. A history of antimicrobial drugs in animals: Evolution and revolution. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 44(2): 137-171. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvp.12895
Levy, S.B., G.B. Fitzgerald, A.B. Macone. 1976. Changes in intestinal flora of farm personnel after introduction of a tetracycline-supplemented feed on a farm. New England Journal of Medicine. 295(11): 583-588. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM197609092951101
Li, X., C. Xu, B. Liang, J.P. Kastelic, B. Han, X. Tong, J. Gao. 2023. Alternatives to antibiotics for treatment of mastitis in dairy cows. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 10: 1160350. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1160350
Lillehoj, H.S., Y. Liu, S. Calsamiglia, M.E. Fernandez-Miyakawa, F. Chi, R.L. Cravens, S. Oh, C.G. Gay. 2018. Phytochemicals as antibiotic alternatives to promote growth and enhance host health. Veterinary Research. 49: 76. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13567-018-0562-6
Lopes, T.S., P.S. Fontoura, A. Oliveira, F.A. Rizzo, S. Silveira, A.F. Streck. 2020. Use of plant extracts and essential oils in the control of bovine mastitis. Research in Veterinary Science. 131: 186–193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.04.025
Loureiro, R.J., F. Roque, A. Teixeira Rodrigues, M.T. Herdeiro, E. Ramalheira. 2016. Use of antibiotics and bacterial resistance: Brief notes on its evolution. Revista Portuguesa de Saúde Pública. 34(1): 77–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rpsp.2015.11.003
Low, C.X., L.T.-H. Tan, N.-S. Ab Mutalib, P. Pusparajah, B.-H. Goh, K.-G. Chan, V. Letchumanan, L.-H. Lee. 2021. Unveiling the impact of antibiotics and alternative methods for animal husbandry: A review. Antibiotics. 10(5): 578. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10050578
Maestrini, M., A. Tava, S. Mancini, D. Tedesco, S. Perrucci. 2020. In vitro anthelmintic activity of saponins from Medicago spp. against sheep gastrointestinal nematodes. Molecules. 25(2): 242. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25020242
Marshall, B.M., S.B. Levy. 2011. Food animals and antimicrobials: impacts on human health. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 24(4): 718-733. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.00002-11
Montinari, M.R., S. Minelli, R. De Caterina. 2005. The first 3500 years of aspirin history from its roots—A concise summary. Vascular Pharmacology. 43(3): 179–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vph.2005.05.004
Montoya, D., M. D’Angelo, S.M. Martín-Orúe, A. Rodríguez-Sorrento, M. Saladrigas-García, C. Araujo, T. Chabrillat, S. Kerros, L. Castillejos. 2021. Effectiveness of two plant-based in-feed additives against an Escherichia coli F4 oral challenge in weaned piglets. Animals. 11(7): 2024. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11072024
Morales-Ubaldo, A.L., N. Rivero-Perez, B. Valladares-Carranza, V. Velázquez-Ordoñez, L. Delgadillo-Ruiz, A. Zaragoza-Bastida. 2023. Bovine mastitis, a worldwide impact disease: Prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and viable alternative approaches. Veterinary and Animal Science. 21: 100306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vas.2023.100306
Nhung, N.T., N. Chansiripornchai, J.J. Carrique-Mas. 2017. Antimicrobial resistance in bacterial poultry pathogens: A review. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 4: 126. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2017.00126
Obianwuna, U.E., X. Chang, V.U. Oleforuh-Okoleh, P.N. Onu, H. Zhang, K. Qiu, S. Wu. 2024. Phytobiotics in poultry: Revolutionizing broiler chicken nutrition with plant-derived gut health enhancers. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology. 15: 169. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40104-024-01101-9
Panicker, A., A. Changaroth, S.V. Gangadharan, T. Yamamoto, H. Noothalapati, M.K. Nambudiri, P. Poornachandran. 2025. From farms to homes: Navigating antimicrobial resistance landscapes from livestock to humans. One Health Advances. 3: 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s44280-025-00084-0
Peña, F.A.B., I.G. Rivas, L.C. Santos, M.S.O. Almanza. 2023. Uso actual de las plantas del Libellus de Medicinalibus Indorum Herbis o Códice de la Cruz-Badiano en México. Anales del Jardín Botánico de Madrid. 80(1): e135. https://doi.org/10.3989/ajbm.548
Prescott, J.F. 2017. History and current use of antimicrobial drugs in veterinary medicine. Microbiology Spectrum. 5(6). https://doi.org/10.1128/microbiolspec.ARBA-0002-2017
Pumnuan, J., A. Lakyat, A. Klompanya, D. Taemchuay, A. Assavawongsanon, T. Doungnapa, S. Kramchote. 2024. Parasiticidal properties of nanoemulsion-based plant essential oil formulations for controlling poultry ectoparasites in farm conditions. Insects. 15(11): 829. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15110829
Rasheed, H.A., A. Rehman, A. Karim, F. Al-Asmari, H. Cui, L. Lin. 2024. A comprehensive insight into plant-derived extracts/bioactives: Exploring their antimicrobial mechanisms and potential for high-performance food applications. Food Bioscience. 59: 104035. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2024.104035
Reyes-Carcaño, M., E. Espinosa-Ayala, C. Chávez-Mejía, O. Márquez-Molina, P.A. Hernández-García. 2024. Plantas medicinales para uso etnoveterinario en dos mercados locales de la zona Suroriente del Estado de México. Revista de Geografía Agrícola. 73: 1-18. https://doi.org/10.5154/r.rga.2024.73.11
Rutkowska, J., A. Pasqualone. 2025. Plant extracts as functional food ingredients. Foods. 14(3): 374. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14030374
Sánchez-Zamora, N., R. Silva-Vázquez, Z.E. Rangel-Nava, C.A. Hernández-Martínez, J.R. Kawas-Garza, M.E. Hume, D.D. Herrera-Balandrano, G. Méndez-Zamora. 2019. Inulina de agave y aceite esencial de orégano mexicano mejoran el comportamiento productivo de pollos de engorde. Ecosistemas y Recursos Agropecuarios. 6(18): 523-534. https://doi.org/10.19136/era.a6n18.2197
Stokstad, E.L.R., T.H. Jukes. 1950. Further observations on the animal protein factor. Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine. 73: 523-528.
Stokstad, E.L.R., T.H. Jukes, J. Pierce, A.C. Page, A.L. Franklin. 1949. The multiple nature of the animal protein factor. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 180: 647-654.
Toklo, P.M., K.P. Challaton, M.F. Assogba, G.-C.A. Akakpo, A.H. Kifouly, G.G. Alowanou, S. Hounzangbe-Adote, E.C. Yayi, J.D. Gbenou. 2023. Phytochemical screening, in vitro and in vivo effects of an aqueous extract of the bark of Combretum glutinosum Perr ex DC. (Combretaceae) on gastrointestinal strongyles. Phytomedicine Plus. 3(4): 100491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phyplu.2023.100491
Tomanić, D., D.D. Božić, N. Kladar, M. Samardžija, J. Apić, J. Baljak, Z. Kovačević. 2024. Clinical evidence on expansion of essential oil-based formulation's pharmacological activity in bovine mastitis treatment: Antifungal potential as added value. Antibiotics. 13(7): 575. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13070575
Trinchera, M., S. De Gaetano, E. Sole, A. Midiri, S. Silvestro, G. Mancuso, T. Catalano, C. Biondo. 2025. Antimicrobials in livestock farming and resistance: Public health implications. Antibiotics. 14(6): 606. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14060606
Upadhaya, S.D., I.H. Kim. 2017. Efficacy of phytogenic feed additive on performance, production and health status of monogastric animals: A review. Annals of Animal Science. 17(4): 929-948. https://doi.org/10.1515/aoas-2016-0079
Walsh, T.R., Y. Wu. 2016. China bans colistin as a feed additive for animals. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. 16(10): 1102-1103. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(16)30329-2
Wernli, D., S. Harbarth, N. Levrat, D. Pittet. 2022. A whole of United Nations approach to tackle antimicrobial resistance. BMJ Global Health. 7(5). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2021-008181
Whitehill, A.R., J.J. Oleson, B.L. Hutchings. 1950. Stimulatory effect of aureomycin on the growth of chicks. Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine. 74(1): 11-13. https://doi.org/10.3181/00379727-74-17821
Windisch, W., K. Schedle, C. Plitzner, A. Kroismayr. 2008. Use of phytogenic products as feed additives for swine and poultry. Journal of Animal Science. 86(14 Suppl.): E140-E148. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2007-0459
Zhang, F., J. Yang, Q. Zhan, H. Shi, Y. Li, D. Li, X. Yang. 2023. Dietary oregano aqueous extract improves growth performance and intestinal health of broilers through modulating gut microbial compositions. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology. 14(1): 77. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40104-023-00857-w
Zou, Q., W. Meng, C. Li, T. Wang, D. Li. 2023. Feeding broilers with wheat germ, hops and grape seed extract mixture improves growth performance. Frontiers in Physiology. 14: 1144997. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1144997
