Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Harungana leaf extract fights ear infections in dogs and cats
By Moulari, B et al.·Published in Acta veterinaria Hungarica·2007·Equipe Sciences Sé, France·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: In vitro antimicrobial activity of the leaf extract of Harungana madagascariensis Lam. Ex Poir. (Hypericaceae) against strains causing otitis externa in dogs and cats.
Plain-English summary
A study found that an extract from the leaves of the Harungana madagascariensis plant showed promise in fighting ear infections (otitis externa) in dogs and cats caused by common bacteria and yeast. These infections are often tough to treat due to resistance to standard medications. The extract demonstrated antimicrobial properties, particularly due to a compound called astilbin, and could potentially be developed into a treatment for these infections. While this research is still in the early stages, it suggests a new option for managing ear infections in pets.
People also search for: dog ear infection treatment · cat ear infection remedies · natural remedies for otitis externa in pets
Abstract
Otitis externa in dogs and cats is always caused by a combination of yeasts and bacteria, among which the most important are Malassezia pachydermatis, Staphylococcus intermedius and Pseudomonas species. These organisms often develop resistance to classical antimicrobial agents. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activities of an ethyl acetate leaf extract of Harungana madagascariensis against the organisms cited, to carry out the phytochemical investigation of this extract and to determine its bioactive chemical class using dilution techniques, the bioautography method and the standard phytochemical method described by Harborne (1973). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and anthracenic derivatives. The bioassay showed that the antimicrobial properties may be attributed to astilbin, a flavanone derivative identified on the basis of its spectroscopic data. The results suggest that the extract could be used in an antimicrobial preparation effective against the whole range of organisms incriminated in otitis externa in dogs and cats, with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 250 microg/ml.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17385560/