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| Thai Wildlife > Elephant |
Traditional Herbal Remedies for Thai Elephants
4. Discussion of Results
4.9 External parasites
Many of the external parasite remedies possess activities that have been scientifically documented. Azadirachta indica A. Juss. var. siamensis is antimalarial, Murraya koenigii and Piper betel are antifungal and antibacterial and Sida rhombifolia is also bactericidal. A. indica, P. betel and Ricinus communis have all been widely used as insecticides. These properties likely explain the efficacy of these plants and mahouts that use them claim they work very well. We had a case of lice that the TSCWA veterinarian suggested be treated with A. indica. It apparently worked, but the elephant became re-infested because of contact with other infected elephants and fomites. Herbal treatment of external parasites warrants further investigation by TSCWA veterinarians, as it appears to be effective and would be economical for treating entire elephant camps to eradicate the problem.
4.10 Internal parasites
Although internal parasites are common findings in domestic elephant fecal exams (TSCWA veterinarians, pers. comm.), this was a rare complaint and only two remedies with questionable scientific basis were provided. Murraya koenigii may contain effective components against parasites because it is both antibacterial and antifungal and may kill higher organisms as well. However, the method of administration into the eyes will not allow the active ingredient to reach systemic levels high enough to kill internal parasites.
4.11 Edema
Only one remedy was provided and no research has been done to explain the efficacy of the ingredients. Edema can be caused by a wide variety of problems, including heart failure, hypoproteinemia, lymphatic obstruction and increased capillary permeability. It is possible that some of the active ingredients may remedy one of the above causes, but an all-encompassing cure for edema seems impossible.
4.12 Weakness
General tonics were widely used for elephants. They were administered in two situations:
1. Following physical exhaustion after working hard.
2. During the dry season when food nutritional quality was poor.
Many of the treatments contained ingredients that simply provided calories and energy to the elephant (e.g. sugar, honey, boiled rice, bananas, duck egg yolk). Two plants, Tinospora crispa and Piper nigrum, have been shown to have nerve stimulant effects, which would help the elephant to overcome its exhaustion. Opium used by the Karen has analgesic, hypnotic and narcotic properties and would enable the elephant to ignore exhaustion. Not only is this treatment now illegal, but it does not solve the underlying problem of exhaustion. A pre-made pellet supplied for domestic livestock was used by mahouts in two camps. As elephants are moved out of forests and into more urban tourist centres, any supplementation of the diet with nutrients and energy found in most of these tonics would be beneficial.
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