Ethnoveterinary Uses of Certain Yemeni Plants: A Review of the Scientific Evidence.

Livestock is an important and integral component of agriculture production in Yemen and contributes 28% of the total agricultural production income. Research in the field of Yemeni ethnoveterinary medicine is limited to a few studies. Therefore, our work aims to substantiate scientifically the ethnoveterinary use of some documented plant species based on a literature review of their bioactivities and toxicological properties. Searching the scientific literature has revealed various pharmacological activities that may support the claimed healing activities of 11 out of 14 plant species for some of their ethnoveterinary utilization. This comprises the use of spp. latex for constipation, worms, boils, and wounds; underbark for wounds and its oleo-gum resin for mastitis; Soqotraen species as an insect repellent; for stomach pain; as an appetite stimulant; for bone fracture; as an insect repellent; combinations of with grains for bloating; and salt for eye pimples; and seeds with grains for constipation. Some plants were found to demonstrate various toxic effects in and experimental studies. The local administration of latex was also reported to induce an intense inflammatory response. It can be concluded that our work has provided valuable scientific information on the biological and toxic activities of some Yemeni ethnoveterinary remedies that could be utilized for the benefit of farmers to ration the use of these remedies and avoiding their toxicity.