the use of medicinal plants and essential oils in the treatment of mastitis in dairy cows

Mastitis is one of the most common and costly diseases in dairy cows, manifesting in clinical and subclinical forms. the subclinical form, due to the absence of visible symptoms and delayed diagnosis, causes greater economic losses, including reduced milk production and lower quality of dairy products. this disease is primarily caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus and escherichia coli, and its conventional treatment relies on antibiotics. however, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics has led to microbial resistance, drug residues in milk, and public health concerns. in recent years, medicinal plants have gained attention as alternative or complementary therapies. active compounds such as allicin (garlic), curcumin (turmeric), and thymol (thyme) exhibit antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. studies have shown that plant extracts, particularly combinations like garlic and neem, have synergistic effects in inhibiting mastitis-causing bacteria. additionally, essential oils such as cinnamon and clove, by disrupting bacterial biofilms, are effective in controlling this disease. these findings suggest that plant-based products can help reduce antibiotic use and promote more sustainable mastitis management.