Apitherapy for bovine mastitis and digital dermatitis: review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31533//pubvet.v19n07e1805Keywords:
Antibiotics, bee products, bovine mastitis, digital dermatitis, honey, propolisAbstract
The expansion of livestock production has exacerbated health challenges such as mastitis and digital dermatitis, two highly prevalent inflammatory diseases, in dairy cattle. These conditions significantly reduce productivity, compromise animal welfare, and threaten the sustainability of livestock systems. Currently, treatment relies heavily on antibiotics, raising concerns about increasing antimicrobial resistance, and the presence of drug residues in animal-derived products. In response to these challenges, this study aims to review the therapeutic potential of apitherapeutic products, such as honey, propolis, and bee venom, as sustainable alternatives for managing inflammatory diseases in cattle. A review of in vitro, in vivo, and preliminary clinical studies was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of these bee-derived substances. Results indicate promising outcomes, including the reduction of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL- 1β, without causing significant cytotoxicity. Additionally, it exhibited bactericidal activity due to its content of bioactive compounds. However, methodological variability, lack of product standardization, limited toxicological assessments, and scarce clinical trials in productive animals currently hinder their practical application. The study concludes that apitherapeutic products offer promising potential as adjunctive treatments in cattle health. Nevertheless, further research is necessary under real farming conditions to validate their efficacy, safety, and economic feasibility for large-scale use.
References
Abebe, R. Hatiya, H., Abera, M., Megersa, B.& Asmare, K. (2016). Bovine mastitis: prevalence, risk factors and isolation of Staphylococcus aureus in dairy herds at Hawassa milk shed, South Ethiopia. BMC veterinary research, 12(1), p. 270. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-016-0905-3.
Acosta, A. & De Los Santos-Montero, L.A. (2019). What is driving livestock total factor productivity change? A persistent and transient efficiency analysis. Global Food Security, 21, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2019.06.001.
Ahmed, S., Sulaiman, S. A., Baig, A. A, Ibrahim, M., Liaqat, S., Fatima, S., Jabeen, S., Shamim, N., Othman, N. H. (2018). Honey as a Potential Natural Antioxidant Medicine: An Insight into Its Molecular Mechanisms of Action. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. Edited by S.S. Singhal, 2018(1), p. 8367846. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/8367846.
Almuhayawi, M.S. (2020). Propolis as a novel antibacterial agent. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 27(11), 3079–3086. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.09.016.
Bacanlı, M. & Başaran, N. (2019). Importance of antibiotic residues in animal food, Food and Chemical Toxicology: An International Journal Published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 125, 462–466. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2019.01.033.
Bahari, H., Mostafa Shahraki Jazinaki, M.S., Aliakbarian, M., Rashidmayvan, M., Golafrouz, H., Rahnama, I., Khodashahi, R. & Malekahmadi, M. (2025). Propolis supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in adults: a systematic review and meta- analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Nutrition, 12, p. 1542184. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1542184.
Bava, R. Castagna, F., Musella, V., Lupia, C., Palma, E. & Britti, D. (2023). Therapeutic Use of Bee Venom and Potential Applications in Veterinary Medicine’, Veterinary Sciences, 10(2), p. 119. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10020119.
Bhatti, N. Hajam, Y. A., Mushtaq, S., Kaur, L., Kumar, R. & Rai, S. (2024). A review on dynamic pharmacological potency and multifaceted biological activities of propolis. Discover Sustainability, 5(1), p. 185. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-024-00375-3.
Cardinault, N. Tourniaire, F., Astier, J., Couturier, C., Bonnet, L., Seipelt, E., Karkeni, E., Letullier, C., Dlalah, N. & Georgé, S. (2021). Botanic Origin of Propolis Extract Powder Drives Contrasted Impact on Diabesity in High-Fat-Fed Mice. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 10(3), p. 411. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10030411.
Charfeddine, N. & Pérez-Cabal, M.A. (2017). Effect of claw disorders on milk production, fertility, and longevity, and their economic impact in Spanish Holstein cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 100(1), 653–665. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2016-11434.
Cheng, W.N. & Han, S.G. (2020). Bovine mastitis: risk factors, therapeutic strategies, and alternative treatments - A review. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences, 33(11), 1699–1713. https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.20.0156.
Cianciosi, D., Forbes-Hernández, T.Y., Afrin, S., Gasparrini, M., Reboredo-Rodriguez, P., Manna, P.P., Zhang, J., Lamas,L. B., Flórez, S.M., Toyos, P. A., Quiles,S.L., Giampieri, F. & Battino, M. (2018). Phenolic Compounds in Honey and Their Associated Health Benefits: A Review. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 23(9), p. 2322. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23092322.
Daley, M. Williams, T., Coyle, P., Furda, G., Dougherty, R., & Hayes, P. (1993). Prevention and treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections with recombinant cytokines. Cytokine, 5(3), 276–284. https://doi.org/10.1016/1043-4666(93)90015-w.
Doehring, C. & Sundrum, A. (2016). Efficacy of homeopathy in livestock according to peer-reviewed publications from 1981 to 2014. The Veterinary Record, 179(24), p. 628. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.103779.
Domingos, S.C.B., Clebis, V. H., Nakazato, G., de Oliveira Jr, A. G., Takayama Kobayashi, R. K., Peruquetti, R. C., Pereira, C. D. & Rosa, M. T. S. & dos Santos Medeiros, L. (2021). Antibacterial activity of honeys from Amazonian stingless bees of Melipona spp. and its effects on bacterial cell morphology. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 101(5), 2072–2077. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.10828.
Đuričić, D., Sukalić, T., Marković, F., Kočila, P., Žura Žaja, I., Menčik, S.... & Samardžija, M. (2020). Effects of Dietary Vibroactivated Clinoptilolite Supplementation on the Intramammary Microbiological Findings in Dairy Cows. Animals: an open access journal from MDPI, 10(2), p. 202. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020202.
Fiordalisi, S.A.L., Honorato, L. A., Loiko, M. R., Avancini, C. A., Veleirinho, M. B., Machado Filho, L. C. & Kuhnen, S. (2016). The effects of Brazilian propolis on etiological agents of mastitis and the viability of bovine mammary gland explants. Journal of Dairy Science, 99(3), 2308–2318. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2015-9777.
Forner, M., Cañas-Arranz, R., Defaus, S., de León, P., Rodríguez-Pulido, M., Ganges, L., ... & Andreu, D. (2021). Peptide-Based Vaccines: Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus, a Paradigm in Animal Health. Vaccines, 9(5), p. 477. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9050477.
Gao, W., Guo, L., Yang, Y., Wang, Y., Xia, S., Gong, H., ... & Yan, M. (2022). Dissecting the Crosstalk Between NRF2 and NF-κB Response Pathways in Drug-Induced Toxicity. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 9, p. 809952. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2021.809952.
Hogeveen, H., Steeneveld, W. & Wolf, C.A. (2019). Production Diseases Reduce the Efficiency of Dairy Production: A Review of the Results, Methods, and Approaches Regarding the Economics of Mastitis. Annual Review of Resource Economics, 11(1), 289–312. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-resource-100518-093954.
Holzhauer, M., Hardenberg, C., Bartels, C. J. M. & Frankena, K. (2006). Herd- and cow-level prevalence of digital dermatitis in the Netherlands and associated risk factors. Journal of Dairy Science, 89(2), 580–588. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(06)72121-X.
Holzhauer, M., Bartels, C. J., Döpfer, D., & van Schaik, G. (2008). Clinical course of digital dermatitis lesions in an endemically infected herd without preventive herd strategies. Veterinary Journal (London, England: 1997), 177(2), 222–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.05.004.
Hozyen, H.F., Ibrahim, E. S., Khairy, E. A., & El-Dek, S. I. (2019). Enhanced antibacterial activity of capped zinc oxide nanoparticles: A step towards the control of clinical bovine mastitis. Veterinary World, 12(8), 1225–1232. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2019.1225-1232.
Jacobs, C., Beninger, C., Hazlewood, G. S., Orsel, K., & Barkema, H. W.. (2019). Effect of footbath protocols for prevention and treatment of digital dermatitis in dairy cattle: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 164, 56–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.01.011.
Jeong, C.H., Cheng, W. N., Bae, H., Lee, K. W., Han, S. M., Petriello, M. C., ... & Han, S. G. (2017). Bee Venom Decreases LPS-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 27(10), 1827–1836. https://doi.org/10.4014/jmb.1706.06003.
Kim, S.-M., Min, K. D., Yun, S. J., Hwang, D. Y., & Kang, H. G. (2024). Therapeutic Dose, Duration, and Efficacy of Bee Venom for Treating Clinical Mastitis in Dairy Cow. Journal of Veterinary Clinics, 41(1), 8–17. https://doi.org/10.17555/jvc.2024.41.1.8.
Kober, A. K. M. H., Saha, S., Islam, M. A., Rajoka, M. S. R., Fukuyama, K., Aso, H., ... & Kitazawa, H. (2022). Immunomodulatory Effects of Probiotics: A Novel Preventive Approach for the Control of Bovine Mastitis. Microorganisms, 10(11), p. 2255. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10112255.
Kurek-Górecka, A., Tanwar, M., Dada, R., & Dada, T. (2013). Structure and Antioxidant Activity of Polyphenols Derived from Propolis. Molecules, 19(1), 78–101. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules19010078.
Lee, G. & Bae, H. (2016). Anti-Inflammatory Applications of Melittin, a Major Component of Bee Venom: Detailed Mechanism of Action and Adverse Effects. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 21(5), p. 616. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21050616.
Liu, D., Zhong, Z. & Karin, M. (2022). NF-κB: A Double-Edged Sword Controlling Inflammation. Biomedicines, 10(6), p. 1250. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10061250.
Liu, T., Zhang, L., Joo, D. & Sun, S. C. (2017). NF-κB signaling in inflammation. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 2(1), p. 17023. https://doi.org/10.1038/sigtrans.2017.23.
Maitip, J., Mookhploy, W., Khorndork, S., & Chantawannakul, P. (2021). Comparative Study of Antimicrobial Properties of Bee Venom Extracts and Melittins of Honey Bees. Antibiotics, 10(12), p. 1503. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10121503.
McLeod, A. (2012) World livestock 2011. Livestock in food security. http://www.journals.cambridge.org/abstract_S207863361200029X (Acceso: 24 April 2025).
Miroliubov, M.G. & Barskov, A.A. (1980). [Propolis and mastitis]. Veterinariia, (2), 45–46.
Mitchell, J.M., Griffiths, M. W., McEwen, S. A., McNab, W. B., & Yee, A. J. (1998). Antimicrobial drug residues in milk and meat: causes, concerns, prevalence, regulations, tests, and test performance. Journal of Food Protection, 61(6), 742–756. https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028x-61.6.742.
Mm, A.-H. (2017). Honey and Medicinal Plants in the Management of Certain Surgical Bovine Clow Affections. International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 9(3). https://doi.org/10.15406/ijcam.2017.09.00300.
Molan, P.C. & Allen, K.L. (1996). The effect of gamma-irradiation on the antibacterial activity of honey. The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 48(11), 1206–1209. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042- 7158.1996.tb03922.x.
Naranjo-Lucena, A. & Slowey, R. (2023). Invited review: Antimicrobial resistance in bovine mastitis pathogens: A review of genetic determinants and prevalence of resistance in European countries. Journal of Dairy Science, 106(1), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2022- 22267.
Nehme, R., Andrés, S., Pereira, R. B., Ben Jemaa, M., Bouhallab, S., Ceciliani, F., ... & Abdennebi-Najar, L. (2021). Essential Oils in Livestock: From Health to Food Quality. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 10(2), p. 330. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10020330.
Oelschlaegel, S., Pieper, L., Staufenbiel, R., Gruner, M., Zeippert, L., Pieper, B., ... & Speer, K. (2012). Floral Markers of Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) Honey and Its Peroxide Antibacterial Activity for an Alternative Treatment of Digital Dermatitis. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 60(47), 11811–11820. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf303699t.
Ogata, A. & Nagahata, H. (2000). Intramammary Application of Ozone Therapy to Acute Clinical Mastitis in Dairy Cows.. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 62(7), 681–686. https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.62.681.
Omara, S.T. (2017). MIC and MBC of Honey and Gold Nanoparticles against methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant (VRSA)
coagulase-positive S. aureus isolated from contagious bovine clinical mastitis. Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 15(1), 219–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgeb.2017.02.010.
Park, H.J., Lee, S. H., Son, D. J., Oh, K. W., Kim, K. H., Song, H. S., ... & Hong, J. T. (2004). Antiarthritic effect of bee venom: Inhibition of inflammation mediator generation by suppression of NF-κB through interaction with the p50 subunit. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 50(11), 3504– 3515. https://doi.org/10.1002/art.20626.
Paudyal, S., Manriquez, D., Velasquez, A., Shearer, J. K., Plummer, P. J., Melendez, P., ... & Pinedo, P. J. (2020). Efficacy of non-antibiotic treatment options for digital dermatitis on an organic dairy farm. The Veterinary Journal, 255, p. 105417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.105417.
Piccart, K., Vasquez, A., Piepers, S., De Vliegher, S., & Olofsson, T. C. (2016). Short communication: Lactic acid bacteria from the honeybee inhibit the in vitro growth of mastitis pathogens. Journal of Dairy Science, 99(4), 2940–2944. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2015-10208.
Pizzino, G., Irrera, N., Cucinotta, M., Pallio, G., Mannino, F., Arcoraci, V., ... & Bitto, A. (2017). Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2017, p. 8416763. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/8416763.
Plummer, P.J. & Krull, A. (2017). Clinical Perspectives of Digital Dermatitis in Dairy and Beef Cattle. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice, 33(2), 165–181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2017.02.002.
Preine, F., Herrera, D., Scherpenzeel, C., Kalmus, P., McCoy, F., Smulski, S., ... & Krömker, V. (2022). Different European Perspectives on the Treatment of Clinical Mastitis in Lactation. p. 262 KB. https://doi.org/10.25968/OPUS-2413.
Rasmussen, P., Barkema, H. W., Osei, P. P., Taylor, J., Shaw, A. P., Conrady, B., ... & Torgerson, P. R. (2024). Global losses due to dairy cattle diseases: A comorbidity-adjusted economic analysis. Journal of Dairy Science, 107(9), 6945–6970. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2023-24626.
Ratajczak, M, Kaminska, D., Matuszewska, E., Hołderna-Kedzia, E., Rogacki, J., & Matysiak, J. (2021). Promising Antimicrobial Properties of Bioactive Compounds from Different Honeybee Products. Molecules, 26(13), p. 4007. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26134007.
Refaai, W., Ducatelle, R., Geldhof, P., Mihi, B., El-shair, M., & Opsomer, G. (2013). Digital dermatitis in cattle is associated with an excessive innate immune response triggered by the keratinocytes. BMC veterinary research, 9, p. 193. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746- 6148-9-193.
Royster, E. & Wagner, S. (2015). Treatment of mastitis in cattle. The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Food Animal Practice, 31(1), 17– 46, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2014.11.010.
Saeed, S.I., Kamaruzzaman, N. F., Gahamanyi, N., Nguyen, T. T. H., Hossain, D., & Kahwa, I. (2024) Correction: Confronting the complexities of antimicrobial management for Staphylococcus aureus causing bovine mastitis: an innovative paradigm. Irish Veterinary Journal, 77(1), p. 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13620-024-00266-z.
Santana, H.F., Barbosa, A. A. T., Ferreira, S. O., & Mantovani, H. C. (2012). Bactericidal activity of ethanolic extracts of propolis against Staphylococcus aureus isolated from mastitic cows. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 28(2), 485–491. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-011-0839-7.
Sayed, S.M., Abou El-Ella, G. A., Wahba, N. M., El Nisr, N. A., Raddad, K., Abd El Rahman, M. F., ... & Abd El Fattah Aamer, A. (2009). Immune Defense of Rats Immunized with Fennel Honey, Propolis, and Bee Venom Against Induced Staphylococcal Infection. Journal of Medicinal Food, 12(3), 569–575. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2008.0171.
Sharun, K., Dhama, K., Tiwari, R., Gugjoo, M. B., Iqbal Yatoo, M., Patel, S. K., ... & Chaicumpa, W. (2021). Advances in therapeutic and managemental approaches of bovine mastitis: a comprehensive review. The Veterinary Quarterly, 41(1), 107–136. https://doi.org/10.1080/01652176.2021.1882713.
Shimazaki, K.-I. and Kawai, K. (2017). Advances in lactoferrin research concerning bovine mastitis. Biochemistry and Cell Biology = Biochimie Et Biologie Cellulaire, 95(1), 69–75. https://doi.org/10.1139/bcb-2016-0044.
Stevanović, J., Abou El-Ella, G. A., Wahba, N. M., El Nisr, N. A., Raddad, K., Abd El Rahman, M. F., ... & Abd El Fattah Aamer, A. (2024). Bee-Inspired Healing: Apitherapy in Veterinary Medicine for Maintenance and Improvement Animal Health and Well-Being. Pharmaceuticals, 17(8), p. 1050. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17081050.
Stevens, M., Piepers, S. & De Vliegher, S. (2016). Mastitis prevention and control practices and mastitis treatment strategies associated with the consumption of (critically important) antimicrobials on dairy herds in Flanders, Belgium. Journal of Dairy Science, 99(4), 2896–2903. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2015-10496.
Titze, I., Lehnherr, T., Lehnherr, H., & Krömker, V. (2020). Efficacy of Bacteriophages Against Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Bovine Mastitis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 13(3), p. 35. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13030035.
Tomanić, D., Samardžija, M. & Kovačević, Z. (2023). Alternatives to Antimicrobial Treatment in Bovine Mastitis Therapy: A Review. Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland), 12(4), p. 683. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12040683.
Toreti, V.C., Sato, H. H., Pastore, G. M., & Park, Y. K. (2013). Recent progress of propolis for its biological and chemical compositions and its botanical origin. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM, 2013, p. 697390. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/697390.
Vidal Amaral, J.R. Jucá Ramos, R. T., Almeida Araújo, F., Bentes Kato, R., Figueira Aburjaile, F., de Castro Soares, S., Góes-Neto, A., da Costa, M. M., AzevedoV., Brenig, B., de Oliveira, S. S. & Soares Rosado, A. (2022). Bacteriocin Producing Streptococcus agalactiae Strains Isolated from Bovine Mastitis in Brazil. Microorganisms, 10(3), p. 588. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10030588.
Wang, K., Jin, X. L., Shen, X. G., Sun, L. P., Wu, L. M., Wei, J. Q., Marcucci, M. C., Fu-Liang Hu & Liu, J. X. (2016). Effects of Chinese Propolis in Protecting Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells against Mastitis Pathogens-Induced Cell Damage. Mediators of Inflammation, 2016, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/8028291.
Zigo, F., Vasil', M., Ondrašovičová, S., Výrostková, J., Bujok, J. & Pecka-Kielb, E. (2021). Maintaining Optimal Mammary Gland Health and Prevention of Mastitis. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8, p. 607311. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.607311.
Zulhendri, F., Lesmana, R., Tandean, S., Christoper, A., Chandrasekaran, K., Irsyam, I., Suwantika, A. A., Abdulah, R. & Wathon, N. (2022). Recent Update on the Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Propolis. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 27(23), p. 8473. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27238473.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Ana Guerrero Barrado, Elena Denoue Flórez
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Você tem o direito de:
Compartilhar — copiar e redistribuir o material em qualquer suporte ou formato
Adaptar — remixar, transformar, e criar a partir do material para qualquer fim, mesmo que comercial.
O licenciante não pode revogar estes direitos desde que você respeite os termos da licença. De acordo com os termos seguintes:
Atribuição
— Você deve dar o crédito apropriado, prover um link para a licença e indicar se mudanças foram feitas. Você deve fazê-lo em qualquer circunstância razoável, mas de nenhuma maneira que sugira que o licenciante apoia você ou o seu uso. Sem restrições adicionais
— Você não pode aplicar termos jurídicos ou medidas de caráter tecnológico que restrinjam legalmente outros de fazerem algo que a licença permita.
