Linum usitatissimum (linseed/flaxseed) fixed oil: antimicrobial activity and efficacy in bovine mastitis.
OBJECTIVE
In vitro antimicrobial activity and in vivo therapeutic efficacy of L. usitatissimum (linseed/flaxseed) fixed oil in bovine mastitis were investigated.


METHODS
In vitro antimicrobial activity of L. usitatissimum fixed oil was evaluated against a number of microorganisms by disc diffusion method and MIC determination. The in vivo efficacy of the oil was evaluated in nine mastitis-affected cows divided into three groups (three in each group), following once-a-day intramammary infusion of oil, cefoperazone or an oil-cefoperazone combination for 7 days and by monitoring the California mastitis test score, somatic cell count and microbial count in milk samples.


RESULTS
The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the oil against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae and Escherichia coli was comparable to that of cefoperazone while the antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis, Micrococcus luteus and Candida albicans, was greater than that of cefoperazone. In the in vivo study, the oil exhibited significant reduction in the California mastitis test score and somatic cell count in milk samples from infected udders following 7 days of intramammary administration suggesting its anti-inflammatory effect. The microbial count in milk samples was also reduced significantly following oil treatment. The effects were comparable to the treatment by cefoperazone (Mastiwock) alone or in combination with the oil. Apparently, the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of the oil contribute to its therapeutic efficacy in mastitis; the oil could be used as an alternative treatment for bovine mastitis


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest possible therapeutic potential of L. usitatissimum fixed oil in bovine mastitis.
Kaithwas
Gaurav
G
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, F.H.M.S, Allahabad Agricultural Institute-Deemed University, Allahabad 211007, U.P., India.
Mukerjee
Alok
A
Kumar
P
P
Majumdar
Dipak K
DK
D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects; D002417:Cattle; D002438:Cefoperazone / Q000494:pharmacology; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D019597:Flax / Q000737:chemistry*; D008043:Linseed Oil / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008414:Mastitis, Bovine / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008892:Milk / Q000187:drug effects / Q000382:microbiology; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000187:drug effects
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D002438:Cefoperazone; D008043:Linseed Oil