Alternative and Adjunctive Antimicrobial Strategies in Veterinary Medicine: A One Health Perspective on Phytotherapy

The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has intensified the search for alternative and adjunctive antimicrobial strategies in veterinary medicine within the broader One Health framework linking animal, human, and environmental health. Although conventional antibiotics remain essential for disease prevention and treatment, their extensive use has contributed to the emergence and dissemination of resistant microorganisms, posing significant risks to public health, animal welfare, and ecosystem stability.Recent advances in veterinary pharmacognosy, microbiology, and natural product research have highlighted phytotherapy as a promising source of novel antimicrobial agents and complementary therapeutic approaches. Plant-derived bioactive compounds, including essential oils, polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids, have demonstrated antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. In addition, growing evidence suggests that certain phytochemicals may enhance antibiotic efficacy, modulate host–pathogen interactions, and help mitigate the development of antimicrobial resistance. Nevertheless, important challenges remain regarding the standardization of herbal preparations, characterization of active compounds, elucidation of mechanisms of action, assessment of pharmacokinetics and safety, and validation of clinical efficacy across animal species.This Research Topic aims to provide an interdisciplinary platform for advancing knowledge on phytotherapeutic and other alternative antimicrobial strategies in veterinary medicine. We seek to explore the therapeutic potential, mechanisms, safety, and translational applicability of plant-based compounds as alternatives or adjuncts to conventional antimicrobials, while also evaluating their implications for antimicrobial stewardship and AMR mitigation within a One Health perspective.We welcome original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, clinical studies, and perspectives addressing, but not limited to, the following topics:- Identification, extraction, and characterization of plant-derived antimicrobial compounds;- Mechanisms of action of phytochemicals against bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens;- Synergistic interactions between phytotherapeutics and conventional antimicrobials;- Effects of phytochemicals on microbial resistance mechanisms and biofilm formation;- Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of herbal compounds in veterinary species;- Pharmacokinetics, formulation strategies, toxicology, and safety assessment of phytotherapeutic agents;- Clinical applications of phytotherapy in companion, livestock, aquatic, and exotic animals;- Environmental, epidemiological, and ecological implications of phytotherapy within the One Health framework- Sustainable use of medicinal plants and biodiversity considerations;- Regulatory, ethical, and policy aspects related to phytotherapeutic integration into veterinary practice and antimicrobial stewardship programs. Topic editors: George Cosmin Nadăș, MIHAI MARES Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81537/alternative-and-adjunctive-antimicrobial-strategies-in-veterinary-medicine-a-one-health-perspective-on-phytotherapy