Recent advancements in phytotherapeutics for controlling babesiosis and theileriosis.

Babesiosis/theileriosis is a tick-borne disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia and Theileria. Tick species of genera, such as Ixodes, Rhipicephalus, Haemaphysalis and Hyalomma, transmit these parasites. These diseases threaten livestock productivity and health, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas. These diseases have a significant economic impact due to reduced milk and meat production, reproductive losses, higher veterinary expenses, and, in extreme cases, animal mortality. Even after decades of research, piroplasmosis is still difficult to control and manage. The most common drugs to treat this disease include buparvaquone, diminazene aceturate, and imidocarb dipropionate. These drugs are known for toxicity, and recent reports of the emergence of resistance to these drugs are worrisome. Hence, the development of alternative sustainable control methods is necessary. This review examines the current status of research on plant-based natural extracts/compounds, with particular emphasis on combination therapies integrating natural products with synthetic antiparasitic agents.