Medicinal Plants in Poultry Disease Management

Poultry diseases continue to pose a major threat to global food security, animal welfare and economic stability in the poultry sector. For decades, antibiotic growth promoters have been widely used to enhance performance and prevent infectious diseases; however, their indiscriminate use has led to the alarming rise of antimicrobial resistance. This global concern has shifted attention toward natural, sustainable and safe alternatives. Among these, medicinal plants have gained prominence due to their diverse array of bioactive compounds, which are capable of supporting growth, immunity, and overall health in poultry.  Phytogenic feed additives derived from herbs and essential oils exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. These natural substances promote intestinal microbial balance, improve nutrient digestibility and enhance immune competence, thereby increasing growth efficiency and resistance to disease. Botanicals such as garlic, thyme, turmeric, aloe vera and ginger have demonstrated significant potential in improving physiological functions and mitigating the impact of bacterial and viral pathogens. This study explores the efficacy of selected medicinal plants in improving poultry health and production performance. The integration of herbal feed additives into poultry nutrition represents a promising, eco-friendly approach to disease control and productivity enhancement, while reducing dependency on synthetic antibiotics and supporting global efforts to mitigate antimicrobial resistance.