A Review on Vitex negundo and Its Role as an Additive for Livestock and Poultry

AbstractThere has been a steady rise in the consumption of poultry meat in India. Many countries have banned the use of antibiotics for growth promotion in poultry. Herbs stand out as a promising alternative. Chaste tree (Vitex negundo) is one of the herbs being explored for its role in improving animal health and productivity, especially in broilers. It has a widespread occurrence in the world and is also commonly found in India. The plant has been used in ethnoveterinary practices for many years. This review gathers information about antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, anthelminthic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic and insecticidal properties of the Vitex negundo plant. The properties are due to the presence of various phytochemicals in the plant. The review also highlights its effect as an additive on performance in poultry, especially broilers and livestock. With further well-designed, species-specific studies to standardize dosage, form, and long-term safety, Vitex negundo could be effectively utilized in poultry and livestock, offering a promising solution as a growth promoter, supporting animal health and productivity.