Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) As A Phytogenic Feed Additive For Improving Growth Performance, Gut Health And Immunity In Poultry: A Review

Authors: P. Radhika

Abstract: The restriction on antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production has increased interest in natural feed additives that can enhance productivity while maintaining animal health. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a promising phytogenic additive due to its rich content of bioactive compounds, including citral, geraniol, flavonoids, phenolic acids and terpenoids. These compounds possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that may improve growth performance, intestinal health and disease resistance in poultry. This review summarizes the effects of lemongrass supplementation on production efficiency, gastrointestinal health, antioxidant status and immune responses in broiler chickens and other poultry species. Available evidence indicates that moderate dietary inclusion of lemongrass or its essential oil improves body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, antioxidant capacity and immune function, although responses vary depending on dosage, formulation and experimental conditions. Further research is required to standardize supplementation levels and clarify molecular mechanisms. Overall, lemongrass represents a potential natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in sustainable poultry production.