Phytogenic as a natural resource for gut health management: a sustainable strategy for modern poultry production

The increasing global demand for poultry products has intensified the need for intervention strategies that enhance productivity while maintaining animal health and food safety. Antimicrobials have historically been used in poultry production to support growth performance and maintain gut health; however, their routine and prolonged use have raised significant concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance, which poses a serious threat to public health. The growing concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance have motivated researchers to seek safer, more sustainable alternatives. This review critically evaluates the mechanisms by which phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) regulate gut health and their potential to support sustainable poultry production as alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. Phytogenic compounds have been shown to enhance intestinal barrier integrity by upregulating tight junction proteins, improve nutrient absorption by stimulating digestive enzyme activity, and promote villus development and mucosal health. Furthermore, these bioactive molecules have demonstrated potential to modulate microbial ecology by favoring beneficial taxa while suppressing pathogenic colonization, thereby improving gut homeostasis and immune competence. These combined effects contribute to improved overall production sustainability. Despite the beneficial effects of PFAs, variation in plant sources, bioactive component concentrations, extraction methods, and dosage leads to inconsistent poultry responses, a limitation that warrants further investigation and standardization. However, advances in formulation technologies and standardization strategies are progressively improving their consistency and practical application. Therefore, PFAs represent a viable nutritional strategy to support gut health and promote more sustainable poultry production with reduced reliance on conventional antimicrobials.