EFFECT OF MORINDA LUCIDA LEAF POWDER AS A NATURAL FEED ADDITIVES IN ANIMALS FOR MITIGATING ANTIBIOTIC RESIDUES IN THE ENVIRONMENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Introduction:
The extensive use of antibiotics in livestock production has led to the release of residues into soil, water, and agricultural ecosystems, contributing to antimicrobial resistance and environmental contamination. Sustainable alternatives that reduce antibiotic use are therefore urgently needed. Morinda lucida, a tropical medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolics, has been investigated as a phytogenic feed additive with antimicrobial and detoxifying properties. This systematic review evaluates the potential of Morinda lucida leaf powder to mitigate environmental antibiotic residues from livestock production.

Methods:

A systematic search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Studies published between 2000 and 2025 were screened using keywords related to Morinda lucida, phytogenic feed additives, antibiotic residues, environmental contamination, and livestock production. The search identified 156 records, with 121 remaining after duplicate removal. After title and abstract screening, 47 full-text articles were assessed, and 20 studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis.

Results:

The studies indicate that phytogenic feed additives containing bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, improving animal health and reducing disease incidence. Reduced antibiotic use correlates with lower levels of residues entering the environment via manure and runoff. Several studies also reported enhanced gut microbial balance and growth performance in animals supplemented with plant-based additives.

Conclusions:

Morinda lucida leaf powder shows promise as a sustainable feed additive capable of mitigating antibiotic use and environmental residues from livestock production. Further experimental and field studies are needed to determine optimal inclusion levels and assess long-term ecological impacts on soil and water quality.