EFFECT OF Morinda citrifolia IN GROWTH, PRODUCTION AND IMMUNOMODULATORY PROPERTIES IN LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY: A REVIEW

Abstract

Morinda citrifolia L. is commonly known as Noni and has been found to have wide range of medicinal properties. It is usually found in the coastal region in many countries including Andaman and Nicobar Islands and belongs to the family Rubiaceae. This small evergreen tree is widely grown and well adapted to the tropics and can grow in fertile, acidic, alkaline and saline affected soils. It tolerates high soil salinity and brackish water stagnation. All the components of this plant have high demand in case of alternative medicines and herbal medicines. Due to its high demand and as a source of revenue generation the detail study on its nutritional benefits and therapeutic values are essential for its commercial exploitation. More than 200 nutraceutical compounds have been identified from the plant. Morinda citrifolia is reported to have broad spectrum biological activities such as antimicrobial, immunomodualtory, antioxidant wound healing etc. Apart from the in-vitro scientific validation of the activities and in-vivo trial in some lab animal model, the plant has been used for livestock and poultry health and production. A lot of reviews have been written on the different uses of Noni, however, scientific review on the use of this plant on the growth, production, immunomodulator and other pharmacological activities of M. citrifolia in livestock and poultry has not been compiled. Therefore this review discusses the compilation of the work done on the use of M. citrifolia in livestock and poultry.