The Potential of Centella asiatica as a Feed Additive: Effects on Feed Intake and Growth Performance in Livestock

https://doi.org/10.47637/agrimals.v6i1.2336
Published: May 30, 2026

Abstract:

Optimal livestock productivity is highly dependent on feed efficiency and the maintained animal health status. The use of Antibiotic Growth Promoters (AGPs) has been strictly limited due to the risk of antimicrobial resistance, making natural alternatives crucial for the modern livestock industry. Centella asiatica, a medicinal plant widely recognized for its bioactive compounds, offers significant potential for application in animal nutrition. This plant is rich in triterpenoids, saponins, and flavonoids, which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that collectively influence livestock metabolism and performance. This study aims to evaluate the potential and effectiveness of Centella asiatica as a feed additive in enhancing feed intake and growth performance across various livestock species. A systematic review was conducted on scientific publications from 2016 to 2026, accessed through online databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect, focusing on the effects of Centella asiatica supplementation on livestock productivity parameters. The results of this review indicate that the inclusion of Centella asiatica in feed rations can improve feed intake, enhance nutrient utilization, and boost growth performance. Furthermore, its bioactive compounds contribute to improved gut health and immune response, which indirectly support superior growth outcomes. Several studies reported that the inclusion of Centella asiatica at optimal levels results in increased body weight gain and improved feed efficiency. In conclusion, Centella asiatica represents an effective natural approach to enhancing growth performance and feed efficiency, making it a highly relevant application in sustainable and antibiotic-free livestock production systems.

Keywords:
1. Bioactive
2. Centella asiatica
3. feed additive
4. growth performance
5. poultry
Authors:
1 . Citra Nurma Yunita
Universitas Muhammadiyah Kotabumi
2 . Reza Fahlevi
Universitas Muhammadiyah Kotabumi
3 . Sari Dewi
Universitas Muhammadiyah Kotabumi
4 . Amirah Inas Widiawati
Universitas Muhammadiyah Kotabumi
5 . Negrita Rizki Anggraini
Universitas Muhammadiyah Kotabumi
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How to Cite
Yunita, C. N., Reza Fahlevi, Sari Dewi, Amirah Inas Widiawati, & Negrita Rizki Anggraini. (2026). The Potential of Centella asiatica as a Feed Additive: Effects on Feed Intake and Growth Performance in Livestock. Journal of Agriculture and Animal Science, 6(1), 63–73. https://doi.org/10.47637/agrimals.v6i1.2336
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Issue & Section
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): Volume 6 Nomor 1 Tahun 2026
Articles
References

    Abbas, M., Abbas, G., Hashmi, A. H., Jaffery, S., Li, Y., Zhao, G., & Xihe, L. (2026). Sustainable AGP Alternatives: A Systems Approach to Non-Antibiotic Growth Regulators Standardization, Synergistic Formulation and Environmental Safety. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 12, 1695160. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1695160

    Ajayi, O. A., Olumide, M. D., Chioma, G. O., & Ayodele, A. D. (2020). Efficiency of Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Leaf Meal as Feed Additive in Broiler Chicken Diet. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 47(1), 153-160. https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.v47i2.110

    Alagbe, J. O., Alagbe, J. O., & Tijani, T. D. (2018). Effects of Dried Centella Asiatica Leaf Meal as Herbal Feed Additive on the Growth Performance, Haematology and Serum Biochemistry of Broiler Chicken. Pacific International Journal, 1(4), 172-180. https://doi.org/10.55014/pij.v1i4.52

    Amir, Y. S., Dewi, M., Noor, P. S., Malvin, T., & Putra, E. (2019). Pemanfaatan Tepung Daun Pegagan (Centella asiatica) Sebagai Feed Additive dalam Ransum Terhadap Konsumsi Ransum dan Berat Organ Fisiologis Broiler. Lumbung, 18(2), 105-111. https://doi.org/10.32530/lumbung.v18i2.184

    Ariqoh, H., Prayoga, S., Hermanto, B. S., & Hermana, W. (2019). Suplementasi jus daun pegagan (Centella asiatica (l.) Urban) dan limbah wortel (Daucus carota) terhadap produktivitas puyuh jantan (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Jurnal Ilmu Nutrisi dan Teknologi Pakan, 17(2), 54-58. https://doi.org/10.29244/jintp.17.2.54-58

    Bala, E., Patra, S., & Singha, S. (2023). Development of Centella Asiatica Beverages with Potential Antioxidant and Prebiotic Activity for Maintaining Intestinal Health. Food Bioscience, 53, 102751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2023.102751

    Bedford, M. R., & Apajalahti, J. H. (2022). The Role of Feed Enzymes in Maintaining Poultry Intestinal Health. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 102(5), 1759-1770. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.11670

    Darmawan, A., Krisnan, R., Fajri, I. N., Yuniartika, Y., Lusbiantoro, M. A., Rusli, R. K., & Hidayat, C. (2025). Effect of In Ovo Feeding of Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract on Hatchability, Morphometric, Visceral Organs, Intestinal Morphology, and Blood Hematology Parameters of Indonesian Native Chicks. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 57(5), 256. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-025-04507-3

    Dewi, M., Malvin, T., Noor, P. S., & Amir, Y. S. (2018). Pengaruh Penambahan Pegagan (Centella Aciatica) sebagai Pakan Additif Broiler Terhadap Persentase Karkas dan Lemak Abdomen. Prosiding Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Payakumbuh, 1(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.31227/osf.io/ndqmr

    Dewi, R. L., & Yuniati, R. (2025). Utiliization of Natural Compound from Pegagan (Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.) and Their Potential Role in the Health Sector. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 11(4), 94-103. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v11i4.10558

    Dewi, S., Yunita, C. N., Falah, R. R., & Fahlevi, R. (2025). Pendugaan Kandungan Nutrisi Dedak Padi Menggunakan Jaringan Syaraf Tiruan (JST) Berdasarkan Data Absorban NIRS (Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy). Journal of Agriculture and Animal Science, 5(2), 275-288. https://doi.org/10.47637/agrimals.v5i2.1958

    Fahlevi, R., Yunita, C. N., Pradana, D. K., Dewi, S., & Falah, R. R. (2025). Pengaruh Penambahan L-Arginin terhadap Total Spermatozoa Motil (TSM) pada Semen Beku Kambing Boer. Journal of Agriculture and Animal Science, 5(2), 179-186. https://doi.org/10.47637/agrimals.v5i2.1954

    Falasifah, Sunarno, S., Anwar Djaelani, M., & Rahadian, R. (2018, May). Pegagan and Cinnamon Bark Flours as A Feed Supplement for Quail Growth Rate (Coturnix coturnix). In Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1025(1), 012047. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1025/1/012047

    Gaillard, C., Brossard, L., & Dourmad, J. Y. (2020). Improvement of Feed and Nutrient Efficiency in Pig Production Through Precision Feeding. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 268, 114611. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2020.114611

    Herwintono, H., Hidayati, A., & Khotimah, K. (2023). Hematological Status of Broilers with Addition Pegagan (Centella asiatica (l.) urban) on Feed in Maintenance without Vaccination. Journal of Agriculture Veterinary Science, 11(07), 72-78. https://doi.org/10.36347/sjavs.2023.v10i07.002

    Honan, M., Feng, X., Tricarico, J. M., & Kebreab, E. (2021). Feed Additives as A Strategic Approach to Reduce Enteric Methane Production in Cattle: Modes of Action, Effectiveness and Safety. Animal Production Science, 62(14), 1303-1317. https://doi.org/10.1071/AN20295

    Kwon, H. C., Han, J. H., Jung, H. S., Shin, D. M., & Han, S. G. (2025). Protection of Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses Using Centella Asiatica Through its Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities. Animal Bioscience, 38(11), 2403. https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.25.0089

    Nurmalia, V. R., Rusmana, D., & Mushawwir, A. (2020). Kadar Glukosa dan Trigliserida Ayam Ras Petelur Fase Layer Yang Diberi Ransum Mengandung Ekstrak Pegagan (Centella asiatica). Jurnal Nutrisi Ternak Tropis dan Ilmu Pakan, 2(4). https://doi.org/10.24198/jnttip.v2i4.27396

    Rusli, R. K., Darmawan, A., Hidayat, C., & Krisnan, R. (2025). Evaluation of The Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Properties of Centella Asiatica Leaf Meal Extract as A Feed Additive Candidate for Poultry. Archives of Razi Institute, 80(2), 517. https://doi.org/10.32592/ARI.2025.80.2.517

    Sabaragamuwa, R., & Perera, C. O. (2023). Total Triterpenes, Polyphenols, Flavonoids, and Antioxidant Activity of Bioactive Phytochemicals of Centella Asiatica by Different Extraction Techniques. Foods, 12(21), 3972. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12213972

    Sachdeva, A., Tomar, T., Malik, T., Bains, A., & Karnwal, A. (2025). Exploring Probiotic as A Sustainable Alternative to Antimicrobial Growth Promoters: Mechanisms and Benefits in Animal Health. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8, 1523678. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1523678

    Salim, H. M., Huque, K. S., Kamaruddin, K. M., & Haque Beg, A. (2018). Global Restriction of Using Antibiotic Growth Promoters and Alternative Strategies in Poultry Production. Science progress, 101(1), 52-75. https://doi.org/10.3184/003685018X15173975498947

    Sunarno, S., Zubaedah, S., Rini, A. N. S., Sekarsari, E., & Rahadian, R. (2019). Cinnamon and Gotu Kola Supplementation to Produce High Antioxidant and Low Cholesterol of Quail Pectoral Meat. Biosaintifika: Journal of Biology & Biology Education, 11(1), 148-155. https://doi.org/10.15294/biosaintifika.v11i1.18220

    Tan, S. C., Bhattamisra, S. K., Chellappan, D. K., & Candasamy, M. (2021). Actions and Therapeutic Potential of Madecassoside and Other Major Constituents of Centella asiatica: A Review. Applied Sciences, 11(18), 8475. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11188475

    Tribudi, Y. A., & Nurfianti, A. (2017). Penambahan Tepung Daun Pegagan (Centella asiatica) terhadap Performa Produksi Puyuh. Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Peternakan, 27(1), 96-100. https://doi.org/10.21776/ub.jiip.2017.027.01.08

    Tumilaar, S. G., Hardianto, A., Dohi, H., & Kurnia, D. (2024). A Comprehensive Review of Free Radicals, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidants: Overview, Clinical Applications, Global Perspectives, Future Directions, and Mechanisms of Antioxidant Activity of Flavonoid Compounds. Journal of Chemistry, 2024(1), 5594386. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/5594386

    Umam, A. K., Radiati, L. E., Andriani, R. D., Yunita, C. N., Ramadhaniarti, M. W., & Ramadhan, R. (2023). The Use of Kefir Grains as an Anaerobic Method for Removal of β-Lactam Antibiotic Residue on Cow Milk. International Conference on Environmentally Sustainable Animal Industry, 233-239. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-116-6_30

    Yunita, C. N., & Rahayu, P. P. (2025). Citrus Marinades as a Natural Strategy to Improve the Physicochemical Quality and Safety of Grilled Meat: A Review. In BIO Web of Conferences, 1(1),191. https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/202519100026

    Yunita, C. N., Pradana, D. K., Fahlevi, R., Dewi, S., & Falah, R. R. (2025). Pengaruh Marinasi Larutan Jeruk Lemon (Citrus limon l) terhadap Karakteristik Organoleptik Sate Ayam. Journal of Agriculture and Animal Science, 5(1), 70-78. https://doi.org/10.47637/agrimals.v5i1.1744

  1. Abbas, M., Abbas, G., Hashmi, A. H., Jaffery, S., Li, Y., Zhao, G., & Xihe, L. (2026). Sustainable AGP Alternatives: A Systems Approach to Non-Antibiotic Growth Regulators Standardization, Synergistic Formulation and Environmental Safety. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 12, 1695160. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1695160
  2. Ajayi, O. A., Olumide, M. D., Chioma, G. O., & Ayodele, A. D. (2020). Efficiency of Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Leaf Meal as Feed Additive in Broiler Chicken Diet. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 47(1), 153-160. https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.v47i2.110
  3. Alagbe, J. O., Alagbe, J. O., & Tijani, T. D. (2018). Effects of Dried Centella Asiatica Leaf Meal as Herbal Feed Additive on the Growth Performance, Haematology and Serum Biochemistry of Broiler Chicken. Pacific International Journal, 1(4), 172-180. https://doi.org/10.55014/pij.v1i4.52
  4. Amir, Y. S., Dewi, M., Noor, P. S., Malvin, T., & Putra, E. (2019). Pemanfaatan Tepung Daun Pegagan (Centella asiatica) Sebagai Feed Additive dalam Ransum Terhadap Konsumsi Ransum dan Berat Organ Fisiologis Broiler. Lumbung, 18(2), 105-111. https://doi.org/10.32530/lumbung.v18i2.184
  5. Ariqoh, H., Prayoga, S., Hermanto, B. S., & Hermana, W. (2019). Suplementasi jus daun pegagan (Centella asiatica (l.) Urban) dan limbah wortel (Daucus carota) terhadap produktivitas puyuh jantan (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Jurnal Ilmu Nutrisi dan Teknologi Pakan, 17(2), 54-58. https://doi.org/10.29244/jintp.17.2.54-58
  6. Bala, E., Patra, S., & Singha, S. (2023). Development of Centella Asiatica Beverages with Potential Antioxidant and Prebiotic Activity for Maintaining Intestinal Health. Food Bioscience, 53, 102751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2023.102751
  7. Bedford, M. R., & Apajalahti, J. H. (2022). The Role of Feed Enzymes in Maintaining Poultry Intestinal Health. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 102(5), 1759-1770. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.11670
  8. Darmawan, A., Krisnan, R., Fajri, I. N., Yuniartika, Y., Lusbiantoro, M. A., Rusli, R. K., & Hidayat, C. (2025). Effect of In Ovo Feeding of Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract on Hatchability, Morphometric, Visceral Organs, Intestinal Morphology, and Blood Hematology Parameters of Indonesian Native Chicks. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 57(5), 256. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-025-04507-3
  9. Dewi, M., Malvin, T., Noor, P. S., & Amir, Y. S. (2018). Pengaruh Penambahan Pegagan (Centella Aciatica) sebagai Pakan Additif Broiler Terhadap Persentase Karkas dan Lemak Abdomen. Prosiding Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Payakumbuh, 1(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.31227/osf.io/ndqmr
  10. Dewi, R. L., & Yuniati, R. (2025). Utiliization of Natural Compound from Pegagan (Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.) and Their Potential Role in the Health Sector. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 11(4), 94-103. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v11i4.10558
  11. Dewi, S., Yunita, C. N., Falah, R. R., & Fahlevi, R. (2025). Pendugaan Kandungan Nutrisi Dedak Padi Menggunakan Jaringan Syaraf Tiruan (JST) Berdasarkan Data Absorban NIRS (Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy). Journal of Agriculture and Animal Science, 5(2), 275-288. https://doi.org/10.47637/agrimals.v5i2.1958
  12. Fahlevi, R., Yunita, C. N., Pradana, D. K., Dewi, S., & Falah, R. R. (2025). Pengaruh Penambahan L-Arginin terhadap Total Spermatozoa Motil (TSM) pada Semen Beku Kambing Boer. Journal of Agriculture and Animal Science, 5(2), 179-186. https://doi.org/10.47637/agrimals.v5i2.1954
  13. Falasifah, Sunarno, S., Anwar Djaelani, M., & Rahadian, R. (2018, May). Pegagan and Cinnamon Bark Flours as A Feed Supplement for Quail Growth Rate (Coturnix coturnix). In Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1025(1), 012047. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1025/1/012047
  14. Gaillard, C., Brossard, L., & Dourmad, J. Y. (2020). Improvement of Feed and Nutrient Efficiency in Pig Production Through Precision Feeding. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 268, 114611. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2020.114611
  15. Herwintono, H., Hidayati, A., & Khotimah, K. (2023). Hematological Status of Broilers with Addition Pegagan (Centella asiatica (l.) urban) on Feed in Maintenance without Vaccination. Journal of Agriculture Veterinary Science, 11(07), 72-78. https://doi.org/10.36347/sjavs.2023.v10i07.002
  16. Honan, M., Feng, X., Tricarico, J. M., & Kebreab, E. (2021). Feed Additives as A Strategic Approach to Reduce Enteric Methane Production in Cattle: Modes of Action, Effectiveness and Safety. Animal Production Science, 62(14), 1303-1317. https://doi.org/10.1071/AN20295
  17. Kwon, H. C., Han, J. H., Jung, H. S., Shin, D. M., & Han, S. G. (2025). Protection of Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses Using Centella Asiatica Through its Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities. Animal Bioscience, 38(11), 2403. https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.25.0089
  18. Nurmalia, V. R., Rusmana, D., & Mushawwir, A. (2020). Kadar Glukosa dan Trigliserida Ayam Ras Petelur Fase Layer Yang Diberi Ransum Mengandung Ekstrak Pegagan (Centella asiatica). Jurnal Nutrisi Ternak Tropis dan Ilmu Pakan, 2(4). https://doi.org/10.24198/jnttip.v2i4.27396
  19. Rusli, R. K., Darmawan, A., Hidayat, C., & Krisnan, R. (2025). Evaluation of The Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Properties of Centella Asiatica Leaf Meal Extract as A Feed Additive Candidate for Poultry. Archives of Razi Institute, 80(2), 517. https://doi.org/10.32592/ARI.2025.80.2.517
  20. Sabaragamuwa, R., & Perera, C. O. (2023). Total Triterpenes, Polyphenols, Flavonoids, and Antioxidant Activity of Bioactive Phytochemicals of Centella Asiatica by Different Extraction Techniques. Foods, 12(21), 3972. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12213972
  21. Sachdeva, A., Tomar, T., Malik, T., Bains, A., & Karnwal, A. (2025). Exploring Probiotic as A Sustainable Alternative to Antimicrobial Growth Promoters: Mechanisms and Benefits in Animal Health. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8, 1523678. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1523678
  22. Salim, H. M., Huque, K. S., Kamaruddin, K. M., & Haque Beg, A. (2018). Global Restriction of Using Antibiotic Growth Promoters and Alternative Strategies in Poultry Production. Science progress, 101(1), 52-75. https://doi.org/10.3184/003685018X15173975498947
  23. Sunarno, S., Zubaedah, S., Rini, A. N. S., Sekarsari, E., & Rahadian, R. (2019). Cinnamon and Gotu Kola Supplementation to Produce High Antioxidant and Low Cholesterol of Quail Pectoral Meat. Biosaintifika: Journal of Biology & Biology Education, 11(1), 148-155. https://doi.org/10.15294/biosaintifika.v11i1.18220
  24. Tan, S. C., Bhattamisra, S. K., Chellappan, D. K., & Candasamy, M. (2021). Actions and Therapeutic Potential of Madecassoside and Other Major Constituents of Centella asiatica: A Review. Applied Sciences, 11(18), 8475. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11188475
  25. Tribudi, Y. A., & Nurfianti, A. (2017). Penambahan Tepung Daun Pegagan (Centella asiatica) terhadap Performa Produksi Puyuh. Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Peternakan, 27(1), 96-100. https://doi.org/10.21776/ub.jiip.2017.027.01.08
  26. Tumilaar, S. G., Hardianto, A., Dohi, H., & Kurnia, D. (2024). A Comprehensive Review of Free Radicals, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidants: Overview, Clinical Applications, Global Perspectives, Future Directions, and Mechanisms of Antioxidant Activity of Flavonoid Compounds. Journal of Chemistry, 2024(1), 5594386. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/5594386
  27. Umam, A. K., Radiati, L. E., Andriani, R. D., Yunita, C. N., Ramadhaniarti, M. W., & Ramadhan, R. (2023). The Use of Kefir Grains as an Anaerobic Method for Removal of β-Lactam Antibiotic Residue on Cow Milk. International Conference on Environmentally Sustainable Animal Industry, 233-239. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-116-6_30
  28. Yunita, C. N., & Rahayu, P. P. (2025). Citrus Marinades as a Natural Strategy to Improve the Physicochemical Quality and Safety of Grilled Meat: A Review. In BIO Web of Conferences, 1(1),191. https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/202519100026
  29. Yunita, C. N., Pradana, D. K., Fahlevi, R., Dewi, S., & Falah, R. R. (2025). Pengaruh Marinasi Larutan Jeruk Lemon (Citrus limon l) terhadap Karakteristik Organoleptik Sate Ayam. Journal of Agriculture and Animal Science, 5(1), 70-78. https://doi.org/10.47637/agrimals.v5i1.1744