Multiple benefits of herbs: Polygonaceae species in veterinary pharmacology and livestock nutrition

Herbs rich in secondary metabolites may possess beneficial properties in livestock nutrition and health. 49 Polygonaceae species of European mountain regions were included in a qualitative systematic review based on the methodological framework of the PRISMA statement. 174 relevant publications were identified. They comprised 231 in vitro and 163 in vivo experiments with cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, pigs, and rodents. For 16 Polygonaceae species no reports were found. Fagopyrum esculentum and Fagopyrum tataricum showed potential as anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and metabolic modifying herbs and feeds improving intake and nitrogen conversion in broiler as well as milk quality and ruminal biotransformation in dairy cows. Polygonum aviculare was promising as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drug or feed, improving performance and affecting ruminal biotransformation in sheep, and Polygonum bistorta as an anti-inflammatory drug or feed, improving performance in broiler and mitigating methane emissions in ruminants. Rumex obtusifolius showed potential as an antibacterial drug or feed improving ruminal biotransformation and preventing bloating in cows, while Rumex acetosa and Rumex acetosella had antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, Polygonum minus, Polygonum persicaria, Rumex crispus and Rumex patientia possess interesting anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. In conclusion, some Polygonaceae species show relevant properties that might be useful to prevent and treat livestock diseases, combined with nutritional benefits in performance, product quality, lowering ruminal methane and ammonia formation and transferring omega-3 fatty-acids from feed to tissue. The potential of such multifunctional plants for a holistic integration of veterinary, nutritional and ecological perspectives under a one-health approach of livestock management is discussed.