# Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Selected Phytogenics for Sustainable Poultry Production
## 3 Antimicrobial Properties of Phytogenic Products in Poultry  
Although there is still much to learn about the mechanisms by which plant-derived phytochemicals exert their antimicrobial effects on various microbial populations, on target sites, in a feed matrix, and in the presence of other phytochemicals with opposing effects, their antimicrobial effects in animal health and nutrition have been extensively studied. Phytogenics are widely known for their ability to combat infections on a microbiological level. Additionally, purging of the digestive tract helps reduce ATP or energy losses during inflammation and immune responses, prevents diseases, promotes feed and nutrient digestion, and enhances growth performance and production. Transit time, digestive secretions, and the activity of digestive enzymes are some of the mechanisms known to affect gut function, and their combined effects have an impact on nutritional digestibility. Indeed, poultry performance is directly correlated with gut health and function, which is influenced by constant interactions amongst nutrition, intestinal integrity, gut flora, and the immune system. A favorable enhancement of the eubiosis could be how phytogenic compounds might selectively affect microorganisms. This leads to better utilization and absorption of nutrients, resulting in higher performance. Numerous phytogenics have positive effects on the digestive system, including spasmolytic, laxative, and antiflatulent properties. Phytogenics have attracted a lot of attention because they contain a variety of beneficial compounds, such as flavonoids and isoprene glucosinolate derivatives, which have antimicrobial properties. [PERSON] et al. [29] showed that phytogenic compounds enhanced the intestinal activities of trypsin, lipase, and amylase in broilers. At a dose of 0.6 mL/L, oregano and thyme essential oils were found to have a bactericidal action on _E. coli_[30]. [PERSON] et al. [31] showed that walnut leaves (_Juglandaceae_) slowed the spread of _Clostridium perfrengens_ in hens while improving weight gain. Likewise, pomergnate (_Punica granatum_) and green tea (_Camellia sinensis_) products were shown to alter the intestinal microbiota by promoting the proliferation of non-pathogenic bacteria in the digestive system [32]. Broilers fed diets supplemented with the extract of green tea leaves and pomergnate finds promoted a greater relative abundance of lactic acid-producing bacteria [32]. The in vitro effectiveness of certain berry, date, and thyme extracts against chicken-derived _E. coli_ and Salmonella isolates was demonstrated in a 2009 study by [PERSON] et al. [33]. Cinnamon extract, thyme, and clove stimulated the digestive secretions of bile, mucus, and saliva and improved enzyme activities, which are of great nutritional interest [34]. In addition, some oils extracted from plants positively influenced the activity of trypsin and amylase in chickens and had a stimulatory effect on the intestinal mucus in chickens, maintaining an equilibrium in the microflora present in their gut [35]. [PERSON] et al. [36] claimed that phytogenics significantly increased poultry production performance in terms of weight gain and the feed conversion ratio. This improvement was attributed to the high nutrient availability due to changes in the intestinal ecosystem, such as the increase in the population of lactic acid-producing bacteria. Lactic acid-producing bacteria have a positive impact on the lower gastrointestinal tract by regulating the composition of intestinal microflora, promoting intestinal immunity, and developing intestinal health. This could be the reason why several researchers have concluded that phytogenic feed additives improve nutrient digestibility, growth performance, and gut health in poultry [37]. [PERSON] et al. [38] reported earlier that phytogenics' antibacterial effect may help to improve the carcass's microbiological freshness.