Advances in studies on the pharmacological effects of Fagopyrum dibotrys and its application in animal production

Fagopyrum dibotrys, a traditional Chinese herb, contains phenolics, flavonoids and other bioactive components, which have antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, anti-tumor, and other activities. F. dibotrys has been approved as a traditional Chinese medicine for use as a substitution for antibiotics in broilers. As a feed additive in animal production, F. dibotrys can improve the immune and antioxidant capacity of animals and promote animal performance. Moreover, the stems and leaves of F. dibotrys can be used as unconventional feed materials to replace feedstuffs, improve animal performance, and alleviate feedstuffs shortages. To explore utilization of F. dibotrys and provide a basis for its comprehensive development, this paper reviews the pharmacological effects and application in animal production of F. dibotrys to provide a reference for the development of F. dibotrys.