Introduction: Leaves of Anacardium occidentale L. have proved effective against various conditions in poultry, pigs, guinea pigs, sheep, rabbits, bovines and humans. Despite all its medicinal benefits, few studies have been conducted about its use as additive in the diet of laying hens. Objective: Evaluate the phytobiotic effect of leaves of A. occidentale on the productivity and egg quality of laying hens. Methods: Phytochemical screening was previously performed of the hydroalcoholic extract of dry leaves of the study plant, followed by selection of 160 White Leghorn hens (Hybrid L-33) aged 27 weeks and in their peak laying period to be used during 70 days, according to a design of total randomization to four treatments with powder of A. occidentale leaves (0; 0.5; 1.0 and 1.5 %). Results: A. occidentale leaves were found to have a high content of coumarins (++) and a low content of quinones and resins (-). The remaining analyses revealed mild detections (+). Results in laying hens did not show any morbidity or mortality with addition of the powder to their diet. Addition of 0.5 % improved (p< 0.05) production (80.18 to 86.32 %) and egg weight (53.08 to 54.75 g). However, no significant differences were found between the treatments with respect to unsuitable eggs and internal and external egg quality (p> 0.05), except for yolk color intensity (7), which increased (p< 0.05) with the addition of 0.5 % of the powder. Conclusions: Powder of A. occidentale leaves contains a wide variety of beneficial secondary metabolites. Therefore, dietary supplementation of 0.5% increases production and egg weight without affecting external and internal quality, except for yolk color.