Medicinal plants in hydroponics – opportunities for research and small-scale cultivation – potential and limitations
The hydroponic cultivation of medicinal plants enables precise control of environmental parameters and can contribute to the standardization of active ingredient content. In addition to potential advantages for industrial production, such as greater independence from climatic and geographical restrictions, applications in small-scale cultivation are also being discussed. Such systems could enable the local supply of medicinal plants and serve niche markets. Nevertheless, there are considerable scientific and technical challenges. These include, in particular, the insufficiently researched influences of hydroponic cultivation conditions on the synthesis of secondary metabolites, as well as high requirements for hygiene and contamination control in closed systems. In addition, the economic viability of small-scale hydroponic systems must be critically evaluated in comparison to established production methods.

 

For growing your own, hydroponic systems can still provide a practical way to access medicinal plants. Under controlled conditions, plants can be cultivated that are available regardless of the season or weather. Even if the active ingredient content does not always meet pharmaceutical standards, hydroponic cultivation can be a safe, resource-efficient, and educational way for private users to produce medicinal plants of consistent quality.

KAT ID: 58