Effects of light-emitting diode (LED) lights on growth and bioactive compound contents in Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees

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Published: Aug 4, 2025
Keywords:
Growth Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees Bioactive compound LED light Andrographolide

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Chalida Cholmaitri
Scientific Equipment and Research Division, Kasetsart University Research and Development Institute (KURDI), Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10150, Thailand
Apichai Jenjob
Pilot Plant Development and Training Institute, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10150, Thailand
Pongphen Jitareerat
School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10150, Thailand
Natta Laohakunjit
School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10150, Thailand
Apiradee Uthairatanakij
School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10150, Thailand

Abstract

Background and Objective: Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees is a herb that act as agents of anti-inflammatory, reduce fever and alleviate respiratory symptoms. However, there is an inadequacy of information on the influence of light quality on the growth and accumulation of secondary metabolites in A. paniculata. Therefore, this research aimed to study the effects of LED lights on growth and bioactive compounds in A. paniculata.
Methodology: The A. paniculata seeds were grown in a 104-hole seedling tray, and then 30-day-old seedlings were transplanted into a grow bag measuring 8 × 15 cm. The seedlings were grown in a greenhouse under natural light and supplemented with different LED lights from 18.00 to 20.00 p.m., including fluorescent (control), blue, and red LED lights. The light intensity was 100 µmol/m2/s. Plants were harvested 3 months after transplanting. This experiment was conducted by a completely randomized design (CRD) with ten replications. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA. Treatment mean ± standard deviations (SD) differences assessed via Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT).
Main Results: Red LED light-induced flowering of A. paniculata was 59.00 ± 0.50 days after transplanting (P ˂ 0.05) and gave the highest yield of the leaf (245.61 ± 0.30 g/plant) compared to other treatments (P ˂ 0.05). Additionally, red and blue LED lights increased total chlorophyll content in the leaves compared to the control group (P ˂ 0.05). Furthermore, blue LED light stimulated the production of the highest andrographolide content (158.57 ± 1.73 mg/g dry weight) and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehy-droandrographolide content (0.35 ± 0.02 mg/g dry weight), respectively (P ˂ 0.05).
Conclusions: Red LED light promoted flowering and yield of the leaf, while blue light increased the number of bioactive compounds, including andrographolide and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide contents in A. paniculate. These findings highlight the potential of LED lighting as a tool for optimizing the cultivation and enhancing the medicinal value of A. paniculata.

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 58 No. 1 (2025): January-March
Section
Research Articles
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