Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Centella asiatica L. in Response to Organic and Chemical Fertilizer

Abstract

Background: Centella asiatica L. is a traditional medicinal plant popular in several Asian countries. The cultivation of this herb is facing the problem of overuse of chemical fertilizers and quality deterioration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of organic and non-organic fertilizer on growth, yield and phytochemical content of centella. Methods: The set-up was performed in the field from June to November 2021. The treatments were: no fertilizer (control); inorganic fertilizer (the famer’s recommended rate; 150 kg N ha-1:50 kg P ha-1: 50 kg K ha-1); organic compost (10 tones ha-1); inorganic fertilizer (a half of recommendation rate; 75 kg N ha-1:25 kg P ha-1: 25 kg K ha-1);organic compost (5 tones ha-1) plus inorganic fertilizer (a half of recommendation rate; 100 kg N ha-1:25 kg P ha-1: 25 kg K ha-1). Result: The application of fertilizer increased the plant growth, biomass production and total chlorophyll content of centella. Nonetheless, the high amount of inorganic fertilizer led to a reduction in the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in centella leaf. The combination of organic compost and inorganic fertilizer produced maximum growth and increased the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity.