Fondazione Edmund Mach - Research and Innovation Centre

Cultivating Rhodiola rosea in aeroponics, optimizing growth, extracting anti-inflammatory compounds, and evaluating their bioactivity

Rhodiola rosea L. (Crassulaceae), a perennial herb native to high-altitude alpine regions, is renowned for its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation itself is involved in the development of neurodegenerative disorders, obesity, and diabetes, which have become, together with climate change, the major challenges for human beings of the 21st Century. These diseases are significantly affecting social and health systems in Italy and worldwide and will further increase considering the aging of the Western population. However, wild species of Rhodiola are under increasing pressure due to overharvesting and habitat loss, leading to its classification as an endangered species in several regions. The SAIRA project addresses the urgent need for sustainable R. rosea cultivation by investigating the potential of indoor aeroponics. We hypothesize that controlled-environment aeroponics can provide a viable alternative to traditional cultivation methods, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality plant material while minimizing environmental impact. This research will:

1. optimize aeroponic growth conditions (nutrient solution, lighting, humidity) for R. rosea to maximize biomass production and bioactive compound accumulation.
2. develop and characterize an innovative extraction method supported by control ultrasonic treatment for isolating key anti-inflammatory compounds, such as rosavin, salidroside, and tyrosol.
3. evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the innovative R. rosea extract using in vitro assays using human cells and animal models for the above diseases; focusing on the modulation and amelioration of relevant inflammatory pathways.
4. assess the sustainability of the aeroponic cultivation system through life cycle assessment, considering resource consumption and waste generation.

The successful implementation of this project will contribute to the conservation of R. rosea by reducing pressure on wild populations, providing a reliable source of raw material for the nutraceutical and phytopharmaceutical industries, and advancing our understanding of the plant's nutritional and pharmaceutical potential and promoting indoor farming using aeroponics. Furthermore, this approach offers a sustainable and scalable solution to produce valuable nutritional and medicinal plants, addressing both conservation concerns and the growing demand for natural health products.