Expert Warns Against Using Paracetamol for Plants, Highlights Risks

Dr. Efi Toding Tondok, the person in charge of the Plant Clinic at the Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, has issued a stern warning to the public regarding recent social media content suggesting the use of paracetamol as a plant fertiliser. Dr. Efi firmly advises against using human medication on plants. According to her, this practice risks triggering adverse long-term effects that have not been scientifically mapped, ranging from the death of certain organisms to the threat of pathogen resistance. “Paracetamol is specifically formulated for human health, and there is absolutely no research or data proving that its content is needed by plants or can fertilise them, particularly chillies,” Dr. Efi stated. She explained that human drug formulations are designed with very measured, low doses to be safe for the human body. If applied to plants, aside from being far more expensive than conventional fertilisers, their effectiveness has not been clinically tested in agriculture. Although some compounds in human medicine, such as salicylic acid, are known to enhance plant resilience, the formula for humans is much purer and costlier. Widespread use would be extremely dangerous for the environment. “If used on plants, especially over a large area, it could cause impacts we are not yet aware of. For instance, it might kill certain organisms or cause resistance to drugs, potentially making microorganisms—which could be human pathogens—resistant to medication,” she stressed. As a solution, Dr. Efi advised the public to continue using fertilisers specifically formulated for plants, such as manure, as their safety for the environment, plants, and consumers is assured. For those with ornamental plants or small home gardens, she recommended utilising household waste, which is far more beneficial and safer than using human chemical drugs. “Potted plants, for example, can be fertilised with materials we usually discard, like rice washing water. That is excellent for plant nutrition. So, do not use human medicines on plants because the risks, many of which we cannot yet see, are far greater,” she concluded.