Viral Paracetamol Plant Fertiliser Trend Debunked by IPB Expert

A plant expert from IPB University has clarified the facts behind a social media trend that claimed paracetamol could be used to fertilise plants. Efi Toding Tondok, head of the Plant Clinic at IPB University’s Faculty of Agriculture, stated there is no research or data proving that paracetamol can make plants thrive. She also advised against using human medication on plants. According to her, applying human drugs could have long-term negative effects on plants, such as killing certain organisms and causing pathogen resistance. “Paracetamol is specifically formulated for human health, and there is absolutely no research or data proving that the content of paracetamol is needed by plants or can fertilise them, especially chillies,” Efi explained. Efi noted that while some compounds, such as salicylic acid found in human medication, are indeed needed to boost plant resilience, the version used for humans has a purer and more expensive formula, whereas its application on plants could have worse consequences. “But if used on plants, especially over a large area, it could cause impacts we are not yet aware of. For example, it could kill certain organisms or cause resistance to drugs, which might make microorganisms that are possibly human pathogens resistant to medication,” she stressed. Efi recommended sticking to fertilisers intended for plants, as they have been formulated for vegetation and researched for safety regarding the environment, plants, and consumers. The public can also use common household materials as cheaper, safer, and easily accessible alternatives for plants. Efi cited using rice washing water for a small number of plants as an example. “For a small number of plants in the yard or potted plants, for instance, you can fertilise them with easy materials we usually discard, like rice washing water. That is very good for plant nutrition. So, do not use human medication on plants because the risks are greater, including ones we cannot yet see,” she explained.