Adenostemma lavenia: Growth, Metabolite Profile, and Secondary Metabolite Production with Different Fertilizers

Adenostemma lavenia, a member of the Asteraceae family, possesses numerous medicinal properties, although it is not extensively cultivated. The objective of this research initiative is to determine the optimal fertilizer dosages that result in the optimal productivity of 11α-OH KA, a diterpenoid, phenolic, flavonoid, and terpenoid compounds, as well as growth, in A. lavenia. A one-factor randomized block design was employed with five fertilizer doses: without fertilizer (control), cow manure (20 tons ha−1) (F1), NPK (urea, SP-36, and KCl: 135, 100, 135 kg ha−1, respectively) (F2), the first combination consisting of cow manure (10 tons ha−1) + NPK (urea, SP-36, and KCl: 67.5, 50, 67.5 kg ha−1, respectively) (F3), and the second combination consisting of cow manure (20 tons ha−1) + NPK (urea, SP-36, and KCl: 135, 100, 135 kg ha−1, respectively) (F4). The application of fertilizers stimulates plant development. LC-MS/MS analysis of the methanol extract of A. lavenia revealed the presence of the following compounds: 2 additional compounds, 7 terpenoids, 3 alkaloids, 3 phenolics, 2 fatty acids, 1 flavonoid, and 1 steroid. Combining F2, F3, and F4 makes it possible to produce plants with the highest leaf number, number of branches, and height. The combination of F4 generated the highest phenolic and flavonoid yields (409.88 μmol Gallic Acid Equivalent/plant) and 69.71 μmol Quercetin Equivalent/plant. These yields were not significantly different from those obtained when F2 and F3 were applied. Additionally, F4 produced the highest terpenoids and 11α-OH KA yields (61.48 mmol Nerol Equivalent/plant) and 29.81 mM 11α-OH KA/plant. The medical potential of A. lavenia can be enhanced by applying a mixture consisting of NPK (urea, SP-36, and KCl in a ratio of 135 kg ha−1, respectively) and cow manure (20 tons ha−1).