13th Conference on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Southeast European Countries (CMAPSEEC 2026)

Martens Stefan1, Sordo Maddalena1, Guglielmi Andrea2, Merino Marian3, Baixauli Emilio3, Mullor Jose Luis3, Sarrou Eirini4

1Research and Innovation Center, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige (TN), Italy; 2FRM SrL, Rovereto, Italy; 3Bionos Biotech, Valencia, Spain; 4Hellenic Agricultural Organization Dimitra, Thessaloniki, Greece.
*Corresponding author: stefan.martens@fmach.it

Background: Rhodiola rosea L. (Crassulaceae) is an endangered Alpine plant renowned for its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to overharvesting of wild populations and the fact that commercial cultivation typically focuses only on the roots—leaving the aerial parts (herba) as agricultural waste—there is an urgent need for sustainable production models. This study explores an integrated approach to establishing a zero-waste value chain by combining innovative indoor cultivation with the valorization of botanical by-products for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Materials and Methods: Plants were cultivated under field conditions and using controlled-environment indoor aeroponics to optimize growth conditions and maximize biomass and bioactive compound accumulation. "Green" extraction technologies were employed, including ultrasonic-supported hydroalcoholic extraction (0–100% ethanol) and maceration in commercial oils (grape seed and safflower). Chemical characterization was performed via UPLX-DAD and LC-MS/MS fingerprinting to identify and quantify key metabolites (phenylpropanoids in roots and decorated flavonoids in herba). Biological activity was evaluated through in vitro anti-inflammatory assays and dermo-cosmetic screenings, including solubility, cytotoxicity, and antioxidant capacity tests.
Results: Aeroponic cultivation provided a consistent, high-quality supply of plant material while minimizing environmental impact. Phytochemical analysis confirmed that the herba, usually discarded, is a rich source of bioactive flavonoids with potent radical scavenging activity. Extraction efficiency was significantly enhanced by ultrasonic support, and the resulting extracts demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory modulation in cellular assays.
Conclusions: This research demonstrates that indoor aeroponics is a viable and scalable alternative to traditional cultivation, effectively contributing to the conservation of R. rosea. Furthermore, the valorization of the aerial parts for high-value cosmetic ingredients promotes a circular bioeconomy. This integrated strategy provides a reliable source of raw materials for the phytopharmaceutical and natural health sectors, addressing both conservation concerns and the growing market demand for sustainable natural products.
Acknowledgement: This project received funding from Contributo Fondazione VRT 14° Bano Transitioned Alimentare 2025 (SAIRA) and European Union Project ID: 101086323 - MSCA-RISE (NanoCosmos; www.nanocosmos.eu)