Shiying Yu¹ , Lian  Chen²

1 Biotechnology Resarch Center, Cuixi Academy of Biothchnology, Zhuji, 311800, China
2 Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, China
Author    Correspondence author
Molecular Soil Biology, 2025, Vol. 16, No. 2   
Received: 11 Feb., 2025    Accepted: 16 Mar., 2025    Published: 10 Apr., 2025

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Leonurus japonicus is a widely used medicinal plant in traditional Chinese medicine, known for its therapeutic effects such as regulating menstruation and promoting blood circulation. However, conventional open-field cultivation is often limited by seasonal changes, temperature, and rainfall, making the supply of medicinal materials unstable and unable to meet the growing demand for high-quality raw materials. By using greenhouses, adjusting light exposure, and controlling temperature and humidity, cultivation can be extended beyond traditional seasons. This study focuses on the growth characteristics of L. japonicus, examining its basic environmental requirements for temperature, light, and humidity. Experiments were conducted to adjust the cultivation substrate and manage environmental conditions. Changes in active compounds under different treatments were recorded. In addition to experimental data, the study reviewed real-world applications in various regions and assessed the input-output ratio of off-season cultivation. Common obstacles encountered during technical implementation were identified, and suggestions such as reducing the entry cost and improving the workflow were proposed. The research further explored how this cultivation model supports the entire industry chain by aligning well with downstream processing enterprises, promoting integration across planting, processing, and distribution. Based on actual production conditions, this study proposes practical improvements to optimize cultivation efficiency and enhance the medicinal quality of L. japonicus, offering useful insights for its broader application in the medicinal plant industry.

Leonurus japonicus; Off-season cultivation; Environmental control; Industrial development; Active compounds