An IoT-based system for growth optimization of St. John's Wort in controlled tropical agriculture with phytochemical and cytotoxicity screening

Abstract

This study explores the application of IoT-based environmental monitoring in optimizing the growth and phytochemical and cytoxicity properties of Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's Wort) grown in tropical agricultural conditions. The research focused on the implementation of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) to continuously monitor environmental factors, including soil moisture, temperature, air humidity, and light intensity, in controlled greenhouse conditions. By enhancing communication between nodes and gateways, the IoT system improved data transfer efficiency and environmental factor control. The study also investigated the response of Hypericum perforatum to different fertilizer treatments, with a specific emphasis on developing a fertilizer schedule that maximizes nutrient uptake and promotes optimal growth. Phytochemical screening was conducted to assess the presence of key compounds, including terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids, with notable differences observed between plants grown under IoT-monitored conditions and those without. The results indicate that IoT-based environmental control can significantly improve plant growth, survival rates, and phytochemical profiles, offering a promising approach for cultivating medicinal plants in tropical environments. The cells were tested with various concentration of ethanolic extract of St. John Wort plant grown in uncontrolled net house, controlled greenhouse and plant factory. MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-dipenyltetrazolium bromide] assay was performed to assess cytotoxic activity against human cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa and SiHa). The extract from St. John Wort grown in uncontrolled net house showed a high cytotoxicity (IC50 = 13-18 μg/mL) against the cervical cancer cells and an extract from the plant factory experiment were less cytotoxic.