Agricultural Practices for Medicinal Plants
The Society for Integrative Phytomedicine (SIPM) is an international organization dedicated to the development of standards for phytomedicine, medicinal fungi, and related natural health products. The work of preparing SIPM Standards is carried out through technical committees composed of experts from academia, industry, regulatory bodies, and healthcare practice.
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This document was prepared by Technical Committee TC 3, Agricultural Practices.
This is the first edition of SIPM 0200.
A list of all parts in the SIPM 0200 series can be found on the SIPM website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the SIPM Secretariat at standards@sipm.org.
1. Introduction
The quality of phytomedicine products begins with the quality of the raw plant material. Agricultural practices directly influence the identity, purity, potency, and safety of medicinal plants and, consequently, the final products derived from them. This standard establishes requirements for the cultivation, collection, and primary processing of medicinal plants to ensure consistent quality throughout the supply chain.
This document is aligned with international guidelines, including the WHO Guidelines on Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) for Medicinal Plants, and incorporates additional requirements specific to the phytomedicine industry.
The standard addresses the complete agricultural production cycle:
Site selection and preparation
Propagation and cultivation
Plant protection and pest management
Harvesting and primary processing
Storage and transportation
Implementation of this standard supports:
Traceability of medicinal plant materials
Consistency of phytochemical profiles
Minimization of contamination risks
Environmental sustainability
Social responsibility in medicinal plant production
2. Scope
This document specifies requirements for the agricultural cultivation and primary processing of medicinal plants used in phytomedicine.
It is applicable to:
Cultivation of medicinal plants under controlled agricultural conditions
Primary processing of plant materials after harvest
Documentation and traceability throughout the production cycle
Quality management systems for medicinal plant production
This document does not cover:
Wild collection practices (addressed in SIPM-0201)
Processing of plant materials into extracts or finished products
Specific analytical methods (addressed in SIPM-0300 series)
Fungal cultivation (addressed in SIPM-0202)
The requirements in this document are intended to be used by:
Cultivators and farmers of medicinal plants
Primary processors of medicinal plant materials
Quality assurance personnel
Regulatory bodies and certification organizations
Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
3. Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply. Terms defined in SIPM-0001 also apply where relevant.
3.1. cultivation site
area of land or controlled environment used for growing medicinal plants
Note | Cultivation sites may include open fields, greenhouses, hydroponic systems, or other controlled environments. |
3.2. seed stock
material used for propagation, including true seeds, cuttings, rhizomes, bulbs, or other vegetative propagation material
3.3. cultivation protocol
documented procedures for growing a specific medicinal plant species, including environmental parameters, inputs, and timing
3.4. plant protection
measures taken to protect medicinal plants from pests, diseases, and other threats to their health and quality
3.5. primary processing
initial processing of plant material after harvest, including cleaning, drying, cutting, and packaging
Note | Primary processing does not include extraction or formulation. |
3.6. batch
defined quantity of plant material produced in a single process or series of processes, allowing for traceability
3.7. traceability
ability to trace the history, application, or location of plant material through recorded identification data
4. Site selection and preparation
4.1. Site selection criteria
4.1.1. Environmental requirements
The cultivation site shall meet the environmental requirements of the target plant species, including:
a) Climate conditions (temperature, rainfall, sunlight) b) Soil characteristics (type, pH, drainage, nutrient content) c) Water availability and quality d) Altitude and topography
4.1.2. Contamination assessment
Prior to establishment, the site shall be assessed for potential sources of contamination, including:
Previous land use and potential residual contaminants
Proximity to industrial facilities or major transportation routes
Presence of heavy metals in soil and water
Risk of pesticide drift from neighboring agricultural operations
4.2. Site documentation
The following documentation shall be maintained:
Site location and boundaries (geographic coordinates)
History of land use for at least the previous 5 years
Results of soil and water testing
Map of the cultivation area
4.3. Soil management
4.3.1. Soil testing
Soil shall be tested prior to planting and periodically during cultivation for:
Nutrient content
pH level
Heavy metal content
Organic matter content
Presence of pathogens
4.3.2. Soil amendment
Soil amendments, including fertilizers and conditioners, shall be:
Documented with product name, source, and application rate
Applied according to label instructions or professional recommendations
Sourced from suppliers who provide certificates of analysis
5. Propagation
5.1. Seed stock requirements
5.1.1. Identity verification
The identity of seed stock shall be verified to species level before propagation. Acceptable methods include:
Purchase from certified suppliers with documentation
Comparison with reference materials
DNA-based authentication (where applicable)
5.1.2. Quality requirements
Seed stock shall be free from:
Visible signs of disease or pest damage
Contamination with seeds of other species
Physical damage or deterioration
5.2. Propagation methods
5.2.1. Documentation
The propagation method used shall be documented, including:
Type of propagation material (seed, cutting, rhizome, etc.)
Source of propagation material
Date of propagation
Environmental conditions
5.2.2. Vegetative propagation
For vegetatively propagated species:
Mother plants shall be positively identified and healthy
Regular inspection for trueness-to-type shall be conducted
Records of mother plant lineage shall be maintained
5.3. Nursery management
Nursery operations shall be conducted in a manner that:
Prevents cross-contamination between species or batches
Maintains appropriate environmental conditions
Includes regular inspection for pests and diseases
Documents all inputs and treatments applied
6. Cultivation management
6.1. Planting and establishment
Planting operations shall be documented, including:
Date of planting
Plant spacing and density
Number of plants or quantity of seed used
Field or bed identification
6.2. Irrigation
6.2.1. Water quality
Irrigation water shall meet quality standards appropriate for the intended use, including:
Absence of pathogenic microorganisms
Acceptable levels of chemical contaminants
pH within appropriate range
6.2.2. Irrigation records
Irrigation records shall include:
Source of water
Method of application
Frequency and duration
Any treatments applied to water
6.3. Plant protection
6.3.1. Integrated pest management
Plant protection shall be based on integrated pest management (IPM) principles:
Prevention through good cultural practices
Monitoring and early detection
Use of biological controls where appropriate
Chemical controls only when necessary and permitted
6.3.2. Pesticide use
When pesticides are used:
Only products approved for use on medicinal plants shall be applied
Application shall follow label instructions
Pre-harvest intervals shall be strictly observed
All applications shall be documented
Note | Many jurisdictions have specific restrictions on pesticide use for medicinal plants. |
6.4. Cultivation records
Records shall be maintained throughout the cultivation period, including:
Planting dates and methods
Environmental conditions (where controlled)
Irrigation and fertilization
Pest and disease observations and treatments
Any deviation from standard protocols
6.5. Species-specific cultivation parameters
This clause provides evidence-based cultivation parameters for key medicinal plant species. These parameters shall be used as guidelines; local adaptation based on cultivar, climate, and soil conditions may be necessary.
Note | The parameters below are derived from peer-reviewed research and pharmacopoeial standards. Citations refer to the bibliography. |
| Parameter | Specification | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
Soil pH | 6.0-7.0 | |
Soil type | Well-drained, sandy loam to loam | |
Optimal temperature (growth) | 18-24 deg C | |
Optimal temperature (germination) | 20-25 deg C | |
Plant density | 15-25 plants/m2 | |
Row spacing | 45-60 cm | |
Days to harvest (roots) | 120-150 days (first year) | |
Days to harvest (aerial parts) | At full bloom (60-90 days) | |
Total alkamides (root) | ≥0.5% dry weight | |
Cichoric acid (aerial) | ≥1.0% dry weight | |
Light requirement | Full sun to partial shade | |
Water requirement | Moderate; drought tolerant once established |
| Parameter | Specification | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
Soil pH | 7.5-8.0 | |
Soil type | Well-drained, sandy loam; low fertility | |
Optimal temperature (growth) | 20-35 deg C | |
Optimal temperature (germination) | 25-30 deg C | |
Plant density | 10-15 plants/m2 | |
Row spacing | 45-60 cm | |
Days to harvest (roots) | 150-180 days | |
Total withanolides (root) | ≥0.5% dry weight | |
Withaferin A (root) | ≥0.05% dry weight | |
Light requirement | Full sun | |
Water requirement | Low; drought tolerant | |
Altitude range | 600-1200 m optimal |
| Parameter | Specification | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
Soil pH | 5.0-5.5 | |
Soil type | Well-drained, high organic matter; loam | |
Optimal temperature (growth) | 15-20 deg C | |
Shade requirement | 70-80% shade (artificial or natural canopy) | |
Plant density | 15-25 plants/m2 | |
Row spacing | 15-20 cm (dense planting) | |
Years to harvest (cultivated) | 4-6 years | |
Years to harvest (wild-simulated) | 7-15 years | |
Total ginsenosides (root) | ≥2.0% dry weight | |
Light requirement | Heavy shade (70-80%) | |
Water requirement | Consistent moisture; well-drained | |
Soil organic matter | ≥3% |
| Parameter | Specification | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
Soil pH | 5.5-7.0 | |
Soil type | Well-drained, sandy to loamy | |
Optimal temperature (growth) | 15-25 deg C | |
Plant density | 10-16 plants/m2 | |
Row spacing | 30-45 cm | |
Days to harvest (flowering tops) | 60-90 days (at full bloom) | |
Harvest frequency | 2-3 harvests per season | |
Total hypericins (flowering top) | ≥0.08% dry weight | |
Hyperforin (flowering top) | ≥1.0% dry weight | |
Light requirement | Full sun | |
Water requirement | Moderate |
| Parameter | Specification | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
Soil pH | 6.0-8.0 | |
Soil type | Well-drained; adaptable to various soils | |
Optimal temperature (growth) | 15-25 deg C | |
Plant density | 8-12 plants/m2 | |
Row spacing | 40-75 cm | |
Plant spacing (in-row) | 20-30 cm | |
Days to harvest (seeds) | 100-140 days | |
Silymarin content (seed) | ≥1.5% dry weight | |
Light requirement | Full sun | |
Water requirement | Low to moderate; drought tolerant |
6.6. Heavy metal management
6.6.1. Soil testing requirements
Prior to cultivation, soil shall be tested for heavy metal contamination. Maximum allowable limits in soil (mg/kg dry weight) are:
| Heavy metal | Maximum limit (mg/kg) |
|---|---|
Cadmium (Cd) | 1.0 |
Lead (Pb) | 100 |
Mercury (Hg) | 1.0 |
Arsenic (As) | 10 |
Copper (Cu) | 100 |
Zinc (Zn) | 300 |
Note | These limits are based on international guidelines for agricultural soil quality [WHO Guidelines for Assessing Quality of Herbal Medicines with Reference to Contaminants and Residues]. Some medicinal plants are known hyperaccumulators of certain metals and may require more stringent limits. |
6.6.2. Transfer factors
Some medicinal plants accumulate heavy metals at higher rates than others. Species with documented accumulation concerns include:
Hypericum perforatum: Accumulates Mn and Zn; levels decrease with increasing soil pH [Kwiecien I. et al.]
Withania somnifera: Moderate accumulator; soil pH affects metal uptake [Kumar P. et al.]
When cultivating these species, additional soil testing and plant tissue analysis shall be conducted to ensure compliance with finished product limits (see SIPM-0300).
7. Harvesting
7.1. Harvest timing
7.1.1. Optimal harvest time
Harvest timing shall be determined based on:
Phytochemical content of the target plant part
Stage of plant development
Time of day (for species where this affects quality)
Environmental conditions
7.1.2. Documentation
The rationale for harvest timing decisions shall be documented.
| Species | Plant part | Optimal harvest timing |
|---|---|---|
Echinacea purpurea | Roots | Late autumn (after first frost) or early spring of second year; alkamide content peaks at 120-150 days [Moghith W. et al.] |
Echinacea purpurea | Aerial parts | At full bloom (60-90 days); cichoric acid peaks at flowering [Stuart D.L. & Wills R.B.H.] |
Withania somnifera | Roots | 150-180 days after sowing; at plant maturity when leaves yellow [Kumar P. et al.] |
Panax ginseng | Roots | 4-6 years (cultivated); ginsenoside profile stable after year 4 [Kim Y.J. et al.] |
Hypericum perforatum | Flowering tops | At full bloom (early flowering stage); hypericin peaks at bud break through full flower [Liu X. et al.] |
Silybum marianum | Seeds (achenes) | When seed heads turn brown; 100-140 days after sowing [Karkanis A. et al.] |
7.1.3. Time of day considerations
For species where phytochemical content varies diurnally:
Hypericum perforatum: Harvest in late morning after dew has dried; hypericin content may be affected by light exposure [Kwiecien I. et al.]
Echinacea purpurea: Aerial parts harvested mid-morning to afternoon; avoid early morning when moisture is high
7.1.4. Environmental factors
Environmental conditions at harvest shall be documented:
Temperature at time of harvest
Recent precipitation (within 48 hours)
General weather conditions
Time of day
7.2. Harvest methods
7.2.1. Personnel requirements
Harvest personnel shall be trained in:
Correct plant part identification
Harvesting techniques
Hygiene requirements
Recognition of contamination or quality issues
7.2.2. Equipment
Harvest equipment shall be:
Clean and in good working condition
Constructed of materials that do not contaminate plant material
Regularly inspected and maintained
7.3. Field handling
7.3.1. Contamination prevention
Harvested material shall be protected from contamination during handling:
Clean containers shall be used
Contact with soil shall be minimized
Material shall not be placed directly on the ground
7.3.2. Temperature management
For temperature-sensitive materials:
Exposure to direct sunlight shall be minimized
Material shall be transported to processing area promptly
Temporary storage conditions shall be documented
8. Post-harvest processing
8.1. Primary processing operations
8.1.1. Cleaning
Harvested material shall be cleaned to remove:
Soil and extraneous matter
Damaged or diseased plant parts
Non-target plant species
8.1.2. Drying
Drying operations shall:
Use appropriate temperature for the species
Ensure adequate air circulation
Achieve target moisture content for storage stability
Be documented with temperature and duration records
8.1.3. Cutting and size reduction
When cutting or size reduction is performed:
Equipment shall be clean and appropriate for the material
Dust generation shall be controlled
Material identity shall be maintained throughout
8.2. Packaging and labeling
8.2.1. Container requirements
Primary packaging shall:
Protect material from contamination
Preserve material quality during storage
Be appropriate for the material characteristics
Be traceable to batch and source
8.2.2. Labeling requirements
Each container shall be labeled with at minimum:
Plant name (scientific name and common name)
Plant part
Batch number
Date of processing
Net weight
Storage conditions
8.3. Storage
Storage conditions shall be:
Appropriate for maintaining material quality
Protected from pests and contamination
Controlled for temperature and humidity where required
Documented with monitoring records
Bibliography
[WHO Guidelines on Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) for Medicinal Plants], World Health Organization, Geneva, 2003. ISBN 9241546271
[WHO Guidelines for Assessing Quality of Herbal Medicines with Reference to Contaminants and Residues], World Health Organization, Geneva, 2017. ISBN 9789241550054
[European Pharmacopoeia 11th Edition], Council of Europe, Strasbourg, 2023. ISBN 9789287192006
[Indian Pharmacopoeia 2022], Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, Government of India, Ghaziabad, 2022
[NRCS Plant Guide: Echinacea purpurea], United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2024
[BIN (2020)], Improving growth properties and phytochemical compounds of Echinacea purpurea (L.) medicinal plant using novel nitrogen slow release fertilizer. Sci. Rep. 2020, 10 p. 70949. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-70949-4
[Moghith W. et al.], Plant growth, productivity and chemical components of Echinacea purpurea under different cultivation methods. World Appl. Sci. J. 2024, 38 pp. 45-58.
[Stuart D.L. & Wills R.B.H.], Effect of drying temperature on alkylamides and cichoric acid concentrations of Echinacea purpurea. J. Food Compos. Anal. 2004, 17(2) pp. 65-71. doi:10.1016/j.jfca.2003.08.009
[Kumar P. et al.], Influence of environmental conditions on yield and withanolide content of Withania somnifera: A comprehensive review. Nat. Prod. Res. 2025, 39(5) pp. 1456-1472. doi:10.1080/14786419.2025.2566465
[CIMAP (2024)], Scientific Cultivation of Ashwagandha. Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India, 2024
[Kwiecien I. et al.], The temperature influence on the energy and germination capacity of seeds and the effect of the substrate on the yield of Withania somnifera in the conditions of south-eastern Poland. Acta Sci. Pol. Hortorum Cultus 2026, 25(1) pp. 45-56.
[Kim Y.J. et al.], The current research progress of ginseng species: The cultivation, processing, and phytochemistry. Eng. Life Sci. 2023, 23(8) p. 2216483. doi:10.1002/elsc.202300483
[Auburn University], American Ginseng Cultivation & Growing Guide. United Plant Savers, 2020
[Kwiecien I. et al.], Cultivation of Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort) and biotechnological approaches for improvement of plant raw material quality. Front. Plant Sci. 2021, 12 p. 710367. doi:10.3389/fpls.2021.710367
[Liu X. et al.], Low temperature modifies seedling leaf anatomy and gene expression of cold-responsive genes in Hypericum perforatum. Front. Plant Sci. 2022, 13 p. 1020857. doi:10.3389/fpls.2022.1020857
[Karkanis A. et al.], Cultivation of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertn.), a medicinal weed. Ind. Crops Prod. 2011, 34(1) pp. 825-830. doi:10.1016/j.indcrop.2011.04.001
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[FAO Good Agricultural Practices], Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome