IPB University expert warns against using paracetamol as fertilizer for chili plants

An expert from IPB University is cautioning against the use of paracetamol, a common human pain reliever, as a fertilizer for chili plants, a practice that has reportedly surfaced on social media. Efi Toding Tondok, who oversees the Plant Clinic at the Faculty of Agriculture, stated that paracetamol is formulated specifically for human health and lacks any scientific research or data to support its efficacy or necessity for plant growth, particularly for chili varieties.

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Paracetamol is made specifically for human health, and there has been no research or data whatsoever to prove that paracetamol content is needed by plants or can fertilize plants, especially chili.

"Paracetamol is made specifically for human health, and there has been no research or data whatsoever to prove that paracetamol content is needed by plants or can fertilize plants, especially chili," Efi explained in a written statement on Thursday, June 25, 2026. He pointed out that human medications are administered in very low, carefully measured doses to ensure human safety. Applying them to plants, beyond being significantly more expensive, has not been proven effective.

Efi acknowledged that some compounds found in human medicines, such as salicylic acid, are beneficial for plants in enhancing their resistance. However, he stressed that the human-grade formulas are highly purified and costly. Furthermore, widespread application on plants could lead to unforeseen negative consequences. "But if used for plants, especially over a large area, it can cause impacts that we do not yet know. For example, it could kill certain organisms or cause resistance to drugs, making those microorganisms, which might be human pathogens, resistant to medication," he warned.

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But if used for plants, especially over a large area, it can cause impacts that we do not yet know. For example, it could kill certain organisms or cause resistance to drugs, making those microorganisms, which might be human pathogens, resistant to medication.

Therefore, Efi strongly recommends that people continue to use fertilizers specifically formulated for plants. These products have undergone safety testing for the environment, plants, and consumers. For a more affordable, safe, and easily accessible alternative, he suggests utilizing common household materials. "For plants in small quantities, like those in pots in the yard, you can fertilize with easily available materials that we usually discard, such as rice water. This provides excellent nutrition for plants. So, do not use human medicines on plants because the risks are greater, and we have not yet seen them," Efi advised.

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For plants in small quantities, like those in pots in the yard, you can fertilize with easily available materials that we usually discard, such as rice water. This provides excellent nutrition for plants. So, do not use human medicines on plants because the risks are greater, and we have not yet seen them.