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Urtica urens L Scientific name Urtica urens L Synonyms Urtica urens Maximaw Family Urticaceae Genus Urtica Species urens Common name Nettle small nettle annual nettle burning nettle Parts used Root and Leaves Plant Description Urtica urens L is an annual herb It is 10ndash50 cm (4ndash20 in) in height Stem ascendingndasherect often branching 4-edged with stinging hairs Flowers arestaminate and pistillate separate but on the same plant and flowers are very small Staminate flower have4 tepals with sepals hairy translucent It has four stamens filaments curled inwards as buds Pistillate flower have four tepals with sepals in different-sized pairs hairy larger tepals usually with one stinging hair each A single carpel stigma brush-like Inflorescence catkin-like 1ndash2 cm (04ndash08 in) long shorter than leaf-stalks Leaves areopposite stalked stipulate Blade ellipticndashquite round with wedge-shapedndashblunt base short-tipped deeply serrated both sides with few stinging hairs light green Blade approx 15 times as long as broad stalk approx 23 length of blade Fruits areellipticndashdrop-shaped flat yellowish brown achene protected by tepals Chemical Constituents β-carotene folacin formic acid friedelin histamine kaempherol coproporphyrin lecithin linoleic acid linolenic acid neoolivil oleanolic acid palmitic acid pantothenic acid quercetin quinic acid scopoletin secoisolariciresinol serotonin sitosterols stigmasterol succinic acid violaxanthin vitamin B1 B6 folic acid C K1
Reported chemical structures present in Urtica urens L
Acetophenone Acetylcholine Astragalin
Butyric acid Caffeic acid Carbonic acid
532
Chlorogenic acid Chlorophyll Choline
ρ-coumaric acid β-carotene
Folacin Formic acid Friedelin
Histamine Kaempherol Coproporphyrin
533
Lecithin Linoleic acid
Linolenic acid Neoolivil
Oleanolic acid Palmitic acid Vitamin K1
Pantothenic acid Quercetin Quinic acid
Scopoletin Secoisolariciresinol Serotonin
534
Sitosterol Stigmasterol Succinic acid
Thiamine Violaxanthin
Vitamin B6 Folic acid Vitamin C
Medicinal uses Reduces allergies cleanses blood reduces inflammation relieves pain stops hair loss increases urination stops bleeding dilates blood vessels lowers blood pressure and heals wounds Side effects and toxicity Internal use of nettle is not associated with any significant adverse effects Fresh nettle causes stings and can rarely lead to severe allergic reactions in susceptible individuals Actions of Herb Allergies high blood pressure diuretic prostate inflammation benign prostate hyperplasia hair loss hypoglycemic anti-diabetic ampanti-cholesterol cardiovascular hepato-protective anti-oxidant action anti-microbial action amenorrhea asthma fibromyalgia menorrhagia antiseptic for chronic urinary tract infections helps prevent and treat kidney stones Incompatibilities with other medications Lithium interacts with stinging nettle Stinging nettle might have an effect like a diuretic Taking stinging nettle might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium Your lithium dose might need to be changed Anti-diabetes drugs interact with stinging nettle Stinging nettle above ground parts might decrease blood sugar Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar Taking stinging nettle along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low Monitor your blood sugar closely The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed
535
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl) glyburide (DiaBeta Glynase PresTab Micronase) insulin pioglitazone (Actos) rosiglitazone (Avandia) chlorpropamide (Diabinese) glipizide (Glucotrol) tolbutamide (Orinase) and others Antihypertensive drugs (high blood pressure) interact with stinging nettle Stinging nettle above ground parts seem to decrease blood pressure Taking stinging nettle along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten) enalapril (Vasotec) losartan (Cozaar) valsartan (Diovan) diltiazem (Cardizem) Amlodipine (Norvasc) hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril) furosemide (Lasix) and many others Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interact with Stinging Nettle Large amounts of stinging nettle above ground parts might cause sleepiness and drowsiness Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives Taking stinging nettle along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness Some sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin) lorazepam (Ativan) phenobarbital (Donnatal) zolpidem (Ambien) and others Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with Stinging Nettle Stinging nettle above ground parts contain large amounts of vitamin K Vitamin K is used by the body to help blood clot Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting By helping the blood clot stinging nettle might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin) Be sure to have your blood checked regularly The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed Contraindications Pregnancy and lactation Caution is advised in diabetes high blood pressure kidney problems and benign prostrate hyperplasia Dosages
bull Steamed (10-15 min) adult leaves with lemon juice and vinegar can be used as a food (acid helps with mineral assimilation) Note that the young leaves dont sting and thus dont need to be steamed
bull A drink could be made from lemonade nettles and kelp bull Decoction - 1 cup boiling water + 1-3 tsp of dried herb infuse 10-15 minutes take 1 cup
three times daily bull Fluid extract - 1-20 drops three times daily bull Powder - 20-40 grains bull Tincture - 5-40 drops (1-4mL) three times daily infant cholera 1-5 drops every 1-2 hours bull Radix decoct 4-6 g qd for BPH (cited in Tyler 1994) bull Folia infuse 4 g in 150 ml water tid (cited in Tyler 1994) bull Juicesuccus - 1-10 drops of succus used by Father Kneipp topically or orally for wounds
for warts daily for 10-12 days bull Capsules Somewhat effective (2) 500 mg caps 4 times a day (freeze dried cap is better
than standard capsule) bull Flagellation For treating arthritic joints whipping with fresh mature nettles will
stimulate circulation to the swollen area relieve pain and greatly increase freedom of movement Although some people cannot tolerate this heroic therapy others find that the initial shock gives way to a pleasant buzzing sensation followed by 2 or more days of freedom from pain and inflammation This therapy should be approached with circumspection
536
bull Hair Tonic The decoction of the dried herb and especially the seeds stimulates hair growth helps restore balding hair and improves the overall texture and tone of the hair Use the decoction as a wash after shampooing and leave on for at least 3 minutes before rinsing off
bull Infusion 1 tsp to 1 TB of dried herb per cup of water 3-4 times a day bull Scalp Wash Recipe Boil 3 to 4 oz of chopped leaves in 2 cups of water and 2 cups of
vinegar for a short amount of time Chemical Identification Tests of U urens Mother tincture of U urens indicated the presence of saponin glycosides carbohydrates and steroids Microscopic Examination of Urtica urens L leaf The following diagnostic characters were found in U urens powder unicellular stinging hairs arising from a raised multi-cellular base that are composed of elongated cells with a slightly swollen stinging tip straight or slightly curved unicellular trichomes small glandular trichomes sporadic small fragments of leaves showing sinuous wavy walled epidermal cells anomocytic stomata and abundant large cystoliths containing dense granular masses of calcium carbonate small cluster crystals of calcium oxalate occur in the spongy mesophyll and few small groups of pitted vessels (USP 2008 British Pharmacopeia 2011)
FigureUrtica urens L and its diagnostic features
537
Thin-layer chromatography of U urens U urens extract in chloroform ndash methanol ndash water (80202) solvent system the Rf values of the spots at 254nm were 002 011 014 022 028 035 046 050 and at 366nm were 001 008 016 025 036 052 070 In ethyl acetate ndash methanol ndash water (100165135) the Rf values at 254nm were 005 016 028 035 042 049 057 066 071 076 and at 366nm were 003 009 023 038 045 053 059 091 Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy of U urens U urens revealed prominent peaks in FT-IR spectrum at 3300 (OH) 292531 (C-H) 158910 - 139705 (aromatic ring) 104972 (C-O-C) cm-1
Insecticidal activity of U urens Dose dependent decrease in mobility was observed accompanied by paralyzing effect On exposure to 100mg of U urens mean paralyzing time was observed 68plusmn203 hours (Table 3 Graph 1) Anthelmintic activity of U urens Earthworms exhibited attractive behavior towards drug is attracted by the drug The mobility of the earthworms slowed down with the passage of time Mortality was found at 17plusmn485 on exposure to 25mg of U urens drug in comparison to standard drug and control Molluscicidal activity of U urens The snails exposed to 1-100mg doses of U urens exhibited no reduction in activity at the end of 72 hours whereas at 500mg dose of the drug showed paralytic effect in 4 out of 6 snails (48plusmn1662) along with shell discoloration Paralytic effect with shell discoloration was also observed in all the snails with 1000mg dose of U urens at the end of 24 hours and fatality at the end of 48 hours Anti-bacterial activityof U urens U urens displayed zone of inhibition 18plusmn2 against gram-negative bacteria K pneumonia in comparison to control and standard drug U urens exhibited (MIC) at 10mgml and 12mgml against S saprophyticus and S fecalis (gram-positive bacteria) respectively Anti-fungal activityof U urens U urens had zone of inhibition 32plusmn1 against Rhizopus (Saprophytes) MIC of U urens was found at 20mgml against A flavus (Saprophytes) U urens exhibited more pronounced inhibition of C albicans and S cerevisiae respectively in comparison to standard Griseofulvin
538
Anti-oxidant activityof U urens U urens (50mg) showed 8216 DPPH scavenging activity and total anti-oxidant activity (7795) at the dose of 50mg Effects of U urens on locomotor and exploratory behavior of mice The anxiolytic effect was assessed by open field head dip light and dark cage cross and swimming activities The CNS depression effects were observed at the dose of 100 mgkg of U urens extract in case of open field activity 8583plusmn353 counts in 30 minutes and cage cross 675plusmn315 times activity At the dose of 300mgkg of U urens maximum CNS depression was observed in head dip cage the mice dipped its head 467plusmn128 times Number of entries in light compartment in light and dark activity was 483plusmn103 times In forced swimming test (FST) the mean forced mobility time was 137plusmn002 seconds Locomotor and exploratory activity was observed substantially reduced in comparison to control and standard drug Diazepam (2 mgkg1) Effects of U urens on analgesic activity using Acetic acid Analgesic activity is widely assessed by the method of acetic acid induced abdominal constrictions 06 (10 mlkg ip) acetic acid solution was administered in mice and the abdominal constrictions (writhes) were observed after 05 minutes The writhes were counted for three phases each of 10 minutes respectively The inhibition of acetic acid induced writhes by Aspirin was as follows first phase 5617 second phase 727 third phase 1496 whereas U urens at the dose of 300 mgkg exhibited maximum inhibition in third phase (117) Effects of U urens on analgesic activity using Formalin The results exhibited prominent analgesic effect in comparison to Aspirin (orally administered 300 mgkg) The analgesic effects of aspirin in phase 1 2 and 3 was4456 8010 and 4049 respectively U urens (300 mgkg) showed maximum inhibition of the licking and biting response in second phase (023) as induced by formaldehyde Effects of U urens on Carrageenan induced anti-inflammatory activity U urens (300mgkg) exhibited maximum paw volume inhibition 1379 after half hour U urens (500mgkg) at 35 hours had 3076 paw volume inhibition Whereas Aspirin at 15 hours had 2222 paw volume inhibition Effects of U urens on hematological parameters of male rabbitsrsquo blood In blood analysis hemoglobin (10308plusmn0063) hematocrit (3589plusmn0063) MCV (6763plusmn0048) MCH (19425plusmn00418) were slightly raised whereas platelet count (50408plusmn011) was significantly elevated Red blood cells (5316plusmn00096) count white blood cells (5315plusmn00083) count and MCHC (28775plusmn0068) levels were somewhat lowered in test group treated with U urens when compared with its respective male control group Effects of U urens on hematological parameters of female rabbitsrsquo blood In female test group treated with U urens hemoglobin (9218plusmn0022) RBC count (4485plusmn00083) hematocrit (3179plusmn0063) MCV (708plusmn0063) and MCH (2034plusmn0077) were found to be lowered while MCHC (2885plusmn00836) white blood cells (8675plusmn00418) count and platelet count (40411plusmn0118) were elevated in comparison to its respective female control group Effects of U urens on Kidney Function Test of male rabbitsrsquo blood Urea (48plusmn1058) serum calcium (14643plusmn002) total protein (7925plusmn00083) albumin (533plusmn00083) and AG ratio (2065plusmn00083) were raised while creatinine (0643plusmn00083)
539
phosphorus (4845plusmn00195) uric acid (0105plusmn001) and globulin levels (2595plusmn00083) were lowered in male test group treated with U urens as compared to the male control group Effects of U urens on Kidney Function Test of female rabbitsrsquo blood Serum calcium (14867plusmn024) uric acid (008plusmn00058) and globulin (2198plusmn00165) levels were found elevated whereas urea (485plusmn0836) creatinine (0525plusmn00083) phosphorus (0988plusmn0023) total protein (6495plusmn00083) albumin (4306plusmn00096) and AG ratio (197plusmn001) were observed lowered in female test group treated with U urens in comparison to the female control group Effects of U urens on Cardiac Enzymes of male rabbitsrsquo blood The levels of the cardiac enzymes LDH (35116plusmn4258) CPK (5865plusmn137) and CK-MB (67333plusmn096) were found towards elevated side in the male test group treated with U urens as compared to its respective male control group Effects of U urens on Cardiac Enzymes of female rabbitsrsquo blood LDH (1925plusmn0836) and CPK (23705plusmn0836) enzymes were observed elevated whereas CK-MB (5695plusmn0836) levels were found reduced in female test group treated with U urens as compared to the control female group Effects of U urens onLipid Profile of male rabbitsrsquo blood HDL (95plusmn0836) was found elevated while cholesterol (1942plusmn0845) triglycerides (5183plusmn1036) LDL (767plusmn096) and VLDL (11plusmn1058) levels were observed towards lowered side in male group treated with U urens in comparison to the respective male control group Effects of U urens on Lipid Profile of female rabbitsrsquo blood All the lipid profile parameters were found to be elevated Cholesterol (77plusmn1058) HDL (195plusmn0836) LDL (405plusmn0836) VLDL (175plusmn0836) in female test group treated with U urens when compared with its respective female control group Effects of U urens on Liver Enzymes of male rabbitrsquos blood Total bilirubin (0286plusmn00096) direct bilirubin (0115plusmn00083) and gamma GT (1308plusmn0639) levels were found raised while SGOT (1883plusmn103) SGPT (5616plusmn1036) and alkaline phosphatase (4067plusmn0966) enzymes level was found lowered in U urens treated test group in comparison to male control group Effects of U urens on Liver Enzymes of female rabbitsrsquo blood Gamma GT (1283plusmn1036) level was elevated whereas the levels of the rest of the liver enzymes SGOT (175plusmn0836) Total Bilirubin (024plusmn0021) Direct Bilirubin (00165plusmn00027) SGPT (395plusmn1224) Alkaline Phosphatase (335plusmn0836) were found to be lowered in test group treated with U urens in comparison with its respective control group Urine analysis of male rabbits The urine parameters of the male test group were similar to that of its respective male control group except for the presence of blood in the urine of the test group Urine analysis of female rabbits The urine parameters of the female test group were similar to that of its respective female control group Effects of U urenson liver enzymes of rabbits injected carbon tetrachloride prior to dissection The rabbits treated with U urens extract for three months were administered carbon tetrachloride 15ml before taking out blood via cardiac puncture for LFT Total bilirubin 017plusmn00063 level was lowered while the rest of the liver enzymes that is direct bilirubin 0205plusmn00083 SGPT
540
30108plusmn0639 alkaline phosphatase 85plusmn0316 and gamma GT 2325plusmn0418 were found elevated as compared to the control group Autopsy of male rabbitrsquos treated with U urens No significant pathology was seen in heart liver and stomach tissues whereas acute tubular necrosis was found in kidney tissues of the male group treated with U urens extract
Male liver tissue Male kidney tissue Autopsy of female rabbitrsquos treated with U urens In female group treated with U urens no substantial pathology was seen in heart stomach and kidney tissues While mild portal inflammation and peri-portal fibrosis with focal macrovesicular steatosis was seen in liver tissues
Female liver tissue Female Kidney tissue Diuretic activity of rabbits treated with U urens The mice given oral dose of 300 mgkg of U urens extract exhibited pronounce diuretic activity 166plusmn00033 at the end of 4 hours as compared to the control 093plusmn00036 Furosemide 10 mgkg showed diuretic activity 252plusmn00033 Anti-urolithiasis activity of U urens All the tested concentrations of U urens did not exhibit inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization
References Akbay P Basaran AA Undeger U Basaran N 2003 In vitro immunomodulatory activity of flavonoid glycosides
from Urtica dioica L Phytother Res 17(1) 34-7 Antonopoulou S Demopoulos CA Andrikopoulos NK 1996 Lipid separation from Urtica dioica Existence of
Platelet-Activating Factor J Agric Food Chem 44(10) 3052-6 Avci G Kupeli E Eryavuz A Yesilada E Kucukkurt I 2006 Anti-hypercholesterolaemic and anti-oxidant activity
assessment of some plants used as remedy in Turkish folk medicine J Ethnopharmacol 107(3) 418-23
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Baraibar CP Broncano FJ Lazaro-Carrasco MJ Rebuelta M Villuna L1983 Acute and chronic toxicity studies on Nettle (Urtica dioica L) An Bromatol 3599-103
Bisset NG trans-ed 1994 Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals Boca Raton FL CRC 19945027 Bnouham M Merhfour FZ Ziyyat A Mekhfi H Aziz M Legssyer A 2003 Antihyperglycemic activity of the
aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Fitoterapia 74(7-8) 677-8 Bradley P ed 1992 British Herbal Compendium A handbook of scientific information on widely used plant drugs
companion to volume 1 of the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia Volume 1 British Herbal Medicine Association Bournemouth
Broncano FJ Rebuelta M Vivas JM DiazMP 1987 Estudio de diferentes preparados de Urtica dioica L sobre SCN An Real Acad Farm 53 284-91
Caceres A Giron LM and Martinez AM 1987a Diuretic activity of plants used for the treatment of urinary ailments in Guatemala Journal of Ethnopharmacology 19 233-245
Carson Camp Rittmaster R 2003 The role of dihydrotestosterone in benign prostatic hyperplasia Urology 61(4 Suppl 1) 2-7
Cetinus E Kilinc M Inanc F Kurua EB Buzkan N2005 The role of Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) in the prevention of oxidative stress caused by tourniquet application in rats Tohoku J Exp Med 205(3) 215-21
Chrubasik JE Roufogalis BD Wagner H Chrubasik S 2007 A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles Part II urticae radix Phytomedicine14(7-8)568-579
Daher CF Baroody KG Baroody GM 2006 Effect of Urtica dioica extract intake upon blood lipid profile in rats Fitoterapia 77(3) 183-8
De Clercq E 2000 Current lead natural products for the chemotherapy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection Med Res Rev 20(5) 323-49
Durak I Biri H Devrim E 2004 Aqueous extract of Urtica dioica makes significant inhibition on adenosine deaminase activity in prostate tissue from patients with prostate cancer Cancer Biol Ther 3(9) 855-7
Farzami BAhmadvand D Vardasbi S Majin FJ Khaghani Sh 2003 Induction of insulin secretion by a component of Urtica dioica leave extract in perifused Islets of Langerhans and its in vivo effects in normal and streptozotocin diabetic ratsJ Ethnopharmacol89(1)47-53
Ganzera M Piereder D Sturm S Erdelmeier C Stuppner H 2005 Urtica dioica agglutinin separation identification and quantitation of individual isolectins by capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry Electrophoresis26(9)1724-1731
Gozum S Tezel A Koc M 2003 Complementary alternative treatments used by patients with cancer in eastern Turkey Cancer Nurs 26(3) 230-6
Guumllccedilin I Kuumlfrevioglu OI Oktay M Buumlyuumlkokuroglu ME 2004 Antioxidant antimicrobial antiulcer and analgesic activities of nettle (Urtica dioica L) J Ethnopharmacol 90(2-3) 205-15
Helms S et al 2006 Natural treatment of chronic rhinosinusitisAltern Med Rev 11(3) 196-207 Kanter M Coskun O Budancamanak M2005 Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa L and Urtica dioica L on
lipid peroxidation antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats World J Gastroenterol 11(42) 6684-8
Koch E 2001 Extracts from fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata) and roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) viable alternatives in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated lower urinary tracts symptomsrdquo Planta Med 67 489-500
Konrad A Maumlhler M Arni S Flogerzi B Klingelhoumlfer S Seibold F 2005 Ameliorative effect of IDS 30 a stingingnettle leaf extract on chronic colitis Int J Colorectal Dis20(1)9-17
Konrad L Muumlller HH Lenz C Laubinger H Aumuumlller G Lichius JJ 2000 Antiproliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells by a stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) extract Planta Med 66(1) 44-7
Krstic-Pavlovic N and Dzamic R 1985 Astringent and mineral components in the leaves of nettle (Urtica dioica L) from many natural locations Agrochemija191-198
Legssyer A et al 2002 Cardiovascular effects of Urtica dioica L in the isolated rat heart and aorta Phytother Res 16(6) 503-7
Lichius JJamp Muth C1997 The inhibiting effects of Urtica dioica root extracts on experimentally induced prostatic hyperplasia in the mouse Planta Med 63(4) 307-10
Lopatkin NSivkov A Walther C Schlafke S Medvedev A Avdeichuk J 2005 Long-term efficacy and safety of a combination of sabal and urtica extract for lower urinary tract symptoms--a placebo-controlled double-blind multicenter trial World J Urol 23(2) 139-146
542
Lopatkin NASivkov AV Medvedev AA Walter K Schlefke S Avdeichuk IuI 2006 Combined extract of Sabal palm and nettle in the treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms in double blind placebo-controlled trial Urologiia12(2) 14-9
Lutomski J Speichert H1983 Die Brennessel in Heilkunde und Ernaumlhrung Pharm Unserer Zeit 12(6) 181-6 Lutomski J 1998 Antibakterielle und salidiuretische Aktivitaumlt der Kneippreg-Praumlparate Interner Versuchsbericht
Institut fuumlr Heilpflanzenforschung Poznan 1981 cited in Blaschek W Haumlnsel R Keller K Reichling J Rimpler H Schneider G eds Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis Drogen L-Z Vol 3 5th ed Springer-Verlag Berlin
Manganelli URE Zaccaro L Tomei PE 2005 Antiviral activity in vitro of Urtica dioica L Parietaria diffusa M and Sambucus nigra L J Ethnopharmacol 98(3) 323-7
Mekhfi H El Haouari M Legssyer A Bnouham M Aziz M Atmani F et al 2004 Platelet anti-aggregant property of some Moroccan medicinal plants J Ethnopharmacol 94(2-3) 317-22
Melo EABertero EB Rios LA Mattos D Jr 2002 Evaluating the efficiency of a combination of Pygeum africanum and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) extracts in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial Int Braz J Urol 28(5) 418-25
Mittman P 1990 Randomized Double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis Planta medica 5644-47
Obertreis B Giller K Teucher T 1996 Anti-inflammatory effect of Urtica dioicafolia extract in comparison to caffeic malic acid Arzneimittelforschung4652-56
Onal STimmur S Okuttucu B Zihnioglu 2005 Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase by aqueous extracts of some potent antidiabetic medicinal herbs Prep Biochem Biotechnol 35(1)29-36
Otoom SAAl-Safi SA Kerem ZK Alkofahi A 2006 The use of medicinal herbs by diabetic Jordanian patients J Herb Pharmacother 6(2) 31-41
Ozen Tamp Korkmaz H2003 Modulatory effect of Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) leaf extract on biotransformation enzyme systems antioxidant enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and lipid peroxidation in mice Phytomedicine 10(5) 405-15
Pinelli P Ieri F Vignolini P Bacci L Baronti S Romani A 2008 Extraction and HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds in leaves stalks and textile fibers of Urtica dioica L J Agric Food Chem56(19)9127-9132
Popa G Hagele-Kaddour H Walther C2005 Efficacy of a combined Sabal-urtica preparation in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia Results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study MMW Fortschr 147 Suppl 3103-8
Lasheras B et al Eacutetude pharmacologique preacuteliminaire de Prunus spinosa L Amelanchier ovalisMedikus Juniperus communis L et Urtica dioica L Plant Meacuted Phytotheacuter 20 219-26
Randall CRandall H Dobbs F 2000 Randomized controlled trial of nettle sting for treatment of base-of-thumb pain J R Soc Med 93(6) 305-9
Riehemann K Behnke B Schulze-Osthoff K 1999 Plant extracts from stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) an antirheumatic remedy inhibit the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB FEBS Lett 442(1) 89-94
Safarinejad MR 2005 Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover studyJ Herb Pharmacother 5(4) 1-11
Schneider T ampRubben H 2004Stinging nettle root extract (Bazoton-uno) in long term treatment of benign prostatic syndrome (BPS) Results of a randomized double-blind placebo controlled multicenter study after 12 months Urologea43(3)302-6
Schottner M Gansser D Spiteller G 1997 Lignans from the roots of Urtica dioica and their metabolites bind to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)Planta Med 63(6) 529-32
Schulze-Tanzil G Behnke B Klingelhoefer S Scheid A Shakibaei M2002 Effects of the antirheumatic remedy hox alphandasha new stinging nettle leaf extractndashon matrix metalloproteinases in human chondrocytes in vitro HistolHistopathol 17(2) 477-85
Smith TA 1977 Tryptamine and related compounds in plants Phytochemistry16171 Tahri A Yamani S Legssyer A Aziz M Mekhfi H Bnouham M 2000 Acute diuretic natriuretic and hypotensive
effects of a continuous perfusion of aqueous extract of Urtica dioica in the rat J Ethnopharmacol 73(1-2) 95ndash100
Taylor L 2005 The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs Raintree Nutrition Inc Carson City NV 89701 Testai L Chericoni S Calderone V Nencioni G Nieri P Morelli I Martinotti E 2002 Cardiovascular effects of
Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) roots extracts in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies J Ethnopharmacol 81(1) 105-9
Thornhill SMamp Kelly AM 2000 Natural treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis Altern Med Rev 5(5) 448-54
543
Tita B Faccendini P Bello U Martinoli L Bolle P 1993 Urtica dioica L Pharmacological effect of ethanol extract Pharmacol Res 27(Suppl 1) 21-2
Tunoacuten H Olavsdotter C Bohlin L 1995 Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis J Ethnopharmacol 48(2) 61-76
Turkdogan MKOzbek H Yener Z Tuncer I Uygan I Ceylan E 2003 The role of Urtica dioica and Nigella sativa in the prevention of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats Phytother Res 17(8) 942-6
Wagner HWiller Famp Kreher BB1989 Biologically active compounds from the aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Planta Med 55(5) 452-4
Walther C Popa G Haumlgele-Kaddour H 2005 Benign prostatic syndrome Urinary urgency and micturition frequency reduced with plant preparation MMW Fortschr Med 147(40) 52-3
532
Chlorogenic acid Chlorophyll Choline
ρ-coumaric acid β-carotene
Folacin Formic acid Friedelin
Histamine Kaempherol Coproporphyrin
533
Lecithin Linoleic acid
Linolenic acid Neoolivil
Oleanolic acid Palmitic acid Vitamin K1
Pantothenic acid Quercetin Quinic acid
Scopoletin Secoisolariciresinol Serotonin
534
Sitosterol Stigmasterol Succinic acid
Thiamine Violaxanthin
Vitamin B6 Folic acid Vitamin C
Medicinal uses Reduces allergies cleanses blood reduces inflammation relieves pain stops hair loss increases urination stops bleeding dilates blood vessels lowers blood pressure and heals wounds Side effects and toxicity Internal use of nettle is not associated with any significant adverse effects Fresh nettle causes stings and can rarely lead to severe allergic reactions in susceptible individuals Actions of Herb Allergies high blood pressure diuretic prostate inflammation benign prostate hyperplasia hair loss hypoglycemic anti-diabetic ampanti-cholesterol cardiovascular hepato-protective anti-oxidant action anti-microbial action amenorrhea asthma fibromyalgia menorrhagia antiseptic for chronic urinary tract infections helps prevent and treat kidney stones Incompatibilities with other medications Lithium interacts with stinging nettle Stinging nettle might have an effect like a diuretic Taking stinging nettle might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium Your lithium dose might need to be changed Anti-diabetes drugs interact with stinging nettle Stinging nettle above ground parts might decrease blood sugar Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar Taking stinging nettle along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low Monitor your blood sugar closely The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed
535
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl) glyburide (DiaBeta Glynase PresTab Micronase) insulin pioglitazone (Actos) rosiglitazone (Avandia) chlorpropamide (Diabinese) glipizide (Glucotrol) tolbutamide (Orinase) and others Antihypertensive drugs (high blood pressure) interact with stinging nettle Stinging nettle above ground parts seem to decrease blood pressure Taking stinging nettle along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten) enalapril (Vasotec) losartan (Cozaar) valsartan (Diovan) diltiazem (Cardizem) Amlodipine (Norvasc) hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril) furosemide (Lasix) and many others Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interact with Stinging Nettle Large amounts of stinging nettle above ground parts might cause sleepiness and drowsiness Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives Taking stinging nettle along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness Some sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin) lorazepam (Ativan) phenobarbital (Donnatal) zolpidem (Ambien) and others Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with Stinging Nettle Stinging nettle above ground parts contain large amounts of vitamin K Vitamin K is used by the body to help blood clot Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting By helping the blood clot stinging nettle might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin) Be sure to have your blood checked regularly The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed Contraindications Pregnancy and lactation Caution is advised in diabetes high blood pressure kidney problems and benign prostrate hyperplasia Dosages
bull Steamed (10-15 min) adult leaves with lemon juice and vinegar can be used as a food (acid helps with mineral assimilation) Note that the young leaves dont sting and thus dont need to be steamed
bull A drink could be made from lemonade nettles and kelp bull Decoction - 1 cup boiling water + 1-3 tsp of dried herb infuse 10-15 minutes take 1 cup
three times daily bull Fluid extract - 1-20 drops three times daily bull Powder - 20-40 grains bull Tincture - 5-40 drops (1-4mL) three times daily infant cholera 1-5 drops every 1-2 hours bull Radix decoct 4-6 g qd for BPH (cited in Tyler 1994) bull Folia infuse 4 g in 150 ml water tid (cited in Tyler 1994) bull Juicesuccus - 1-10 drops of succus used by Father Kneipp topically or orally for wounds
for warts daily for 10-12 days bull Capsules Somewhat effective (2) 500 mg caps 4 times a day (freeze dried cap is better
than standard capsule) bull Flagellation For treating arthritic joints whipping with fresh mature nettles will
stimulate circulation to the swollen area relieve pain and greatly increase freedom of movement Although some people cannot tolerate this heroic therapy others find that the initial shock gives way to a pleasant buzzing sensation followed by 2 or more days of freedom from pain and inflammation This therapy should be approached with circumspection
536
bull Hair Tonic The decoction of the dried herb and especially the seeds stimulates hair growth helps restore balding hair and improves the overall texture and tone of the hair Use the decoction as a wash after shampooing and leave on for at least 3 minutes before rinsing off
bull Infusion 1 tsp to 1 TB of dried herb per cup of water 3-4 times a day bull Scalp Wash Recipe Boil 3 to 4 oz of chopped leaves in 2 cups of water and 2 cups of
vinegar for a short amount of time Chemical Identification Tests of U urens Mother tincture of U urens indicated the presence of saponin glycosides carbohydrates and steroids Microscopic Examination of Urtica urens L leaf The following diagnostic characters were found in U urens powder unicellular stinging hairs arising from a raised multi-cellular base that are composed of elongated cells with a slightly swollen stinging tip straight or slightly curved unicellular trichomes small glandular trichomes sporadic small fragments of leaves showing sinuous wavy walled epidermal cells anomocytic stomata and abundant large cystoliths containing dense granular masses of calcium carbonate small cluster crystals of calcium oxalate occur in the spongy mesophyll and few small groups of pitted vessels (USP 2008 British Pharmacopeia 2011)
FigureUrtica urens L and its diagnostic features
537
Thin-layer chromatography of U urens U urens extract in chloroform ndash methanol ndash water (80202) solvent system the Rf values of the spots at 254nm were 002 011 014 022 028 035 046 050 and at 366nm were 001 008 016 025 036 052 070 In ethyl acetate ndash methanol ndash water (100165135) the Rf values at 254nm were 005 016 028 035 042 049 057 066 071 076 and at 366nm were 003 009 023 038 045 053 059 091 Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy of U urens U urens revealed prominent peaks in FT-IR spectrum at 3300 (OH) 292531 (C-H) 158910 - 139705 (aromatic ring) 104972 (C-O-C) cm-1
Insecticidal activity of U urens Dose dependent decrease in mobility was observed accompanied by paralyzing effect On exposure to 100mg of U urens mean paralyzing time was observed 68plusmn203 hours (Table 3 Graph 1) Anthelmintic activity of U urens Earthworms exhibited attractive behavior towards drug is attracted by the drug The mobility of the earthworms slowed down with the passage of time Mortality was found at 17plusmn485 on exposure to 25mg of U urens drug in comparison to standard drug and control Molluscicidal activity of U urens The snails exposed to 1-100mg doses of U urens exhibited no reduction in activity at the end of 72 hours whereas at 500mg dose of the drug showed paralytic effect in 4 out of 6 snails (48plusmn1662) along with shell discoloration Paralytic effect with shell discoloration was also observed in all the snails with 1000mg dose of U urens at the end of 24 hours and fatality at the end of 48 hours Anti-bacterial activityof U urens U urens displayed zone of inhibition 18plusmn2 against gram-negative bacteria K pneumonia in comparison to control and standard drug U urens exhibited (MIC) at 10mgml and 12mgml against S saprophyticus and S fecalis (gram-positive bacteria) respectively Anti-fungal activityof U urens U urens had zone of inhibition 32plusmn1 against Rhizopus (Saprophytes) MIC of U urens was found at 20mgml against A flavus (Saprophytes) U urens exhibited more pronounced inhibition of C albicans and S cerevisiae respectively in comparison to standard Griseofulvin
538
Anti-oxidant activityof U urens U urens (50mg) showed 8216 DPPH scavenging activity and total anti-oxidant activity (7795) at the dose of 50mg Effects of U urens on locomotor and exploratory behavior of mice The anxiolytic effect was assessed by open field head dip light and dark cage cross and swimming activities The CNS depression effects were observed at the dose of 100 mgkg of U urens extract in case of open field activity 8583plusmn353 counts in 30 minutes and cage cross 675plusmn315 times activity At the dose of 300mgkg of U urens maximum CNS depression was observed in head dip cage the mice dipped its head 467plusmn128 times Number of entries in light compartment in light and dark activity was 483plusmn103 times In forced swimming test (FST) the mean forced mobility time was 137plusmn002 seconds Locomotor and exploratory activity was observed substantially reduced in comparison to control and standard drug Diazepam (2 mgkg1) Effects of U urens on analgesic activity using Acetic acid Analgesic activity is widely assessed by the method of acetic acid induced abdominal constrictions 06 (10 mlkg ip) acetic acid solution was administered in mice and the abdominal constrictions (writhes) were observed after 05 minutes The writhes were counted for three phases each of 10 minutes respectively The inhibition of acetic acid induced writhes by Aspirin was as follows first phase 5617 second phase 727 third phase 1496 whereas U urens at the dose of 300 mgkg exhibited maximum inhibition in third phase (117) Effects of U urens on analgesic activity using Formalin The results exhibited prominent analgesic effect in comparison to Aspirin (orally administered 300 mgkg) The analgesic effects of aspirin in phase 1 2 and 3 was4456 8010 and 4049 respectively U urens (300 mgkg) showed maximum inhibition of the licking and biting response in second phase (023) as induced by formaldehyde Effects of U urens on Carrageenan induced anti-inflammatory activity U urens (300mgkg) exhibited maximum paw volume inhibition 1379 after half hour U urens (500mgkg) at 35 hours had 3076 paw volume inhibition Whereas Aspirin at 15 hours had 2222 paw volume inhibition Effects of U urens on hematological parameters of male rabbitsrsquo blood In blood analysis hemoglobin (10308plusmn0063) hematocrit (3589plusmn0063) MCV (6763plusmn0048) MCH (19425plusmn00418) were slightly raised whereas platelet count (50408plusmn011) was significantly elevated Red blood cells (5316plusmn00096) count white blood cells (5315plusmn00083) count and MCHC (28775plusmn0068) levels were somewhat lowered in test group treated with U urens when compared with its respective male control group Effects of U urens on hematological parameters of female rabbitsrsquo blood In female test group treated with U urens hemoglobin (9218plusmn0022) RBC count (4485plusmn00083) hematocrit (3179plusmn0063) MCV (708plusmn0063) and MCH (2034plusmn0077) were found to be lowered while MCHC (2885plusmn00836) white blood cells (8675plusmn00418) count and platelet count (40411plusmn0118) were elevated in comparison to its respective female control group Effects of U urens on Kidney Function Test of male rabbitsrsquo blood Urea (48plusmn1058) serum calcium (14643plusmn002) total protein (7925plusmn00083) albumin (533plusmn00083) and AG ratio (2065plusmn00083) were raised while creatinine (0643plusmn00083)
539
phosphorus (4845plusmn00195) uric acid (0105plusmn001) and globulin levels (2595plusmn00083) were lowered in male test group treated with U urens as compared to the male control group Effects of U urens on Kidney Function Test of female rabbitsrsquo blood Serum calcium (14867plusmn024) uric acid (008plusmn00058) and globulin (2198plusmn00165) levels were found elevated whereas urea (485plusmn0836) creatinine (0525plusmn00083) phosphorus (0988plusmn0023) total protein (6495plusmn00083) albumin (4306plusmn00096) and AG ratio (197plusmn001) were observed lowered in female test group treated with U urens in comparison to the female control group Effects of U urens on Cardiac Enzymes of male rabbitsrsquo blood The levels of the cardiac enzymes LDH (35116plusmn4258) CPK (5865plusmn137) and CK-MB (67333plusmn096) were found towards elevated side in the male test group treated with U urens as compared to its respective male control group Effects of U urens on Cardiac Enzymes of female rabbitsrsquo blood LDH (1925plusmn0836) and CPK (23705plusmn0836) enzymes were observed elevated whereas CK-MB (5695plusmn0836) levels were found reduced in female test group treated with U urens as compared to the control female group Effects of U urens onLipid Profile of male rabbitsrsquo blood HDL (95plusmn0836) was found elevated while cholesterol (1942plusmn0845) triglycerides (5183plusmn1036) LDL (767plusmn096) and VLDL (11plusmn1058) levels were observed towards lowered side in male group treated with U urens in comparison to the respective male control group Effects of U urens on Lipid Profile of female rabbitsrsquo blood All the lipid profile parameters were found to be elevated Cholesterol (77plusmn1058) HDL (195plusmn0836) LDL (405plusmn0836) VLDL (175plusmn0836) in female test group treated with U urens when compared with its respective female control group Effects of U urens on Liver Enzymes of male rabbitrsquos blood Total bilirubin (0286plusmn00096) direct bilirubin (0115plusmn00083) and gamma GT (1308plusmn0639) levels were found raised while SGOT (1883plusmn103) SGPT (5616plusmn1036) and alkaline phosphatase (4067plusmn0966) enzymes level was found lowered in U urens treated test group in comparison to male control group Effects of U urens on Liver Enzymes of female rabbitsrsquo blood Gamma GT (1283plusmn1036) level was elevated whereas the levels of the rest of the liver enzymes SGOT (175plusmn0836) Total Bilirubin (024plusmn0021) Direct Bilirubin (00165plusmn00027) SGPT (395plusmn1224) Alkaline Phosphatase (335plusmn0836) were found to be lowered in test group treated with U urens in comparison with its respective control group Urine analysis of male rabbits The urine parameters of the male test group were similar to that of its respective male control group except for the presence of blood in the urine of the test group Urine analysis of female rabbits The urine parameters of the female test group were similar to that of its respective female control group Effects of U urenson liver enzymes of rabbits injected carbon tetrachloride prior to dissection The rabbits treated with U urens extract for three months were administered carbon tetrachloride 15ml before taking out blood via cardiac puncture for LFT Total bilirubin 017plusmn00063 level was lowered while the rest of the liver enzymes that is direct bilirubin 0205plusmn00083 SGPT
540
30108plusmn0639 alkaline phosphatase 85plusmn0316 and gamma GT 2325plusmn0418 were found elevated as compared to the control group Autopsy of male rabbitrsquos treated with U urens No significant pathology was seen in heart liver and stomach tissues whereas acute tubular necrosis was found in kidney tissues of the male group treated with U urens extract
Male liver tissue Male kidney tissue Autopsy of female rabbitrsquos treated with U urens In female group treated with U urens no substantial pathology was seen in heart stomach and kidney tissues While mild portal inflammation and peri-portal fibrosis with focal macrovesicular steatosis was seen in liver tissues
Female liver tissue Female Kidney tissue Diuretic activity of rabbits treated with U urens The mice given oral dose of 300 mgkg of U urens extract exhibited pronounce diuretic activity 166plusmn00033 at the end of 4 hours as compared to the control 093plusmn00036 Furosemide 10 mgkg showed diuretic activity 252plusmn00033 Anti-urolithiasis activity of U urens All the tested concentrations of U urens did not exhibit inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization
References Akbay P Basaran AA Undeger U Basaran N 2003 In vitro immunomodulatory activity of flavonoid glycosides
from Urtica dioica L Phytother Res 17(1) 34-7 Antonopoulou S Demopoulos CA Andrikopoulos NK 1996 Lipid separation from Urtica dioica Existence of
Platelet-Activating Factor J Agric Food Chem 44(10) 3052-6 Avci G Kupeli E Eryavuz A Yesilada E Kucukkurt I 2006 Anti-hypercholesterolaemic and anti-oxidant activity
assessment of some plants used as remedy in Turkish folk medicine J Ethnopharmacol 107(3) 418-23
541
Baraibar CP Broncano FJ Lazaro-Carrasco MJ Rebuelta M Villuna L1983 Acute and chronic toxicity studies on Nettle (Urtica dioica L) An Bromatol 3599-103
Bisset NG trans-ed 1994 Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals Boca Raton FL CRC 19945027 Bnouham M Merhfour FZ Ziyyat A Mekhfi H Aziz M Legssyer A 2003 Antihyperglycemic activity of the
aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Fitoterapia 74(7-8) 677-8 Bradley P ed 1992 British Herbal Compendium A handbook of scientific information on widely used plant drugs
companion to volume 1 of the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia Volume 1 British Herbal Medicine Association Bournemouth
Broncano FJ Rebuelta M Vivas JM DiazMP 1987 Estudio de diferentes preparados de Urtica dioica L sobre SCN An Real Acad Farm 53 284-91
Caceres A Giron LM and Martinez AM 1987a Diuretic activity of plants used for the treatment of urinary ailments in Guatemala Journal of Ethnopharmacology 19 233-245
Carson Camp Rittmaster R 2003 The role of dihydrotestosterone in benign prostatic hyperplasia Urology 61(4 Suppl 1) 2-7
Cetinus E Kilinc M Inanc F Kurua EB Buzkan N2005 The role of Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) in the prevention of oxidative stress caused by tourniquet application in rats Tohoku J Exp Med 205(3) 215-21
Chrubasik JE Roufogalis BD Wagner H Chrubasik S 2007 A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles Part II urticae radix Phytomedicine14(7-8)568-579
Daher CF Baroody KG Baroody GM 2006 Effect of Urtica dioica extract intake upon blood lipid profile in rats Fitoterapia 77(3) 183-8
De Clercq E 2000 Current lead natural products for the chemotherapy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection Med Res Rev 20(5) 323-49
Durak I Biri H Devrim E 2004 Aqueous extract of Urtica dioica makes significant inhibition on adenosine deaminase activity in prostate tissue from patients with prostate cancer Cancer Biol Ther 3(9) 855-7
Farzami BAhmadvand D Vardasbi S Majin FJ Khaghani Sh 2003 Induction of insulin secretion by a component of Urtica dioica leave extract in perifused Islets of Langerhans and its in vivo effects in normal and streptozotocin diabetic ratsJ Ethnopharmacol89(1)47-53
Ganzera M Piereder D Sturm S Erdelmeier C Stuppner H 2005 Urtica dioica agglutinin separation identification and quantitation of individual isolectins by capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry Electrophoresis26(9)1724-1731
Gozum S Tezel A Koc M 2003 Complementary alternative treatments used by patients with cancer in eastern Turkey Cancer Nurs 26(3) 230-6
Guumllccedilin I Kuumlfrevioglu OI Oktay M Buumlyuumlkokuroglu ME 2004 Antioxidant antimicrobial antiulcer and analgesic activities of nettle (Urtica dioica L) J Ethnopharmacol 90(2-3) 205-15
Helms S et al 2006 Natural treatment of chronic rhinosinusitisAltern Med Rev 11(3) 196-207 Kanter M Coskun O Budancamanak M2005 Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa L and Urtica dioica L on
lipid peroxidation antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats World J Gastroenterol 11(42) 6684-8
Koch E 2001 Extracts from fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata) and roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) viable alternatives in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated lower urinary tracts symptomsrdquo Planta Med 67 489-500
Konrad A Maumlhler M Arni S Flogerzi B Klingelhoumlfer S Seibold F 2005 Ameliorative effect of IDS 30 a stingingnettle leaf extract on chronic colitis Int J Colorectal Dis20(1)9-17
Konrad L Muumlller HH Lenz C Laubinger H Aumuumlller G Lichius JJ 2000 Antiproliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells by a stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) extract Planta Med 66(1) 44-7
Krstic-Pavlovic N and Dzamic R 1985 Astringent and mineral components in the leaves of nettle (Urtica dioica L) from many natural locations Agrochemija191-198
Legssyer A et al 2002 Cardiovascular effects of Urtica dioica L in the isolated rat heart and aorta Phytother Res 16(6) 503-7
Lichius JJamp Muth C1997 The inhibiting effects of Urtica dioica root extracts on experimentally induced prostatic hyperplasia in the mouse Planta Med 63(4) 307-10
Lopatkin NSivkov A Walther C Schlafke S Medvedev A Avdeichuk J 2005 Long-term efficacy and safety of a combination of sabal and urtica extract for lower urinary tract symptoms--a placebo-controlled double-blind multicenter trial World J Urol 23(2) 139-146
542
Lopatkin NASivkov AV Medvedev AA Walter K Schlefke S Avdeichuk IuI 2006 Combined extract of Sabal palm and nettle in the treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms in double blind placebo-controlled trial Urologiia12(2) 14-9
Lutomski J Speichert H1983 Die Brennessel in Heilkunde und Ernaumlhrung Pharm Unserer Zeit 12(6) 181-6 Lutomski J 1998 Antibakterielle und salidiuretische Aktivitaumlt der Kneippreg-Praumlparate Interner Versuchsbericht
Institut fuumlr Heilpflanzenforschung Poznan 1981 cited in Blaschek W Haumlnsel R Keller K Reichling J Rimpler H Schneider G eds Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis Drogen L-Z Vol 3 5th ed Springer-Verlag Berlin
Manganelli URE Zaccaro L Tomei PE 2005 Antiviral activity in vitro of Urtica dioica L Parietaria diffusa M and Sambucus nigra L J Ethnopharmacol 98(3) 323-7
Mekhfi H El Haouari M Legssyer A Bnouham M Aziz M Atmani F et al 2004 Platelet anti-aggregant property of some Moroccan medicinal plants J Ethnopharmacol 94(2-3) 317-22
Melo EABertero EB Rios LA Mattos D Jr 2002 Evaluating the efficiency of a combination of Pygeum africanum and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) extracts in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial Int Braz J Urol 28(5) 418-25
Mittman P 1990 Randomized Double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis Planta medica 5644-47
Obertreis B Giller K Teucher T 1996 Anti-inflammatory effect of Urtica dioicafolia extract in comparison to caffeic malic acid Arzneimittelforschung4652-56
Onal STimmur S Okuttucu B Zihnioglu 2005 Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase by aqueous extracts of some potent antidiabetic medicinal herbs Prep Biochem Biotechnol 35(1)29-36
Otoom SAAl-Safi SA Kerem ZK Alkofahi A 2006 The use of medicinal herbs by diabetic Jordanian patients J Herb Pharmacother 6(2) 31-41
Ozen Tamp Korkmaz H2003 Modulatory effect of Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) leaf extract on biotransformation enzyme systems antioxidant enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and lipid peroxidation in mice Phytomedicine 10(5) 405-15
Pinelli P Ieri F Vignolini P Bacci L Baronti S Romani A 2008 Extraction and HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds in leaves stalks and textile fibers of Urtica dioica L J Agric Food Chem56(19)9127-9132
Popa G Hagele-Kaddour H Walther C2005 Efficacy of a combined Sabal-urtica preparation in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia Results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study MMW Fortschr 147 Suppl 3103-8
Lasheras B et al Eacutetude pharmacologique preacuteliminaire de Prunus spinosa L Amelanchier ovalisMedikus Juniperus communis L et Urtica dioica L Plant Meacuted Phytotheacuter 20 219-26
Randall CRandall H Dobbs F 2000 Randomized controlled trial of nettle sting for treatment of base-of-thumb pain J R Soc Med 93(6) 305-9
Riehemann K Behnke B Schulze-Osthoff K 1999 Plant extracts from stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) an antirheumatic remedy inhibit the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB FEBS Lett 442(1) 89-94
Safarinejad MR 2005 Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover studyJ Herb Pharmacother 5(4) 1-11
Schneider T ampRubben H 2004Stinging nettle root extract (Bazoton-uno) in long term treatment of benign prostatic syndrome (BPS) Results of a randomized double-blind placebo controlled multicenter study after 12 months Urologea43(3)302-6
Schottner M Gansser D Spiteller G 1997 Lignans from the roots of Urtica dioica and their metabolites bind to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)Planta Med 63(6) 529-32
Schulze-Tanzil G Behnke B Klingelhoefer S Scheid A Shakibaei M2002 Effects of the antirheumatic remedy hox alphandasha new stinging nettle leaf extractndashon matrix metalloproteinases in human chondrocytes in vitro HistolHistopathol 17(2) 477-85
Smith TA 1977 Tryptamine and related compounds in plants Phytochemistry16171 Tahri A Yamani S Legssyer A Aziz M Mekhfi H Bnouham M 2000 Acute diuretic natriuretic and hypotensive
effects of a continuous perfusion of aqueous extract of Urtica dioica in the rat J Ethnopharmacol 73(1-2) 95ndash100
Taylor L 2005 The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs Raintree Nutrition Inc Carson City NV 89701 Testai L Chericoni S Calderone V Nencioni G Nieri P Morelli I Martinotti E 2002 Cardiovascular effects of
Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) roots extracts in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies J Ethnopharmacol 81(1) 105-9
Thornhill SMamp Kelly AM 2000 Natural treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis Altern Med Rev 5(5) 448-54
543
Tita B Faccendini P Bello U Martinoli L Bolle P 1993 Urtica dioica L Pharmacological effect of ethanol extract Pharmacol Res 27(Suppl 1) 21-2
Tunoacuten H Olavsdotter C Bohlin L 1995 Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis J Ethnopharmacol 48(2) 61-76
Turkdogan MKOzbek H Yener Z Tuncer I Uygan I Ceylan E 2003 The role of Urtica dioica and Nigella sativa in the prevention of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats Phytother Res 17(8) 942-6
Wagner HWiller Famp Kreher BB1989 Biologically active compounds from the aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Planta Med 55(5) 452-4
Walther C Popa G Haumlgele-Kaddour H 2005 Benign prostatic syndrome Urinary urgency and micturition frequency reduced with plant preparation MMW Fortschr Med 147(40) 52-3
533
Lecithin Linoleic acid
Linolenic acid Neoolivil
Oleanolic acid Palmitic acid Vitamin K1
Pantothenic acid Quercetin Quinic acid
Scopoletin Secoisolariciresinol Serotonin
534
Sitosterol Stigmasterol Succinic acid
Thiamine Violaxanthin
Vitamin B6 Folic acid Vitamin C
Medicinal uses Reduces allergies cleanses blood reduces inflammation relieves pain stops hair loss increases urination stops bleeding dilates blood vessels lowers blood pressure and heals wounds Side effects and toxicity Internal use of nettle is not associated with any significant adverse effects Fresh nettle causes stings and can rarely lead to severe allergic reactions in susceptible individuals Actions of Herb Allergies high blood pressure diuretic prostate inflammation benign prostate hyperplasia hair loss hypoglycemic anti-diabetic ampanti-cholesterol cardiovascular hepato-protective anti-oxidant action anti-microbial action amenorrhea asthma fibromyalgia menorrhagia antiseptic for chronic urinary tract infections helps prevent and treat kidney stones Incompatibilities with other medications Lithium interacts with stinging nettle Stinging nettle might have an effect like a diuretic Taking stinging nettle might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium Your lithium dose might need to be changed Anti-diabetes drugs interact with stinging nettle Stinging nettle above ground parts might decrease blood sugar Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar Taking stinging nettle along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low Monitor your blood sugar closely The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed
535
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl) glyburide (DiaBeta Glynase PresTab Micronase) insulin pioglitazone (Actos) rosiglitazone (Avandia) chlorpropamide (Diabinese) glipizide (Glucotrol) tolbutamide (Orinase) and others Antihypertensive drugs (high blood pressure) interact with stinging nettle Stinging nettle above ground parts seem to decrease blood pressure Taking stinging nettle along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten) enalapril (Vasotec) losartan (Cozaar) valsartan (Diovan) diltiazem (Cardizem) Amlodipine (Norvasc) hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril) furosemide (Lasix) and many others Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interact with Stinging Nettle Large amounts of stinging nettle above ground parts might cause sleepiness and drowsiness Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives Taking stinging nettle along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness Some sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin) lorazepam (Ativan) phenobarbital (Donnatal) zolpidem (Ambien) and others Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with Stinging Nettle Stinging nettle above ground parts contain large amounts of vitamin K Vitamin K is used by the body to help blood clot Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting By helping the blood clot stinging nettle might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin) Be sure to have your blood checked regularly The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed Contraindications Pregnancy and lactation Caution is advised in diabetes high blood pressure kidney problems and benign prostrate hyperplasia Dosages
bull Steamed (10-15 min) adult leaves with lemon juice and vinegar can be used as a food (acid helps with mineral assimilation) Note that the young leaves dont sting and thus dont need to be steamed
bull A drink could be made from lemonade nettles and kelp bull Decoction - 1 cup boiling water + 1-3 tsp of dried herb infuse 10-15 minutes take 1 cup
three times daily bull Fluid extract - 1-20 drops three times daily bull Powder - 20-40 grains bull Tincture - 5-40 drops (1-4mL) three times daily infant cholera 1-5 drops every 1-2 hours bull Radix decoct 4-6 g qd for BPH (cited in Tyler 1994) bull Folia infuse 4 g in 150 ml water tid (cited in Tyler 1994) bull Juicesuccus - 1-10 drops of succus used by Father Kneipp topically or orally for wounds
for warts daily for 10-12 days bull Capsules Somewhat effective (2) 500 mg caps 4 times a day (freeze dried cap is better
than standard capsule) bull Flagellation For treating arthritic joints whipping with fresh mature nettles will
stimulate circulation to the swollen area relieve pain and greatly increase freedom of movement Although some people cannot tolerate this heroic therapy others find that the initial shock gives way to a pleasant buzzing sensation followed by 2 or more days of freedom from pain and inflammation This therapy should be approached with circumspection
536
bull Hair Tonic The decoction of the dried herb and especially the seeds stimulates hair growth helps restore balding hair and improves the overall texture and tone of the hair Use the decoction as a wash after shampooing and leave on for at least 3 minutes before rinsing off
bull Infusion 1 tsp to 1 TB of dried herb per cup of water 3-4 times a day bull Scalp Wash Recipe Boil 3 to 4 oz of chopped leaves in 2 cups of water and 2 cups of
vinegar for a short amount of time Chemical Identification Tests of U urens Mother tincture of U urens indicated the presence of saponin glycosides carbohydrates and steroids Microscopic Examination of Urtica urens L leaf The following diagnostic characters were found in U urens powder unicellular stinging hairs arising from a raised multi-cellular base that are composed of elongated cells with a slightly swollen stinging tip straight or slightly curved unicellular trichomes small glandular trichomes sporadic small fragments of leaves showing sinuous wavy walled epidermal cells anomocytic stomata and abundant large cystoliths containing dense granular masses of calcium carbonate small cluster crystals of calcium oxalate occur in the spongy mesophyll and few small groups of pitted vessels (USP 2008 British Pharmacopeia 2011)
FigureUrtica urens L and its diagnostic features
537
Thin-layer chromatography of U urens U urens extract in chloroform ndash methanol ndash water (80202) solvent system the Rf values of the spots at 254nm were 002 011 014 022 028 035 046 050 and at 366nm were 001 008 016 025 036 052 070 In ethyl acetate ndash methanol ndash water (100165135) the Rf values at 254nm were 005 016 028 035 042 049 057 066 071 076 and at 366nm were 003 009 023 038 045 053 059 091 Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy of U urens U urens revealed prominent peaks in FT-IR spectrum at 3300 (OH) 292531 (C-H) 158910 - 139705 (aromatic ring) 104972 (C-O-C) cm-1
Insecticidal activity of U urens Dose dependent decrease in mobility was observed accompanied by paralyzing effect On exposure to 100mg of U urens mean paralyzing time was observed 68plusmn203 hours (Table 3 Graph 1) Anthelmintic activity of U urens Earthworms exhibited attractive behavior towards drug is attracted by the drug The mobility of the earthworms slowed down with the passage of time Mortality was found at 17plusmn485 on exposure to 25mg of U urens drug in comparison to standard drug and control Molluscicidal activity of U urens The snails exposed to 1-100mg doses of U urens exhibited no reduction in activity at the end of 72 hours whereas at 500mg dose of the drug showed paralytic effect in 4 out of 6 snails (48plusmn1662) along with shell discoloration Paralytic effect with shell discoloration was also observed in all the snails with 1000mg dose of U urens at the end of 24 hours and fatality at the end of 48 hours Anti-bacterial activityof U urens U urens displayed zone of inhibition 18plusmn2 against gram-negative bacteria K pneumonia in comparison to control and standard drug U urens exhibited (MIC) at 10mgml and 12mgml against S saprophyticus and S fecalis (gram-positive bacteria) respectively Anti-fungal activityof U urens U urens had zone of inhibition 32plusmn1 against Rhizopus (Saprophytes) MIC of U urens was found at 20mgml against A flavus (Saprophytes) U urens exhibited more pronounced inhibition of C albicans and S cerevisiae respectively in comparison to standard Griseofulvin
538
Anti-oxidant activityof U urens U urens (50mg) showed 8216 DPPH scavenging activity and total anti-oxidant activity (7795) at the dose of 50mg Effects of U urens on locomotor and exploratory behavior of mice The anxiolytic effect was assessed by open field head dip light and dark cage cross and swimming activities The CNS depression effects were observed at the dose of 100 mgkg of U urens extract in case of open field activity 8583plusmn353 counts in 30 minutes and cage cross 675plusmn315 times activity At the dose of 300mgkg of U urens maximum CNS depression was observed in head dip cage the mice dipped its head 467plusmn128 times Number of entries in light compartment in light and dark activity was 483plusmn103 times In forced swimming test (FST) the mean forced mobility time was 137plusmn002 seconds Locomotor and exploratory activity was observed substantially reduced in comparison to control and standard drug Diazepam (2 mgkg1) Effects of U urens on analgesic activity using Acetic acid Analgesic activity is widely assessed by the method of acetic acid induced abdominal constrictions 06 (10 mlkg ip) acetic acid solution was administered in mice and the abdominal constrictions (writhes) were observed after 05 minutes The writhes were counted for three phases each of 10 minutes respectively The inhibition of acetic acid induced writhes by Aspirin was as follows first phase 5617 second phase 727 third phase 1496 whereas U urens at the dose of 300 mgkg exhibited maximum inhibition in third phase (117) Effects of U urens on analgesic activity using Formalin The results exhibited prominent analgesic effect in comparison to Aspirin (orally administered 300 mgkg) The analgesic effects of aspirin in phase 1 2 and 3 was4456 8010 and 4049 respectively U urens (300 mgkg) showed maximum inhibition of the licking and biting response in second phase (023) as induced by formaldehyde Effects of U urens on Carrageenan induced anti-inflammatory activity U urens (300mgkg) exhibited maximum paw volume inhibition 1379 after half hour U urens (500mgkg) at 35 hours had 3076 paw volume inhibition Whereas Aspirin at 15 hours had 2222 paw volume inhibition Effects of U urens on hematological parameters of male rabbitsrsquo blood In blood analysis hemoglobin (10308plusmn0063) hematocrit (3589plusmn0063) MCV (6763plusmn0048) MCH (19425plusmn00418) were slightly raised whereas platelet count (50408plusmn011) was significantly elevated Red blood cells (5316plusmn00096) count white blood cells (5315plusmn00083) count and MCHC (28775plusmn0068) levels were somewhat lowered in test group treated with U urens when compared with its respective male control group Effects of U urens on hematological parameters of female rabbitsrsquo blood In female test group treated with U urens hemoglobin (9218plusmn0022) RBC count (4485plusmn00083) hematocrit (3179plusmn0063) MCV (708plusmn0063) and MCH (2034plusmn0077) were found to be lowered while MCHC (2885plusmn00836) white blood cells (8675plusmn00418) count and platelet count (40411plusmn0118) were elevated in comparison to its respective female control group Effects of U urens on Kidney Function Test of male rabbitsrsquo blood Urea (48plusmn1058) serum calcium (14643plusmn002) total protein (7925plusmn00083) albumin (533plusmn00083) and AG ratio (2065plusmn00083) were raised while creatinine (0643plusmn00083)
539
phosphorus (4845plusmn00195) uric acid (0105plusmn001) and globulin levels (2595plusmn00083) were lowered in male test group treated with U urens as compared to the male control group Effects of U urens on Kidney Function Test of female rabbitsrsquo blood Serum calcium (14867plusmn024) uric acid (008plusmn00058) and globulin (2198plusmn00165) levels were found elevated whereas urea (485plusmn0836) creatinine (0525plusmn00083) phosphorus (0988plusmn0023) total protein (6495plusmn00083) albumin (4306plusmn00096) and AG ratio (197plusmn001) were observed lowered in female test group treated with U urens in comparison to the female control group Effects of U urens on Cardiac Enzymes of male rabbitsrsquo blood The levels of the cardiac enzymes LDH (35116plusmn4258) CPK (5865plusmn137) and CK-MB (67333plusmn096) were found towards elevated side in the male test group treated with U urens as compared to its respective male control group Effects of U urens on Cardiac Enzymes of female rabbitsrsquo blood LDH (1925plusmn0836) and CPK (23705plusmn0836) enzymes were observed elevated whereas CK-MB (5695plusmn0836) levels were found reduced in female test group treated with U urens as compared to the control female group Effects of U urens onLipid Profile of male rabbitsrsquo blood HDL (95plusmn0836) was found elevated while cholesterol (1942plusmn0845) triglycerides (5183plusmn1036) LDL (767plusmn096) and VLDL (11plusmn1058) levels were observed towards lowered side in male group treated with U urens in comparison to the respective male control group Effects of U urens on Lipid Profile of female rabbitsrsquo blood All the lipid profile parameters were found to be elevated Cholesterol (77plusmn1058) HDL (195plusmn0836) LDL (405plusmn0836) VLDL (175plusmn0836) in female test group treated with U urens when compared with its respective female control group Effects of U urens on Liver Enzymes of male rabbitrsquos blood Total bilirubin (0286plusmn00096) direct bilirubin (0115plusmn00083) and gamma GT (1308plusmn0639) levels were found raised while SGOT (1883plusmn103) SGPT (5616plusmn1036) and alkaline phosphatase (4067plusmn0966) enzymes level was found lowered in U urens treated test group in comparison to male control group Effects of U urens on Liver Enzymes of female rabbitsrsquo blood Gamma GT (1283plusmn1036) level was elevated whereas the levels of the rest of the liver enzymes SGOT (175plusmn0836) Total Bilirubin (024plusmn0021) Direct Bilirubin (00165plusmn00027) SGPT (395plusmn1224) Alkaline Phosphatase (335plusmn0836) were found to be lowered in test group treated with U urens in comparison with its respective control group Urine analysis of male rabbits The urine parameters of the male test group were similar to that of its respective male control group except for the presence of blood in the urine of the test group Urine analysis of female rabbits The urine parameters of the female test group were similar to that of its respective female control group Effects of U urenson liver enzymes of rabbits injected carbon tetrachloride prior to dissection The rabbits treated with U urens extract for three months were administered carbon tetrachloride 15ml before taking out blood via cardiac puncture for LFT Total bilirubin 017plusmn00063 level was lowered while the rest of the liver enzymes that is direct bilirubin 0205plusmn00083 SGPT
540
30108plusmn0639 alkaline phosphatase 85plusmn0316 and gamma GT 2325plusmn0418 were found elevated as compared to the control group Autopsy of male rabbitrsquos treated with U urens No significant pathology was seen in heart liver and stomach tissues whereas acute tubular necrosis was found in kidney tissues of the male group treated with U urens extract
Male liver tissue Male kidney tissue Autopsy of female rabbitrsquos treated with U urens In female group treated with U urens no substantial pathology was seen in heart stomach and kidney tissues While mild portal inflammation and peri-portal fibrosis with focal macrovesicular steatosis was seen in liver tissues
Female liver tissue Female Kidney tissue Diuretic activity of rabbits treated with U urens The mice given oral dose of 300 mgkg of U urens extract exhibited pronounce diuretic activity 166plusmn00033 at the end of 4 hours as compared to the control 093plusmn00036 Furosemide 10 mgkg showed diuretic activity 252plusmn00033 Anti-urolithiasis activity of U urens All the tested concentrations of U urens did not exhibit inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization
References Akbay P Basaran AA Undeger U Basaran N 2003 In vitro immunomodulatory activity of flavonoid glycosides
from Urtica dioica L Phytother Res 17(1) 34-7 Antonopoulou S Demopoulos CA Andrikopoulos NK 1996 Lipid separation from Urtica dioica Existence of
Platelet-Activating Factor J Agric Food Chem 44(10) 3052-6 Avci G Kupeli E Eryavuz A Yesilada E Kucukkurt I 2006 Anti-hypercholesterolaemic and anti-oxidant activity
assessment of some plants used as remedy in Turkish folk medicine J Ethnopharmacol 107(3) 418-23
541
Baraibar CP Broncano FJ Lazaro-Carrasco MJ Rebuelta M Villuna L1983 Acute and chronic toxicity studies on Nettle (Urtica dioica L) An Bromatol 3599-103
Bisset NG trans-ed 1994 Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals Boca Raton FL CRC 19945027 Bnouham M Merhfour FZ Ziyyat A Mekhfi H Aziz M Legssyer A 2003 Antihyperglycemic activity of the
aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Fitoterapia 74(7-8) 677-8 Bradley P ed 1992 British Herbal Compendium A handbook of scientific information on widely used plant drugs
companion to volume 1 of the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia Volume 1 British Herbal Medicine Association Bournemouth
Broncano FJ Rebuelta M Vivas JM DiazMP 1987 Estudio de diferentes preparados de Urtica dioica L sobre SCN An Real Acad Farm 53 284-91
Caceres A Giron LM and Martinez AM 1987a Diuretic activity of plants used for the treatment of urinary ailments in Guatemala Journal of Ethnopharmacology 19 233-245
Carson Camp Rittmaster R 2003 The role of dihydrotestosterone in benign prostatic hyperplasia Urology 61(4 Suppl 1) 2-7
Cetinus E Kilinc M Inanc F Kurua EB Buzkan N2005 The role of Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) in the prevention of oxidative stress caused by tourniquet application in rats Tohoku J Exp Med 205(3) 215-21
Chrubasik JE Roufogalis BD Wagner H Chrubasik S 2007 A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles Part II urticae radix Phytomedicine14(7-8)568-579
Daher CF Baroody KG Baroody GM 2006 Effect of Urtica dioica extract intake upon blood lipid profile in rats Fitoterapia 77(3) 183-8
De Clercq E 2000 Current lead natural products for the chemotherapy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection Med Res Rev 20(5) 323-49
Durak I Biri H Devrim E 2004 Aqueous extract of Urtica dioica makes significant inhibition on adenosine deaminase activity in prostate tissue from patients with prostate cancer Cancer Biol Ther 3(9) 855-7
Farzami BAhmadvand D Vardasbi S Majin FJ Khaghani Sh 2003 Induction of insulin secretion by a component of Urtica dioica leave extract in perifused Islets of Langerhans and its in vivo effects in normal and streptozotocin diabetic ratsJ Ethnopharmacol89(1)47-53
Ganzera M Piereder D Sturm S Erdelmeier C Stuppner H 2005 Urtica dioica agglutinin separation identification and quantitation of individual isolectins by capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry Electrophoresis26(9)1724-1731
Gozum S Tezel A Koc M 2003 Complementary alternative treatments used by patients with cancer in eastern Turkey Cancer Nurs 26(3) 230-6
Guumllccedilin I Kuumlfrevioglu OI Oktay M Buumlyuumlkokuroglu ME 2004 Antioxidant antimicrobial antiulcer and analgesic activities of nettle (Urtica dioica L) J Ethnopharmacol 90(2-3) 205-15
Helms S et al 2006 Natural treatment of chronic rhinosinusitisAltern Med Rev 11(3) 196-207 Kanter M Coskun O Budancamanak M2005 Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa L and Urtica dioica L on
lipid peroxidation antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats World J Gastroenterol 11(42) 6684-8
Koch E 2001 Extracts from fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata) and roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) viable alternatives in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated lower urinary tracts symptomsrdquo Planta Med 67 489-500
Konrad A Maumlhler M Arni S Flogerzi B Klingelhoumlfer S Seibold F 2005 Ameliorative effect of IDS 30 a stingingnettle leaf extract on chronic colitis Int J Colorectal Dis20(1)9-17
Konrad L Muumlller HH Lenz C Laubinger H Aumuumlller G Lichius JJ 2000 Antiproliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells by a stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) extract Planta Med 66(1) 44-7
Krstic-Pavlovic N and Dzamic R 1985 Astringent and mineral components in the leaves of nettle (Urtica dioica L) from many natural locations Agrochemija191-198
Legssyer A et al 2002 Cardiovascular effects of Urtica dioica L in the isolated rat heart and aorta Phytother Res 16(6) 503-7
Lichius JJamp Muth C1997 The inhibiting effects of Urtica dioica root extracts on experimentally induced prostatic hyperplasia in the mouse Planta Med 63(4) 307-10
Lopatkin NSivkov A Walther C Schlafke S Medvedev A Avdeichuk J 2005 Long-term efficacy and safety of a combination of sabal and urtica extract for lower urinary tract symptoms--a placebo-controlled double-blind multicenter trial World J Urol 23(2) 139-146
542
Lopatkin NASivkov AV Medvedev AA Walter K Schlefke S Avdeichuk IuI 2006 Combined extract of Sabal palm and nettle in the treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms in double blind placebo-controlled trial Urologiia12(2) 14-9
Lutomski J Speichert H1983 Die Brennessel in Heilkunde und Ernaumlhrung Pharm Unserer Zeit 12(6) 181-6 Lutomski J 1998 Antibakterielle und salidiuretische Aktivitaumlt der Kneippreg-Praumlparate Interner Versuchsbericht
Institut fuumlr Heilpflanzenforschung Poznan 1981 cited in Blaschek W Haumlnsel R Keller K Reichling J Rimpler H Schneider G eds Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis Drogen L-Z Vol 3 5th ed Springer-Verlag Berlin
Manganelli URE Zaccaro L Tomei PE 2005 Antiviral activity in vitro of Urtica dioica L Parietaria diffusa M and Sambucus nigra L J Ethnopharmacol 98(3) 323-7
Mekhfi H El Haouari M Legssyer A Bnouham M Aziz M Atmani F et al 2004 Platelet anti-aggregant property of some Moroccan medicinal plants J Ethnopharmacol 94(2-3) 317-22
Melo EABertero EB Rios LA Mattos D Jr 2002 Evaluating the efficiency of a combination of Pygeum africanum and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) extracts in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial Int Braz J Urol 28(5) 418-25
Mittman P 1990 Randomized Double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis Planta medica 5644-47
Obertreis B Giller K Teucher T 1996 Anti-inflammatory effect of Urtica dioicafolia extract in comparison to caffeic malic acid Arzneimittelforschung4652-56
Onal STimmur S Okuttucu B Zihnioglu 2005 Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase by aqueous extracts of some potent antidiabetic medicinal herbs Prep Biochem Biotechnol 35(1)29-36
Otoom SAAl-Safi SA Kerem ZK Alkofahi A 2006 The use of medicinal herbs by diabetic Jordanian patients J Herb Pharmacother 6(2) 31-41
Ozen Tamp Korkmaz H2003 Modulatory effect of Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) leaf extract on biotransformation enzyme systems antioxidant enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and lipid peroxidation in mice Phytomedicine 10(5) 405-15
Pinelli P Ieri F Vignolini P Bacci L Baronti S Romani A 2008 Extraction and HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds in leaves stalks and textile fibers of Urtica dioica L J Agric Food Chem56(19)9127-9132
Popa G Hagele-Kaddour H Walther C2005 Efficacy of a combined Sabal-urtica preparation in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia Results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study MMW Fortschr 147 Suppl 3103-8
Lasheras B et al Eacutetude pharmacologique preacuteliminaire de Prunus spinosa L Amelanchier ovalisMedikus Juniperus communis L et Urtica dioica L Plant Meacuted Phytotheacuter 20 219-26
Randall CRandall H Dobbs F 2000 Randomized controlled trial of nettle sting for treatment of base-of-thumb pain J R Soc Med 93(6) 305-9
Riehemann K Behnke B Schulze-Osthoff K 1999 Plant extracts from stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) an antirheumatic remedy inhibit the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB FEBS Lett 442(1) 89-94
Safarinejad MR 2005 Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover studyJ Herb Pharmacother 5(4) 1-11
Schneider T ampRubben H 2004Stinging nettle root extract (Bazoton-uno) in long term treatment of benign prostatic syndrome (BPS) Results of a randomized double-blind placebo controlled multicenter study after 12 months Urologea43(3)302-6
Schottner M Gansser D Spiteller G 1997 Lignans from the roots of Urtica dioica and their metabolites bind to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)Planta Med 63(6) 529-32
Schulze-Tanzil G Behnke B Klingelhoefer S Scheid A Shakibaei M2002 Effects of the antirheumatic remedy hox alphandasha new stinging nettle leaf extractndashon matrix metalloproteinases in human chondrocytes in vitro HistolHistopathol 17(2) 477-85
Smith TA 1977 Tryptamine and related compounds in plants Phytochemistry16171 Tahri A Yamani S Legssyer A Aziz M Mekhfi H Bnouham M 2000 Acute diuretic natriuretic and hypotensive
effects of a continuous perfusion of aqueous extract of Urtica dioica in the rat J Ethnopharmacol 73(1-2) 95ndash100
Taylor L 2005 The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs Raintree Nutrition Inc Carson City NV 89701 Testai L Chericoni S Calderone V Nencioni G Nieri P Morelli I Martinotti E 2002 Cardiovascular effects of
Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) roots extracts in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies J Ethnopharmacol 81(1) 105-9
Thornhill SMamp Kelly AM 2000 Natural treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis Altern Med Rev 5(5) 448-54
543
Tita B Faccendini P Bello U Martinoli L Bolle P 1993 Urtica dioica L Pharmacological effect of ethanol extract Pharmacol Res 27(Suppl 1) 21-2
Tunoacuten H Olavsdotter C Bohlin L 1995 Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis J Ethnopharmacol 48(2) 61-76
Turkdogan MKOzbek H Yener Z Tuncer I Uygan I Ceylan E 2003 The role of Urtica dioica and Nigella sativa in the prevention of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats Phytother Res 17(8) 942-6
Wagner HWiller Famp Kreher BB1989 Biologically active compounds from the aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Planta Med 55(5) 452-4
Walther C Popa G Haumlgele-Kaddour H 2005 Benign prostatic syndrome Urinary urgency and micturition frequency reduced with plant preparation MMW Fortschr Med 147(40) 52-3
534
Sitosterol Stigmasterol Succinic acid
Thiamine Violaxanthin
Vitamin B6 Folic acid Vitamin C
Medicinal uses Reduces allergies cleanses blood reduces inflammation relieves pain stops hair loss increases urination stops bleeding dilates blood vessels lowers blood pressure and heals wounds Side effects and toxicity Internal use of nettle is not associated with any significant adverse effects Fresh nettle causes stings and can rarely lead to severe allergic reactions in susceptible individuals Actions of Herb Allergies high blood pressure diuretic prostate inflammation benign prostate hyperplasia hair loss hypoglycemic anti-diabetic ampanti-cholesterol cardiovascular hepato-protective anti-oxidant action anti-microbial action amenorrhea asthma fibromyalgia menorrhagia antiseptic for chronic urinary tract infections helps prevent and treat kidney stones Incompatibilities with other medications Lithium interacts with stinging nettle Stinging nettle might have an effect like a diuretic Taking stinging nettle might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium Your lithium dose might need to be changed Anti-diabetes drugs interact with stinging nettle Stinging nettle above ground parts might decrease blood sugar Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar Taking stinging nettle along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low Monitor your blood sugar closely The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed
535
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl) glyburide (DiaBeta Glynase PresTab Micronase) insulin pioglitazone (Actos) rosiglitazone (Avandia) chlorpropamide (Diabinese) glipizide (Glucotrol) tolbutamide (Orinase) and others Antihypertensive drugs (high blood pressure) interact with stinging nettle Stinging nettle above ground parts seem to decrease blood pressure Taking stinging nettle along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten) enalapril (Vasotec) losartan (Cozaar) valsartan (Diovan) diltiazem (Cardizem) Amlodipine (Norvasc) hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril) furosemide (Lasix) and many others Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interact with Stinging Nettle Large amounts of stinging nettle above ground parts might cause sleepiness and drowsiness Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives Taking stinging nettle along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness Some sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin) lorazepam (Ativan) phenobarbital (Donnatal) zolpidem (Ambien) and others Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with Stinging Nettle Stinging nettle above ground parts contain large amounts of vitamin K Vitamin K is used by the body to help blood clot Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting By helping the blood clot stinging nettle might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin) Be sure to have your blood checked regularly The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed Contraindications Pregnancy and lactation Caution is advised in diabetes high blood pressure kidney problems and benign prostrate hyperplasia Dosages
bull Steamed (10-15 min) adult leaves with lemon juice and vinegar can be used as a food (acid helps with mineral assimilation) Note that the young leaves dont sting and thus dont need to be steamed
bull A drink could be made from lemonade nettles and kelp bull Decoction - 1 cup boiling water + 1-3 tsp of dried herb infuse 10-15 minutes take 1 cup
three times daily bull Fluid extract - 1-20 drops three times daily bull Powder - 20-40 grains bull Tincture - 5-40 drops (1-4mL) three times daily infant cholera 1-5 drops every 1-2 hours bull Radix decoct 4-6 g qd for BPH (cited in Tyler 1994) bull Folia infuse 4 g in 150 ml water tid (cited in Tyler 1994) bull Juicesuccus - 1-10 drops of succus used by Father Kneipp topically or orally for wounds
for warts daily for 10-12 days bull Capsules Somewhat effective (2) 500 mg caps 4 times a day (freeze dried cap is better
than standard capsule) bull Flagellation For treating arthritic joints whipping with fresh mature nettles will
stimulate circulation to the swollen area relieve pain and greatly increase freedom of movement Although some people cannot tolerate this heroic therapy others find that the initial shock gives way to a pleasant buzzing sensation followed by 2 or more days of freedom from pain and inflammation This therapy should be approached with circumspection
536
bull Hair Tonic The decoction of the dried herb and especially the seeds stimulates hair growth helps restore balding hair and improves the overall texture and tone of the hair Use the decoction as a wash after shampooing and leave on for at least 3 minutes before rinsing off
bull Infusion 1 tsp to 1 TB of dried herb per cup of water 3-4 times a day bull Scalp Wash Recipe Boil 3 to 4 oz of chopped leaves in 2 cups of water and 2 cups of
vinegar for a short amount of time Chemical Identification Tests of U urens Mother tincture of U urens indicated the presence of saponin glycosides carbohydrates and steroids Microscopic Examination of Urtica urens L leaf The following diagnostic characters were found in U urens powder unicellular stinging hairs arising from a raised multi-cellular base that are composed of elongated cells with a slightly swollen stinging tip straight or slightly curved unicellular trichomes small glandular trichomes sporadic small fragments of leaves showing sinuous wavy walled epidermal cells anomocytic stomata and abundant large cystoliths containing dense granular masses of calcium carbonate small cluster crystals of calcium oxalate occur in the spongy mesophyll and few small groups of pitted vessels (USP 2008 British Pharmacopeia 2011)
FigureUrtica urens L and its diagnostic features
537
Thin-layer chromatography of U urens U urens extract in chloroform ndash methanol ndash water (80202) solvent system the Rf values of the spots at 254nm were 002 011 014 022 028 035 046 050 and at 366nm were 001 008 016 025 036 052 070 In ethyl acetate ndash methanol ndash water (100165135) the Rf values at 254nm were 005 016 028 035 042 049 057 066 071 076 and at 366nm were 003 009 023 038 045 053 059 091 Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy of U urens U urens revealed prominent peaks in FT-IR spectrum at 3300 (OH) 292531 (C-H) 158910 - 139705 (aromatic ring) 104972 (C-O-C) cm-1
Insecticidal activity of U urens Dose dependent decrease in mobility was observed accompanied by paralyzing effect On exposure to 100mg of U urens mean paralyzing time was observed 68plusmn203 hours (Table 3 Graph 1) Anthelmintic activity of U urens Earthworms exhibited attractive behavior towards drug is attracted by the drug The mobility of the earthworms slowed down with the passage of time Mortality was found at 17plusmn485 on exposure to 25mg of U urens drug in comparison to standard drug and control Molluscicidal activity of U urens The snails exposed to 1-100mg doses of U urens exhibited no reduction in activity at the end of 72 hours whereas at 500mg dose of the drug showed paralytic effect in 4 out of 6 snails (48plusmn1662) along with shell discoloration Paralytic effect with shell discoloration was also observed in all the snails with 1000mg dose of U urens at the end of 24 hours and fatality at the end of 48 hours Anti-bacterial activityof U urens U urens displayed zone of inhibition 18plusmn2 against gram-negative bacteria K pneumonia in comparison to control and standard drug U urens exhibited (MIC) at 10mgml and 12mgml against S saprophyticus and S fecalis (gram-positive bacteria) respectively Anti-fungal activityof U urens U urens had zone of inhibition 32plusmn1 against Rhizopus (Saprophytes) MIC of U urens was found at 20mgml against A flavus (Saprophytes) U urens exhibited more pronounced inhibition of C albicans and S cerevisiae respectively in comparison to standard Griseofulvin
538
Anti-oxidant activityof U urens U urens (50mg) showed 8216 DPPH scavenging activity and total anti-oxidant activity (7795) at the dose of 50mg Effects of U urens on locomotor and exploratory behavior of mice The anxiolytic effect was assessed by open field head dip light and dark cage cross and swimming activities The CNS depression effects were observed at the dose of 100 mgkg of U urens extract in case of open field activity 8583plusmn353 counts in 30 minutes and cage cross 675plusmn315 times activity At the dose of 300mgkg of U urens maximum CNS depression was observed in head dip cage the mice dipped its head 467plusmn128 times Number of entries in light compartment in light and dark activity was 483plusmn103 times In forced swimming test (FST) the mean forced mobility time was 137plusmn002 seconds Locomotor and exploratory activity was observed substantially reduced in comparison to control and standard drug Diazepam (2 mgkg1) Effects of U urens on analgesic activity using Acetic acid Analgesic activity is widely assessed by the method of acetic acid induced abdominal constrictions 06 (10 mlkg ip) acetic acid solution was administered in mice and the abdominal constrictions (writhes) were observed after 05 minutes The writhes were counted for three phases each of 10 minutes respectively The inhibition of acetic acid induced writhes by Aspirin was as follows first phase 5617 second phase 727 third phase 1496 whereas U urens at the dose of 300 mgkg exhibited maximum inhibition in third phase (117) Effects of U urens on analgesic activity using Formalin The results exhibited prominent analgesic effect in comparison to Aspirin (orally administered 300 mgkg) The analgesic effects of aspirin in phase 1 2 and 3 was4456 8010 and 4049 respectively U urens (300 mgkg) showed maximum inhibition of the licking and biting response in second phase (023) as induced by formaldehyde Effects of U urens on Carrageenan induced anti-inflammatory activity U urens (300mgkg) exhibited maximum paw volume inhibition 1379 after half hour U urens (500mgkg) at 35 hours had 3076 paw volume inhibition Whereas Aspirin at 15 hours had 2222 paw volume inhibition Effects of U urens on hematological parameters of male rabbitsrsquo blood In blood analysis hemoglobin (10308plusmn0063) hematocrit (3589plusmn0063) MCV (6763plusmn0048) MCH (19425plusmn00418) were slightly raised whereas platelet count (50408plusmn011) was significantly elevated Red blood cells (5316plusmn00096) count white blood cells (5315plusmn00083) count and MCHC (28775plusmn0068) levels were somewhat lowered in test group treated with U urens when compared with its respective male control group Effects of U urens on hematological parameters of female rabbitsrsquo blood In female test group treated with U urens hemoglobin (9218plusmn0022) RBC count (4485plusmn00083) hematocrit (3179plusmn0063) MCV (708plusmn0063) and MCH (2034plusmn0077) were found to be lowered while MCHC (2885plusmn00836) white blood cells (8675plusmn00418) count and platelet count (40411plusmn0118) were elevated in comparison to its respective female control group Effects of U urens on Kidney Function Test of male rabbitsrsquo blood Urea (48plusmn1058) serum calcium (14643plusmn002) total protein (7925plusmn00083) albumin (533plusmn00083) and AG ratio (2065plusmn00083) were raised while creatinine (0643plusmn00083)
539
phosphorus (4845plusmn00195) uric acid (0105plusmn001) and globulin levels (2595plusmn00083) were lowered in male test group treated with U urens as compared to the male control group Effects of U urens on Kidney Function Test of female rabbitsrsquo blood Serum calcium (14867plusmn024) uric acid (008plusmn00058) and globulin (2198plusmn00165) levels were found elevated whereas urea (485plusmn0836) creatinine (0525plusmn00083) phosphorus (0988plusmn0023) total protein (6495plusmn00083) albumin (4306plusmn00096) and AG ratio (197plusmn001) were observed lowered in female test group treated with U urens in comparison to the female control group Effects of U urens on Cardiac Enzymes of male rabbitsrsquo blood The levels of the cardiac enzymes LDH (35116plusmn4258) CPK (5865plusmn137) and CK-MB (67333plusmn096) were found towards elevated side in the male test group treated with U urens as compared to its respective male control group Effects of U urens on Cardiac Enzymes of female rabbitsrsquo blood LDH (1925plusmn0836) and CPK (23705plusmn0836) enzymes were observed elevated whereas CK-MB (5695plusmn0836) levels were found reduced in female test group treated with U urens as compared to the control female group Effects of U urens onLipid Profile of male rabbitsrsquo blood HDL (95plusmn0836) was found elevated while cholesterol (1942plusmn0845) triglycerides (5183plusmn1036) LDL (767plusmn096) and VLDL (11plusmn1058) levels were observed towards lowered side in male group treated with U urens in comparison to the respective male control group Effects of U urens on Lipid Profile of female rabbitsrsquo blood All the lipid profile parameters were found to be elevated Cholesterol (77plusmn1058) HDL (195plusmn0836) LDL (405plusmn0836) VLDL (175plusmn0836) in female test group treated with U urens when compared with its respective female control group Effects of U urens on Liver Enzymes of male rabbitrsquos blood Total bilirubin (0286plusmn00096) direct bilirubin (0115plusmn00083) and gamma GT (1308plusmn0639) levels were found raised while SGOT (1883plusmn103) SGPT (5616plusmn1036) and alkaline phosphatase (4067plusmn0966) enzymes level was found lowered in U urens treated test group in comparison to male control group Effects of U urens on Liver Enzymes of female rabbitsrsquo blood Gamma GT (1283plusmn1036) level was elevated whereas the levels of the rest of the liver enzymes SGOT (175plusmn0836) Total Bilirubin (024plusmn0021) Direct Bilirubin (00165plusmn00027) SGPT (395plusmn1224) Alkaline Phosphatase (335plusmn0836) were found to be lowered in test group treated with U urens in comparison with its respective control group Urine analysis of male rabbits The urine parameters of the male test group were similar to that of its respective male control group except for the presence of blood in the urine of the test group Urine analysis of female rabbits The urine parameters of the female test group were similar to that of its respective female control group Effects of U urenson liver enzymes of rabbits injected carbon tetrachloride prior to dissection The rabbits treated with U urens extract for three months were administered carbon tetrachloride 15ml before taking out blood via cardiac puncture for LFT Total bilirubin 017plusmn00063 level was lowered while the rest of the liver enzymes that is direct bilirubin 0205plusmn00083 SGPT
540
30108plusmn0639 alkaline phosphatase 85plusmn0316 and gamma GT 2325plusmn0418 were found elevated as compared to the control group Autopsy of male rabbitrsquos treated with U urens No significant pathology was seen in heart liver and stomach tissues whereas acute tubular necrosis was found in kidney tissues of the male group treated with U urens extract
Male liver tissue Male kidney tissue Autopsy of female rabbitrsquos treated with U urens In female group treated with U urens no substantial pathology was seen in heart stomach and kidney tissues While mild portal inflammation and peri-portal fibrosis with focal macrovesicular steatosis was seen in liver tissues
Female liver tissue Female Kidney tissue Diuretic activity of rabbits treated with U urens The mice given oral dose of 300 mgkg of U urens extract exhibited pronounce diuretic activity 166plusmn00033 at the end of 4 hours as compared to the control 093plusmn00036 Furosemide 10 mgkg showed diuretic activity 252plusmn00033 Anti-urolithiasis activity of U urens All the tested concentrations of U urens did not exhibit inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization
References Akbay P Basaran AA Undeger U Basaran N 2003 In vitro immunomodulatory activity of flavonoid glycosides
from Urtica dioica L Phytother Res 17(1) 34-7 Antonopoulou S Demopoulos CA Andrikopoulos NK 1996 Lipid separation from Urtica dioica Existence of
Platelet-Activating Factor J Agric Food Chem 44(10) 3052-6 Avci G Kupeli E Eryavuz A Yesilada E Kucukkurt I 2006 Anti-hypercholesterolaemic and anti-oxidant activity
assessment of some plants used as remedy in Turkish folk medicine J Ethnopharmacol 107(3) 418-23
541
Baraibar CP Broncano FJ Lazaro-Carrasco MJ Rebuelta M Villuna L1983 Acute and chronic toxicity studies on Nettle (Urtica dioica L) An Bromatol 3599-103
Bisset NG trans-ed 1994 Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals Boca Raton FL CRC 19945027 Bnouham M Merhfour FZ Ziyyat A Mekhfi H Aziz M Legssyer A 2003 Antihyperglycemic activity of the
aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Fitoterapia 74(7-8) 677-8 Bradley P ed 1992 British Herbal Compendium A handbook of scientific information on widely used plant drugs
companion to volume 1 of the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia Volume 1 British Herbal Medicine Association Bournemouth
Broncano FJ Rebuelta M Vivas JM DiazMP 1987 Estudio de diferentes preparados de Urtica dioica L sobre SCN An Real Acad Farm 53 284-91
Caceres A Giron LM and Martinez AM 1987a Diuretic activity of plants used for the treatment of urinary ailments in Guatemala Journal of Ethnopharmacology 19 233-245
Carson Camp Rittmaster R 2003 The role of dihydrotestosterone in benign prostatic hyperplasia Urology 61(4 Suppl 1) 2-7
Cetinus E Kilinc M Inanc F Kurua EB Buzkan N2005 The role of Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) in the prevention of oxidative stress caused by tourniquet application in rats Tohoku J Exp Med 205(3) 215-21
Chrubasik JE Roufogalis BD Wagner H Chrubasik S 2007 A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles Part II urticae radix Phytomedicine14(7-8)568-579
Daher CF Baroody KG Baroody GM 2006 Effect of Urtica dioica extract intake upon blood lipid profile in rats Fitoterapia 77(3) 183-8
De Clercq E 2000 Current lead natural products for the chemotherapy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection Med Res Rev 20(5) 323-49
Durak I Biri H Devrim E 2004 Aqueous extract of Urtica dioica makes significant inhibition on adenosine deaminase activity in prostate tissue from patients with prostate cancer Cancer Biol Ther 3(9) 855-7
Farzami BAhmadvand D Vardasbi S Majin FJ Khaghani Sh 2003 Induction of insulin secretion by a component of Urtica dioica leave extract in perifused Islets of Langerhans and its in vivo effects in normal and streptozotocin diabetic ratsJ Ethnopharmacol89(1)47-53
Ganzera M Piereder D Sturm S Erdelmeier C Stuppner H 2005 Urtica dioica agglutinin separation identification and quantitation of individual isolectins by capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry Electrophoresis26(9)1724-1731
Gozum S Tezel A Koc M 2003 Complementary alternative treatments used by patients with cancer in eastern Turkey Cancer Nurs 26(3) 230-6
Guumllccedilin I Kuumlfrevioglu OI Oktay M Buumlyuumlkokuroglu ME 2004 Antioxidant antimicrobial antiulcer and analgesic activities of nettle (Urtica dioica L) J Ethnopharmacol 90(2-3) 205-15
Helms S et al 2006 Natural treatment of chronic rhinosinusitisAltern Med Rev 11(3) 196-207 Kanter M Coskun O Budancamanak M2005 Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa L and Urtica dioica L on
lipid peroxidation antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats World J Gastroenterol 11(42) 6684-8
Koch E 2001 Extracts from fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata) and roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) viable alternatives in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated lower urinary tracts symptomsrdquo Planta Med 67 489-500
Konrad A Maumlhler M Arni S Flogerzi B Klingelhoumlfer S Seibold F 2005 Ameliorative effect of IDS 30 a stingingnettle leaf extract on chronic colitis Int J Colorectal Dis20(1)9-17
Konrad L Muumlller HH Lenz C Laubinger H Aumuumlller G Lichius JJ 2000 Antiproliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells by a stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) extract Planta Med 66(1) 44-7
Krstic-Pavlovic N and Dzamic R 1985 Astringent and mineral components in the leaves of nettle (Urtica dioica L) from many natural locations Agrochemija191-198
Legssyer A et al 2002 Cardiovascular effects of Urtica dioica L in the isolated rat heart and aorta Phytother Res 16(6) 503-7
Lichius JJamp Muth C1997 The inhibiting effects of Urtica dioica root extracts on experimentally induced prostatic hyperplasia in the mouse Planta Med 63(4) 307-10
Lopatkin NSivkov A Walther C Schlafke S Medvedev A Avdeichuk J 2005 Long-term efficacy and safety of a combination of sabal and urtica extract for lower urinary tract symptoms--a placebo-controlled double-blind multicenter trial World J Urol 23(2) 139-146
542
Lopatkin NASivkov AV Medvedev AA Walter K Schlefke S Avdeichuk IuI 2006 Combined extract of Sabal palm and nettle in the treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms in double blind placebo-controlled trial Urologiia12(2) 14-9
Lutomski J Speichert H1983 Die Brennessel in Heilkunde und Ernaumlhrung Pharm Unserer Zeit 12(6) 181-6 Lutomski J 1998 Antibakterielle und salidiuretische Aktivitaumlt der Kneippreg-Praumlparate Interner Versuchsbericht
Institut fuumlr Heilpflanzenforschung Poznan 1981 cited in Blaschek W Haumlnsel R Keller K Reichling J Rimpler H Schneider G eds Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis Drogen L-Z Vol 3 5th ed Springer-Verlag Berlin
Manganelli URE Zaccaro L Tomei PE 2005 Antiviral activity in vitro of Urtica dioica L Parietaria diffusa M and Sambucus nigra L J Ethnopharmacol 98(3) 323-7
Mekhfi H El Haouari M Legssyer A Bnouham M Aziz M Atmani F et al 2004 Platelet anti-aggregant property of some Moroccan medicinal plants J Ethnopharmacol 94(2-3) 317-22
Melo EABertero EB Rios LA Mattos D Jr 2002 Evaluating the efficiency of a combination of Pygeum africanum and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) extracts in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial Int Braz J Urol 28(5) 418-25
Mittman P 1990 Randomized Double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis Planta medica 5644-47
Obertreis B Giller K Teucher T 1996 Anti-inflammatory effect of Urtica dioicafolia extract in comparison to caffeic malic acid Arzneimittelforschung4652-56
Onal STimmur S Okuttucu B Zihnioglu 2005 Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase by aqueous extracts of some potent antidiabetic medicinal herbs Prep Biochem Biotechnol 35(1)29-36
Otoom SAAl-Safi SA Kerem ZK Alkofahi A 2006 The use of medicinal herbs by diabetic Jordanian patients J Herb Pharmacother 6(2) 31-41
Ozen Tamp Korkmaz H2003 Modulatory effect of Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) leaf extract on biotransformation enzyme systems antioxidant enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and lipid peroxidation in mice Phytomedicine 10(5) 405-15
Pinelli P Ieri F Vignolini P Bacci L Baronti S Romani A 2008 Extraction and HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds in leaves stalks and textile fibers of Urtica dioica L J Agric Food Chem56(19)9127-9132
Popa G Hagele-Kaddour H Walther C2005 Efficacy of a combined Sabal-urtica preparation in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia Results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study MMW Fortschr 147 Suppl 3103-8
Lasheras B et al Eacutetude pharmacologique preacuteliminaire de Prunus spinosa L Amelanchier ovalisMedikus Juniperus communis L et Urtica dioica L Plant Meacuted Phytotheacuter 20 219-26
Randall CRandall H Dobbs F 2000 Randomized controlled trial of nettle sting for treatment of base-of-thumb pain J R Soc Med 93(6) 305-9
Riehemann K Behnke B Schulze-Osthoff K 1999 Plant extracts from stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) an antirheumatic remedy inhibit the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB FEBS Lett 442(1) 89-94
Safarinejad MR 2005 Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover studyJ Herb Pharmacother 5(4) 1-11
Schneider T ampRubben H 2004Stinging nettle root extract (Bazoton-uno) in long term treatment of benign prostatic syndrome (BPS) Results of a randomized double-blind placebo controlled multicenter study after 12 months Urologea43(3)302-6
Schottner M Gansser D Spiteller G 1997 Lignans from the roots of Urtica dioica and their metabolites bind to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)Planta Med 63(6) 529-32
Schulze-Tanzil G Behnke B Klingelhoefer S Scheid A Shakibaei M2002 Effects of the antirheumatic remedy hox alphandasha new stinging nettle leaf extractndashon matrix metalloproteinases in human chondrocytes in vitro HistolHistopathol 17(2) 477-85
Smith TA 1977 Tryptamine and related compounds in plants Phytochemistry16171 Tahri A Yamani S Legssyer A Aziz M Mekhfi H Bnouham M 2000 Acute diuretic natriuretic and hypotensive
effects of a continuous perfusion of aqueous extract of Urtica dioica in the rat J Ethnopharmacol 73(1-2) 95ndash100
Taylor L 2005 The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs Raintree Nutrition Inc Carson City NV 89701 Testai L Chericoni S Calderone V Nencioni G Nieri P Morelli I Martinotti E 2002 Cardiovascular effects of
Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) roots extracts in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies J Ethnopharmacol 81(1) 105-9
Thornhill SMamp Kelly AM 2000 Natural treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis Altern Med Rev 5(5) 448-54
543
Tita B Faccendini P Bello U Martinoli L Bolle P 1993 Urtica dioica L Pharmacological effect of ethanol extract Pharmacol Res 27(Suppl 1) 21-2
Tunoacuten H Olavsdotter C Bohlin L 1995 Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis J Ethnopharmacol 48(2) 61-76
Turkdogan MKOzbek H Yener Z Tuncer I Uygan I Ceylan E 2003 The role of Urtica dioica and Nigella sativa in the prevention of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats Phytother Res 17(8) 942-6
Wagner HWiller Famp Kreher BB1989 Biologically active compounds from the aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Planta Med 55(5) 452-4
Walther C Popa G Haumlgele-Kaddour H 2005 Benign prostatic syndrome Urinary urgency and micturition frequency reduced with plant preparation MMW Fortschr Med 147(40) 52-3
535
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl) glyburide (DiaBeta Glynase PresTab Micronase) insulin pioglitazone (Actos) rosiglitazone (Avandia) chlorpropamide (Diabinese) glipizide (Glucotrol) tolbutamide (Orinase) and others Antihypertensive drugs (high blood pressure) interact with stinging nettle Stinging nettle above ground parts seem to decrease blood pressure Taking stinging nettle along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten) enalapril (Vasotec) losartan (Cozaar) valsartan (Diovan) diltiazem (Cardizem) Amlodipine (Norvasc) hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril) furosemide (Lasix) and many others Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interact with Stinging Nettle Large amounts of stinging nettle above ground parts might cause sleepiness and drowsiness Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives Taking stinging nettle along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness Some sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin) lorazepam (Ativan) phenobarbital (Donnatal) zolpidem (Ambien) and others Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with Stinging Nettle Stinging nettle above ground parts contain large amounts of vitamin K Vitamin K is used by the body to help blood clot Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting By helping the blood clot stinging nettle might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin) Be sure to have your blood checked regularly The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed Contraindications Pregnancy and lactation Caution is advised in diabetes high blood pressure kidney problems and benign prostrate hyperplasia Dosages
bull Steamed (10-15 min) adult leaves with lemon juice and vinegar can be used as a food (acid helps with mineral assimilation) Note that the young leaves dont sting and thus dont need to be steamed
bull A drink could be made from lemonade nettles and kelp bull Decoction - 1 cup boiling water + 1-3 tsp of dried herb infuse 10-15 minutes take 1 cup
three times daily bull Fluid extract - 1-20 drops three times daily bull Powder - 20-40 grains bull Tincture - 5-40 drops (1-4mL) three times daily infant cholera 1-5 drops every 1-2 hours bull Radix decoct 4-6 g qd for BPH (cited in Tyler 1994) bull Folia infuse 4 g in 150 ml water tid (cited in Tyler 1994) bull Juicesuccus - 1-10 drops of succus used by Father Kneipp topically or orally for wounds
for warts daily for 10-12 days bull Capsules Somewhat effective (2) 500 mg caps 4 times a day (freeze dried cap is better
than standard capsule) bull Flagellation For treating arthritic joints whipping with fresh mature nettles will
stimulate circulation to the swollen area relieve pain and greatly increase freedom of movement Although some people cannot tolerate this heroic therapy others find that the initial shock gives way to a pleasant buzzing sensation followed by 2 or more days of freedom from pain and inflammation This therapy should be approached with circumspection
536
bull Hair Tonic The decoction of the dried herb and especially the seeds stimulates hair growth helps restore balding hair and improves the overall texture and tone of the hair Use the decoction as a wash after shampooing and leave on for at least 3 minutes before rinsing off
bull Infusion 1 tsp to 1 TB of dried herb per cup of water 3-4 times a day bull Scalp Wash Recipe Boil 3 to 4 oz of chopped leaves in 2 cups of water and 2 cups of
vinegar for a short amount of time Chemical Identification Tests of U urens Mother tincture of U urens indicated the presence of saponin glycosides carbohydrates and steroids Microscopic Examination of Urtica urens L leaf The following diagnostic characters were found in U urens powder unicellular stinging hairs arising from a raised multi-cellular base that are composed of elongated cells with a slightly swollen stinging tip straight or slightly curved unicellular trichomes small glandular trichomes sporadic small fragments of leaves showing sinuous wavy walled epidermal cells anomocytic stomata and abundant large cystoliths containing dense granular masses of calcium carbonate small cluster crystals of calcium oxalate occur in the spongy mesophyll and few small groups of pitted vessels (USP 2008 British Pharmacopeia 2011)
FigureUrtica urens L and its diagnostic features
537
Thin-layer chromatography of U urens U urens extract in chloroform ndash methanol ndash water (80202) solvent system the Rf values of the spots at 254nm were 002 011 014 022 028 035 046 050 and at 366nm were 001 008 016 025 036 052 070 In ethyl acetate ndash methanol ndash water (100165135) the Rf values at 254nm were 005 016 028 035 042 049 057 066 071 076 and at 366nm were 003 009 023 038 045 053 059 091 Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy of U urens U urens revealed prominent peaks in FT-IR spectrum at 3300 (OH) 292531 (C-H) 158910 - 139705 (aromatic ring) 104972 (C-O-C) cm-1
Insecticidal activity of U urens Dose dependent decrease in mobility was observed accompanied by paralyzing effect On exposure to 100mg of U urens mean paralyzing time was observed 68plusmn203 hours (Table 3 Graph 1) Anthelmintic activity of U urens Earthworms exhibited attractive behavior towards drug is attracted by the drug The mobility of the earthworms slowed down with the passage of time Mortality was found at 17plusmn485 on exposure to 25mg of U urens drug in comparison to standard drug and control Molluscicidal activity of U urens The snails exposed to 1-100mg doses of U urens exhibited no reduction in activity at the end of 72 hours whereas at 500mg dose of the drug showed paralytic effect in 4 out of 6 snails (48plusmn1662) along with shell discoloration Paralytic effect with shell discoloration was also observed in all the snails with 1000mg dose of U urens at the end of 24 hours and fatality at the end of 48 hours Anti-bacterial activityof U urens U urens displayed zone of inhibition 18plusmn2 against gram-negative bacteria K pneumonia in comparison to control and standard drug U urens exhibited (MIC) at 10mgml and 12mgml against S saprophyticus and S fecalis (gram-positive bacteria) respectively Anti-fungal activityof U urens U urens had zone of inhibition 32plusmn1 against Rhizopus (Saprophytes) MIC of U urens was found at 20mgml against A flavus (Saprophytes) U urens exhibited more pronounced inhibition of C albicans and S cerevisiae respectively in comparison to standard Griseofulvin
538
Anti-oxidant activityof U urens U urens (50mg) showed 8216 DPPH scavenging activity and total anti-oxidant activity (7795) at the dose of 50mg Effects of U urens on locomotor and exploratory behavior of mice The anxiolytic effect was assessed by open field head dip light and dark cage cross and swimming activities The CNS depression effects were observed at the dose of 100 mgkg of U urens extract in case of open field activity 8583plusmn353 counts in 30 minutes and cage cross 675plusmn315 times activity At the dose of 300mgkg of U urens maximum CNS depression was observed in head dip cage the mice dipped its head 467plusmn128 times Number of entries in light compartment in light and dark activity was 483plusmn103 times In forced swimming test (FST) the mean forced mobility time was 137plusmn002 seconds Locomotor and exploratory activity was observed substantially reduced in comparison to control and standard drug Diazepam (2 mgkg1) Effects of U urens on analgesic activity using Acetic acid Analgesic activity is widely assessed by the method of acetic acid induced abdominal constrictions 06 (10 mlkg ip) acetic acid solution was administered in mice and the abdominal constrictions (writhes) were observed after 05 minutes The writhes were counted for three phases each of 10 minutes respectively The inhibition of acetic acid induced writhes by Aspirin was as follows first phase 5617 second phase 727 third phase 1496 whereas U urens at the dose of 300 mgkg exhibited maximum inhibition in third phase (117) Effects of U urens on analgesic activity using Formalin The results exhibited prominent analgesic effect in comparison to Aspirin (orally administered 300 mgkg) The analgesic effects of aspirin in phase 1 2 and 3 was4456 8010 and 4049 respectively U urens (300 mgkg) showed maximum inhibition of the licking and biting response in second phase (023) as induced by formaldehyde Effects of U urens on Carrageenan induced anti-inflammatory activity U urens (300mgkg) exhibited maximum paw volume inhibition 1379 after half hour U urens (500mgkg) at 35 hours had 3076 paw volume inhibition Whereas Aspirin at 15 hours had 2222 paw volume inhibition Effects of U urens on hematological parameters of male rabbitsrsquo blood In blood analysis hemoglobin (10308plusmn0063) hematocrit (3589plusmn0063) MCV (6763plusmn0048) MCH (19425plusmn00418) were slightly raised whereas platelet count (50408plusmn011) was significantly elevated Red blood cells (5316plusmn00096) count white blood cells (5315plusmn00083) count and MCHC (28775plusmn0068) levels were somewhat lowered in test group treated with U urens when compared with its respective male control group Effects of U urens on hematological parameters of female rabbitsrsquo blood In female test group treated with U urens hemoglobin (9218plusmn0022) RBC count (4485plusmn00083) hematocrit (3179plusmn0063) MCV (708plusmn0063) and MCH (2034plusmn0077) were found to be lowered while MCHC (2885plusmn00836) white blood cells (8675plusmn00418) count and platelet count (40411plusmn0118) were elevated in comparison to its respective female control group Effects of U urens on Kidney Function Test of male rabbitsrsquo blood Urea (48plusmn1058) serum calcium (14643plusmn002) total protein (7925plusmn00083) albumin (533plusmn00083) and AG ratio (2065plusmn00083) were raised while creatinine (0643plusmn00083)
539
phosphorus (4845plusmn00195) uric acid (0105plusmn001) and globulin levels (2595plusmn00083) were lowered in male test group treated with U urens as compared to the male control group Effects of U urens on Kidney Function Test of female rabbitsrsquo blood Serum calcium (14867plusmn024) uric acid (008plusmn00058) and globulin (2198plusmn00165) levels were found elevated whereas urea (485plusmn0836) creatinine (0525plusmn00083) phosphorus (0988plusmn0023) total protein (6495plusmn00083) albumin (4306plusmn00096) and AG ratio (197plusmn001) were observed lowered in female test group treated with U urens in comparison to the female control group Effects of U urens on Cardiac Enzymes of male rabbitsrsquo blood The levels of the cardiac enzymes LDH (35116plusmn4258) CPK (5865plusmn137) and CK-MB (67333plusmn096) were found towards elevated side in the male test group treated with U urens as compared to its respective male control group Effects of U urens on Cardiac Enzymes of female rabbitsrsquo blood LDH (1925plusmn0836) and CPK (23705plusmn0836) enzymes were observed elevated whereas CK-MB (5695plusmn0836) levels were found reduced in female test group treated with U urens as compared to the control female group Effects of U urens onLipid Profile of male rabbitsrsquo blood HDL (95plusmn0836) was found elevated while cholesterol (1942plusmn0845) triglycerides (5183plusmn1036) LDL (767plusmn096) and VLDL (11plusmn1058) levels were observed towards lowered side in male group treated with U urens in comparison to the respective male control group Effects of U urens on Lipid Profile of female rabbitsrsquo blood All the lipid profile parameters were found to be elevated Cholesterol (77plusmn1058) HDL (195plusmn0836) LDL (405plusmn0836) VLDL (175plusmn0836) in female test group treated with U urens when compared with its respective female control group Effects of U urens on Liver Enzymes of male rabbitrsquos blood Total bilirubin (0286plusmn00096) direct bilirubin (0115plusmn00083) and gamma GT (1308plusmn0639) levels were found raised while SGOT (1883plusmn103) SGPT (5616plusmn1036) and alkaline phosphatase (4067plusmn0966) enzymes level was found lowered in U urens treated test group in comparison to male control group Effects of U urens on Liver Enzymes of female rabbitsrsquo blood Gamma GT (1283plusmn1036) level was elevated whereas the levels of the rest of the liver enzymes SGOT (175plusmn0836) Total Bilirubin (024plusmn0021) Direct Bilirubin (00165plusmn00027) SGPT (395plusmn1224) Alkaline Phosphatase (335plusmn0836) were found to be lowered in test group treated with U urens in comparison with its respective control group Urine analysis of male rabbits The urine parameters of the male test group were similar to that of its respective male control group except for the presence of blood in the urine of the test group Urine analysis of female rabbits The urine parameters of the female test group were similar to that of its respective female control group Effects of U urenson liver enzymes of rabbits injected carbon tetrachloride prior to dissection The rabbits treated with U urens extract for three months were administered carbon tetrachloride 15ml before taking out blood via cardiac puncture for LFT Total bilirubin 017plusmn00063 level was lowered while the rest of the liver enzymes that is direct bilirubin 0205plusmn00083 SGPT
540
30108plusmn0639 alkaline phosphatase 85plusmn0316 and gamma GT 2325plusmn0418 were found elevated as compared to the control group Autopsy of male rabbitrsquos treated with U urens No significant pathology was seen in heart liver and stomach tissues whereas acute tubular necrosis was found in kidney tissues of the male group treated with U urens extract
Male liver tissue Male kidney tissue Autopsy of female rabbitrsquos treated with U urens In female group treated with U urens no substantial pathology was seen in heart stomach and kidney tissues While mild portal inflammation and peri-portal fibrosis with focal macrovesicular steatosis was seen in liver tissues
Female liver tissue Female Kidney tissue Diuretic activity of rabbits treated with U urens The mice given oral dose of 300 mgkg of U urens extract exhibited pronounce diuretic activity 166plusmn00033 at the end of 4 hours as compared to the control 093plusmn00036 Furosemide 10 mgkg showed diuretic activity 252plusmn00033 Anti-urolithiasis activity of U urens All the tested concentrations of U urens did not exhibit inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization
References Akbay P Basaran AA Undeger U Basaran N 2003 In vitro immunomodulatory activity of flavonoid glycosides
from Urtica dioica L Phytother Res 17(1) 34-7 Antonopoulou S Demopoulos CA Andrikopoulos NK 1996 Lipid separation from Urtica dioica Existence of
Platelet-Activating Factor J Agric Food Chem 44(10) 3052-6 Avci G Kupeli E Eryavuz A Yesilada E Kucukkurt I 2006 Anti-hypercholesterolaemic and anti-oxidant activity
assessment of some plants used as remedy in Turkish folk medicine J Ethnopharmacol 107(3) 418-23
541
Baraibar CP Broncano FJ Lazaro-Carrasco MJ Rebuelta M Villuna L1983 Acute and chronic toxicity studies on Nettle (Urtica dioica L) An Bromatol 3599-103
Bisset NG trans-ed 1994 Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals Boca Raton FL CRC 19945027 Bnouham M Merhfour FZ Ziyyat A Mekhfi H Aziz M Legssyer A 2003 Antihyperglycemic activity of the
aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Fitoterapia 74(7-8) 677-8 Bradley P ed 1992 British Herbal Compendium A handbook of scientific information on widely used plant drugs
companion to volume 1 of the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia Volume 1 British Herbal Medicine Association Bournemouth
Broncano FJ Rebuelta M Vivas JM DiazMP 1987 Estudio de diferentes preparados de Urtica dioica L sobre SCN An Real Acad Farm 53 284-91
Caceres A Giron LM and Martinez AM 1987a Diuretic activity of plants used for the treatment of urinary ailments in Guatemala Journal of Ethnopharmacology 19 233-245
Carson Camp Rittmaster R 2003 The role of dihydrotestosterone in benign prostatic hyperplasia Urology 61(4 Suppl 1) 2-7
Cetinus E Kilinc M Inanc F Kurua EB Buzkan N2005 The role of Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) in the prevention of oxidative stress caused by tourniquet application in rats Tohoku J Exp Med 205(3) 215-21
Chrubasik JE Roufogalis BD Wagner H Chrubasik S 2007 A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles Part II urticae radix Phytomedicine14(7-8)568-579
Daher CF Baroody KG Baroody GM 2006 Effect of Urtica dioica extract intake upon blood lipid profile in rats Fitoterapia 77(3) 183-8
De Clercq E 2000 Current lead natural products for the chemotherapy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection Med Res Rev 20(5) 323-49
Durak I Biri H Devrim E 2004 Aqueous extract of Urtica dioica makes significant inhibition on adenosine deaminase activity in prostate tissue from patients with prostate cancer Cancer Biol Ther 3(9) 855-7
Farzami BAhmadvand D Vardasbi S Majin FJ Khaghani Sh 2003 Induction of insulin secretion by a component of Urtica dioica leave extract in perifused Islets of Langerhans and its in vivo effects in normal and streptozotocin diabetic ratsJ Ethnopharmacol89(1)47-53
Ganzera M Piereder D Sturm S Erdelmeier C Stuppner H 2005 Urtica dioica agglutinin separation identification and quantitation of individual isolectins by capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry Electrophoresis26(9)1724-1731
Gozum S Tezel A Koc M 2003 Complementary alternative treatments used by patients with cancer in eastern Turkey Cancer Nurs 26(3) 230-6
Guumllccedilin I Kuumlfrevioglu OI Oktay M Buumlyuumlkokuroglu ME 2004 Antioxidant antimicrobial antiulcer and analgesic activities of nettle (Urtica dioica L) J Ethnopharmacol 90(2-3) 205-15
Helms S et al 2006 Natural treatment of chronic rhinosinusitisAltern Med Rev 11(3) 196-207 Kanter M Coskun O Budancamanak M2005 Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa L and Urtica dioica L on
lipid peroxidation antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats World J Gastroenterol 11(42) 6684-8
Koch E 2001 Extracts from fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata) and roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) viable alternatives in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated lower urinary tracts symptomsrdquo Planta Med 67 489-500
Konrad A Maumlhler M Arni S Flogerzi B Klingelhoumlfer S Seibold F 2005 Ameliorative effect of IDS 30 a stingingnettle leaf extract on chronic colitis Int J Colorectal Dis20(1)9-17
Konrad L Muumlller HH Lenz C Laubinger H Aumuumlller G Lichius JJ 2000 Antiproliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells by a stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) extract Planta Med 66(1) 44-7
Krstic-Pavlovic N and Dzamic R 1985 Astringent and mineral components in the leaves of nettle (Urtica dioica L) from many natural locations Agrochemija191-198
Legssyer A et al 2002 Cardiovascular effects of Urtica dioica L in the isolated rat heart and aorta Phytother Res 16(6) 503-7
Lichius JJamp Muth C1997 The inhibiting effects of Urtica dioica root extracts on experimentally induced prostatic hyperplasia in the mouse Planta Med 63(4) 307-10
Lopatkin NSivkov A Walther C Schlafke S Medvedev A Avdeichuk J 2005 Long-term efficacy and safety of a combination of sabal and urtica extract for lower urinary tract symptoms--a placebo-controlled double-blind multicenter trial World J Urol 23(2) 139-146
542
Lopatkin NASivkov AV Medvedev AA Walter K Schlefke S Avdeichuk IuI 2006 Combined extract of Sabal palm and nettle in the treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms in double blind placebo-controlled trial Urologiia12(2) 14-9
Lutomski J Speichert H1983 Die Brennessel in Heilkunde und Ernaumlhrung Pharm Unserer Zeit 12(6) 181-6 Lutomski J 1998 Antibakterielle und salidiuretische Aktivitaumlt der Kneippreg-Praumlparate Interner Versuchsbericht
Institut fuumlr Heilpflanzenforschung Poznan 1981 cited in Blaschek W Haumlnsel R Keller K Reichling J Rimpler H Schneider G eds Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis Drogen L-Z Vol 3 5th ed Springer-Verlag Berlin
Manganelli URE Zaccaro L Tomei PE 2005 Antiviral activity in vitro of Urtica dioica L Parietaria diffusa M and Sambucus nigra L J Ethnopharmacol 98(3) 323-7
Mekhfi H El Haouari M Legssyer A Bnouham M Aziz M Atmani F et al 2004 Platelet anti-aggregant property of some Moroccan medicinal plants J Ethnopharmacol 94(2-3) 317-22
Melo EABertero EB Rios LA Mattos D Jr 2002 Evaluating the efficiency of a combination of Pygeum africanum and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) extracts in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial Int Braz J Urol 28(5) 418-25
Mittman P 1990 Randomized Double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis Planta medica 5644-47
Obertreis B Giller K Teucher T 1996 Anti-inflammatory effect of Urtica dioicafolia extract in comparison to caffeic malic acid Arzneimittelforschung4652-56
Onal STimmur S Okuttucu B Zihnioglu 2005 Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase by aqueous extracts of some potent antidiabetic medicinal herbs Prep Biochem Biotechnol 35(1)29-36
Otoom SAAl-Safi SA Kerem ZK Alkofahi A 2006 The use of medicinal herbs by diabetic Jordanian patients J Herb Pharmacother 6(2) 31-41
Ozen Tamp Korkmaz H2003 Modulatory effect of Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) leaf extract on biotransformation enzyme systems antioxidant enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and lipid peroxidation in mice Phytomedicine 10(5) 405-15
Pinelli P Ieri F Vignolini P Bacci L Baronti S Romani A 2008 Extraction and HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds in leaves stalks and textile fibers of Urtica dioica L J Agric Food Chem56(19)9127-9132
Popa G Hagele-Kaddour H Walther C2005 Efficacy of a combined Sabal-urtica preparation in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia Results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study MMW Fortschr 147 Suppl 3103-8
Lasheras B et al Eacutetude pharmacologique preacuteliminaire de Prunus spinosa L Amelanchier ovalisMedikus Juniperus communis L et Urtica dioica L Plant Meacuted Phytotheacuter 20 219-26
Randall CRandall H Dobbs F 2000 Randomized controlled trial of nettle sting for treatment of base-of-thumb pain J R Soc Med 93(6) 305-9
Riehemann K Behnke B Schulze-Osthoff K 1999 Plant extracts from stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) an antirheumatic remedy inhibit the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB FEBS Lett 442(1) 89-94
Safarinejad MR 2005 Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover studyJ Herb Pharmacother 5(4) 1-11
Schneider T ampRubben H 2004Stinging nettle root extract (Bazoton-uno) in long term treatment of benign prostatic syndrome (BPS) Results of a randomized double-blind placebo controlled multicenter study after 12 months Urologea43(3)302-6
Schottner M Gansser D Spiteller G 1997 Lignans from the roots of Urtica dioica and their metabolites bind to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)Planta Med 63(6) 529-32
Schulze-Tanzil G Behnke B Klingelhoefer S Scheid A Shakibaei M2002 Effects of the antirheumatic remedy hox alphandasha new stinging nettle leaf extractndashon matrix metalloproteinases in human chondrocytes in vitro HistolHistopathol 17(2) 477-85
Smith TA 1977 Tryptamine and related compounds in plants Phytochemistry16171 Tahri A Yamani S Legssyer A Aziz M Mekhfi H Bnouham M 2000 Acute diuretic natriuretic and hypotensive
effects of a continuous perfusion of aqueous extract of Urtica dioica in the rat J Ethnopharmacol 73(1-2) 95ndash100
Taylor L 2005 The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs Raintree Nutrition Inc Carson City NV 89701 Testai L Chericoni S Calderone V Nencioni G Nieri P Morelli I Martinotti E 2002 Cardiovascular effects of
Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) roots extracts in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies J Ethnopharmacol 81(1) 105-9
Thornhill SMamp Kelly AM 2000 Natural treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis Altern Med Rev 5(5) 448-54
543
Tita B Faccendini P Bello U Martinoli L Bolle P 1993 Urtica dioica L Pharmacological effect of ethanol extract Pharmacol Res 27(Suppl 1) 21-2
Tunoacuten H Olavsdotter C Bohlin L 1995 Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis J Ethnopharmacol 48(2) 61-76
Turkdogan MKOzbek H Yener Z Tuncer I Uygan I Ceylan E 2003 The role of Urtica dioica and Nigella sativa in the prevention of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats Phytother Res 17(8) 942-6
Wagner HWiller Famp Kreher BB1989 Biologically active compounds from the aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Planta Med 55(5) 452-4
Walther C Popa G Haumlgele-Kaddour H 2005 Benign prostatic syndrome Urinary urgency and micturition frequency reduced with plant preparation MMW Fortschr Med 147(40) 52-3
536
bull Hair Tonic The decoction of the dried herb and especially the seeds stimulates hair growth helps restore balding hair and improves the overall texture and tone of the hair Use the decoction as a wash after shampooing and leave on for at least 3 minutes before rinsing off
bull Infusion 1 tsp to 1 TB of dried herb per cup of water 3-4 times a day bull Scalp Wash Recipe Boil 3 to 4 oz of chopped leaves in 2 cups of water and 2 cups of
vinegar for a short amount of time Chemical Identification Tests of U urens Mother tincture of U urens indicated the presence of saponin glycosides carbohydrates and steroids Microscopic Examination of Urtica urens L leaf The following diagnostic characters were found in U urens powder unicellular stinging hairs arising from a raised multi-cellular base that are composed of elongated cells with a slightly swollen stinging tip straight or slightly curved unicellular trichomes small glandular trichomes sporadic small fragments of leaves showing sinuous wavy walled epidermal cells anomocytic stomata and abundant large cystoliths containing dense granular masses of calcium carbonate small cluster crystals of calcium oxalate occur in the spongy mesophyll and few small groups of pitted vessels (USP 2008 British Pharmacopeia 2011)
FigureUrtica urens L and its diagnostic features
537
Thin-layer chromatography of U urens U urens extract in chloroform ndash methanol ndash water (80202) solvent system the Rf values of the spots at 254nm were 002 011 014 022 028 035 046 050 and at 366nm were 001 008 016 025 036 052 070 In ethyl acetate ndash methanol ndash water (100165135) the Rf values at 254nm were 005 016 028 035 042 049 057 066 071 076 and at 366nm were 003 009 023 038 045 053 059 091 Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy of U urens U urens revealed prominent peaks in FT-IR spectrum at 3300 (OH) 292531 (C-H) 158910 - 139705 (aromatic ring) 104972 (C-O-C) cm-1
Insecticidal activity of U urens Dose dependent decrease in mobility was observed accompanied by paralyzing effect On exposure to 100mg of U urens mean paralyzing time was observed 68plusmn203 hours (Table 3 Graph 1) Anthelmintic activity of U urens Earthworms exhibited attractive behavior towards drug is attracted by the drug The mobility of the earthworms slowed down with the passage of time Mortality was found at 17plusmn485 on exposure to 25mg of U urens drug in comparison to standard drug and control Molluscicidal activity of U urens The snails exposed to 1-100mg doses of U urens exhibited no reduction in activity at the end of 72 hours whereas at 500mg dose of the drug showed paralytic effect in 4 out of 6 snails (48plusmn1662) along with shell discoloration Paralytic effect with shell discoloration was also observed in all the snails with 1000mg dose of U urens at the end of 24 hours and fatality at the end of 48 hours Anti-bacterial activityof U urens U urens displayed zone of inhibition 18plusmn2 against gram-negative bacteria K pneumonia in comparison to control and standard drug U urens exhibited (MIC) at 10mgml and 12mgml against S saprophyticus and S fecalis (gram-positive bacteria) respectively Anti-fungal activityof U urens U urens had zone of inhibition 32plusmn1 against Rhizopus (Saprophytes) MIC of U urens was found at 20mgml against A flavus (Saprophytes) U urens exhibited more pronounced inhibition of C albicans and S cerevisiae respectively in comparison to standard Griseofulvin
538
Anti-oxidant activityof U urens U urens (50mg) showed 8216 DPPH scavenging activity and total anti-oxidant activity (7795) at the dose of 50mg Effects of U urens on locomotor and exploratory behavior of mice The anxiolytic effect was assessed by open field head dip light and dark cage cross and swimming activities The CNS depression effects were observed at the dose of 100 mgkg of U urens extract in case of open field activity 8583plusmn353 counts in 30 minutes and cage cross 675plusmn315 times activity At the dose of 300mgkg of U urens maximum CNS depression was observed in head dip cage the mice dipped its head 467plusmn128 times Number of entries in light compartment in light and dark activity was 483plusmn103 times In forced swimming test (FST) the mean forced mobility time was 137plusmn002 seconds Locomotor and exploratory activity was observed substantially reduced in comparison to control and standard drug Diazepam (2 mgkg1) Effects of U urens on analgesic activity using Acetic acid Analgesic activity is widely assessed by the method of acetic acid induced abdominal constrictions 06 (10 mlkg ip) acetic acid solution was administered in mice and the abdominal constrictions (writhes) were observed after 05 minutes The writhes were counted for three phases each of 10 minutes respectively The inhibition of acetic acid induced writhes by Aspirin was as follows first phase 5617 second phase 727 third phase 1496 whereas U urens at the dose of 300 mgkg exhibited maximum inhibition in third phase (117) Effects of U urens on analgesic activity using Formalin The results exhibited prominent analgesic effect in comparison to Aspirin (orally administered 300 mgkg) The analgesic effects of aspirin in phase 1 2 and 3 was4456 8010 and 4049 respectively U urens (300 mgkg) showed maximum inhibition of the licking and biting response in second phase (023) as induced by formaldehyde Effects of U urens on Carrageenan induced anti-inflammatory activity U urens (300mgkg) exhibited maximum paw volume inhibition 1379 after half hour U urens (500mgkg) at 35 hours had 3076 paw volume inhibition Whereas Aspirin at 15 hours had 2222 paw volume inhibition Effects of U urens on hematological parameters of male rabbitsrsquo blood In blood analysis hemoglobin (10308plusmn0063) hematocrit (3589plusmn0063) MCV (6763plusmn0048) MCH (19425plusmn00418) were slightly raised whereas platelet count (50408plusmn011) was significantly elevated Red blood cells (5316plusmn00096) count white blood cells (5315plusmn00083) count and MCHC (28775plusmn0068) levels were somewhat lowered in test group treated with U urens when compared with its respective male control group Effects of U urens on hematological parameters of female rabbitsrsquo blood In female test group treated with U urens hemoglobin (9218plusmn0022) RBC count (4485plusmn00083) hematocrit (3179plusmn0063) MCV (708plusmn0063) and MCH (2034plusmn0077) were found to be lowered while MCHC (2885plusmn00836) white blood cells (8675plusmn00418) count and platelet count (40411plusmn0118) were elevated in comparison to its respective female control group Effects of U urens on Kidney Function Test of male rabbitsrsquo blood Urea (48plusmn1058) serum calcium (14643plusmn002) total protein (7925plusmn00083) albumin (533plusmn00083) and AG ratio (2065plusmn00083) were raised while creatinine (0643plusmn00083)
539
phosphorus (4845plusmn00195) uric acid (0105plusmn001) and globulin levels (2595plusmn00083) were lowered in male test group treated with U urens as compared to the male control group Effects of U urens on Kidney Function Test of female rabbitsrsquo blood Serum calcium (14867plusmn024) uric acid (008plusmn00058) and globulin (2198plusmn00165) levels were found elevated whereas urea (485plusmn0836) creatinine (0525plusmn00083) phosphorus (0988plusmn0023) total protein (6495plusmn00083) albumin (4306plusmn00096) and AG ratio (197plusmn001) were observed lowered in female test group treated with U urens in comparison to the female control group Effects of U urens on Cardiac Enzymes of male rabbitsrsquo blood The levels of the cardiac enzymes LDH (35116plusmn4258) CPK (5865plusmn137) and CK-MB (67333plusmn096) were found towards elevated side in the male test group treated with U urens as compared to its respective male control group Effects of U urens on Cardiac Enzymes of female rabbitsrsquo blood LDH (1925plusmn0836) and CPK (23705plusmn0836) enzymes were observed elevated whereas CK-MB (5695plusmn0836) levels were found reduced in female test group treated with U urens as compared to the control female group Effects of U urens onLipid Profile of male rabbitsrsquo blood HDL (95plusmn0836) was found elevated while cholesterol (1942plusmn0845) triglycerides (5183plusmn1036) LDL (767plusmn096) and VLDL (11plusmn1058) levels were observed towards lowered side in male group treated with U urens in comparison to the respective male control group Effects of U urens on Lipid Profile of female rabbitsrsquo blood All the lipid profile parameters were found to be elevated Cholesterol (77plusmn1058) HDL (195plusmn0836) LDL (405plusmn0836) VLDL (175plusmn0836) in female test group treated with U urens when compared with its respective female control group Effects of U urens on Liver Enzymes of male rabbitrsquos blood Total bilirubin (0286plusmn00096) direct bilirubin (0115plusmn00083) and gamma GT (1308plusmn0639) levels were found raised while SGOT (1883plusmn103) SGPT (5616plusmn1036) and alkaline phosphatase (4067plusmn0966) enzymes level was found lowered in U urens treated test group in comparison to male control group Effects of U urens on Liver Enzymes of female rabbitsrsquo blood Gamma GT (1283plusmn1036) level was elevated whereas the levels of the rest of the liver enzymes SGOT (175plusmn0836) Total Bilirubin (024plusmn0021) Direct Bilirubin (00165plusmn00027) SGPT (395plusmn1224) Alkaline Phosphatase (335plusmn0836) were found to be lowered in test group treated with U urens in comparison with its respective control group Urine analysis of male rabbits The urine parameters of the male test group were similar to that of its respective male control group except for the presence of blood in the urine of the test group Urine analysis of female rabbits The urine parameters of the female test group were similar to that of its respective female control group Effects of U urenson liver enzymes of rabbits injected carbon tetrachloride prior to dissection The rabbits treated with U urens extract for three months were administered carbon tetrachloride 15ml before taking out blood via cardiac puncture for LFT Total bilirubin 017plusmn00063 level was lowered while the rest of the liver enzymes that is direct bilirubin 0205plusmn00083 SGPT
540
30108plusmn0639 alkaline phosphatase 85plusmn0316 and gamma GT 2325plusmn0418 were found elevated as compared to the control group Autopsy of male rabbitrsquos treated with U urens No significant pathology was seen in heart liver and stomach tissues whereas acute tubular necrosis was found in kidney tissues of the male group treated with U urens extract
Male liver tissue Male kidney tissue Autopsy of female rabbitrsquos treated with U urens In female group treated with U urens no substantial pathology was seen in heart stomach and kidney tissues While mild portal inflammation and peri-portal fibrosis with focal macrovesicular steatosis was seen in liver tissues
Female liver tissue Female Kidney tissue Diuretic activity of rabbits treated with U urens The mice given oral dose of 300 mgkg of U urens extract exhibited pronounce diuretic activity 166plusmn00033 at the end of 4 hours as compared to the control 093plusmn00036 Furosemide 10 mgkg showed diuretic activity 252plusmn00033 Anti-urolithiasis activity of U urens All the tested concentrations of U urens did not exhibit inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization
References Akbay P Basaran AA Undeger U Basaran N 2003 In vitro immunomodulatory activity of flavonoid glycosides
from Urtica dioica L Phytother Res 17(1) 34-7 Antonopoulou S Demopoulos CA Andrikopoulos NK 1996 Lipid separation from Urtica dioica Existence of
Platelet-Activating Factor J Agric Food Chem 44(10) 3052-6 Avci G Kupeli E Eryavuz A Yesilada E Kucukkurt I 2006 Anti-hypercholesterolaemic and anti-oxidant activity
assessment of some plants used as remedy in Turkish folk medicine J Ethnopharmacol 107(3) 418-23
541
Baraibar CP Broncano FJ Lazaro-Carrasco MJ Rebuelta M Villuna L1983 Acute and chronic toxicity studies on Nettle (Urtica dioica L) An Bromatol 3599-103
Bisset NG trans-ed 1994 Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals Boca Raton FL CRC 19945027 Bnouham M Merhfour FZ Ziyyat A Mekhfi H Aziz M Legssyer A 2003 Antihyperglycemic activity of the
aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Fitoterapia 74(7-8) 677-8 Bradley P ed 1992 British Herbal Compendium A handbook of scientific information on widely used plant drugs
companion to volume 1 of the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia Volume 1 British Herbal Medicine Association Bournemouth
Broncano FJ Rebuelta M Vivas JM DiazMP 1987 Estudio de diferentes preparados de Urtica dioica L sobre SCN An Real Acad Farm 53 284-91
Caceres A Giron LM and Martinez AM 1987a Diuretic activity of plants used for the treatment of urinary ailments in Guatemala Journal of Ethnopharmacology 19 233-245
Carson Camp Rittmaster R 2003 The role of dihydrotestosterone in benign prostatic hyperplasia Urology 61(4 Suppl 1) 2-7
Cetinus E Kilinc M Inanc F Kurua EB Buzkan N2005 The role of Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) in the prevention of oxidative stress caused by tourniquet application in rats Tohoku J Exp Med 205(3) 215-21
Chrubasik JE Roufogalis BD Wagner H Chrubasik S 2007 A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles Part II urticae radix Phytomedicine14(7-8)568-579
Daher CF Baroody KG Baroody GM 2006 Effect of Urtica dioica extract intake upon blood lipid profile in rats Fitoterapia 77(3) 183-8
De Clercq E 2000 Current lead natural products for the chemotherapy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection Med Res Rev 20(5) 323-49
Durak I Biri H Devrim E 2004 Aqueous extract of Urtica dioica makes significant inhibition on adenosine deaminase activity in prostate tissue from patients with prostate cancer Cancer Biol Ther 3(9) 855-7
Farzami BAhmadvand D Vardasbi S Majin FJ Khaghani Sh 2003 Induction of insulin secretion by a component of Urtica dioica leave extract in perifused Islets of Langerhans and its in vivo effects in normal and streptozotocin diabetic ratsJ Ethnopharmacol89(1)47-53
Ganzera M Piereder D Sturm S Erdelmeier C Stuppner H 2005 Urtica dioica agglutinin separation identification and quantitation of individual isolectins by capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry Electrophoresis26(9)1724-1731
Gozum S Tezel A Koc M 2003 Complementary alternative treatments used by patients with cancer in eastern Turkey Cancer Nurs 26(3) 230-6
Guumllccedilin I Kuumlfrevioglu OI Oktay M Buumlyuumlkokuroglu ME 2004 Antioxidant antimicrobial antiulcer and analgesic activities of nettle (Urtica dioica L) J Ethnopharmacol 90(2-3) 205-15
Helms S et al 2006 Natural treatment of chronic rhinosinusitisAltern Med Rev 11(3) 196-207 Kanter M Coskun O Budancamanak M2005 Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa L and Urtica dioica L on
lipid peroxidation antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats World J Gastroenterol 11(42) 6684-8
Koch E 2001 Extracts from fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata) and roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) viable alternatives in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated lower urinary tracts symptomsrdquo Planta Med 67 489-500
Konrad A Maumlhler M Arni S Flogerzi B Klingelhoumlfer S Seibold F 2005 Ameliorative effect of IDS 30 a stingingnettle leaf extract on chronic colitis Int J Colorectal Dis20(1)9-17
Konrad L Muumlller HH Lenz C Laubinger H Aumuumlller G Lichius JJ 2000 Antiproliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells by a stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) extract Planta Med 66(1) 44-7
Krstic-Pavlovic N and Dzamic R 1985 Astringent and mineral components in the leaves of nettle (Urtica dioica L) from many natural locations Agrochemija191-198
Legssyer A et al 2002 Cardiovascular effects of Urtica dioica L in the isolated rat heart and aorta Phytother Res 16(6) 503-7
Lichius JJamp Muth C1997 The inhibiting effects of Urtica dioica root extracts on experimentally induced prostatic hyperplasia in the mouse Planta Med 63(4) 307-10
Lopatkin NSivkov A Walther C Schlafke S Medvedev A Avdeichuk J 2005 Long-term efficacy and safety of a combination of sabal and urtica extract for lower urinary tract symptoms--a placebo-controlled double-blind multicenter trial World J Urol 23(2) 139-146
542
Lopatkin NASivkov AV Medvedev AA Walter K Schlefke S Avdeichuk IuI 2006 Combined extract of Sabal palm and nettle in the treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms in double blind placebo-controlled trial Urologiia12(2) 14-9
Lutomski J Speichert H1983 Die Brennessel in Heilkunde und Ernaumlhrung Pharm Unserer Zeit 12(6) 181-6 Lutomski J 1998 Antibakterielle und salidiuretische Aktivitaumlt der Kneippreg-Praumlparate Interner Versuchsbericht
Institut fuumlr Heilpflanzenforschung Poznan 1981 cited in Blaschek W Haumlnsel R Keller K Reichling J Rimpler H Schneider G eds Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis Drogen L-Z Vol 3 5th ed Springer-Verlag Berlin
Manganelli URE Zaccaro L Tomei PE 2005 Antiviral activity in vitro of Urtica dioica L Parietaria diffusa M and Sambucus nigra L J Ethnopharmacol 98(3) 323-7
Mekhfi H El Haouari M Legssyer A Bnouham M Aziz M Atmani F et al 2004 Platelet anti-aggregant property of some Moroccan medicinal plants J Ethnopharmacol 94(2-3) 317-22
Melo EABertero EB Rios LA Mattos D Jr 2002 Evaluating the efficiency of a combination of Pygeum africanum and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) extracts in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial Int Braz J Urol 28(5) 418-25
Mittman P 1990 Randomized Double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis Planta medica 5644-47
Obertreis B Giller K Teucher T 1996 Anti-inflammatory effect of Urtica dioicafolia extract in comparison to caffeic malic acid Arzneimittelforschung4652-56
Onal STimmur S Okuttucu B Zihnioglu 2005 Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase by aqueous extracts of some potent antidiabetic medicinal herbs Prep Biochem Biotechnol 35(1)29-36
Otoom SAAl-Safi SA Kerem ZK Alkofahi A 2006 The use of medicinal herbs by diabetic Jordanian patients J Herb Pharmacother 6(2) 31-41
Ozen Tamp Korkmaz H2003 Modulatory effect of Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) leaf extract on biotransformation enzyme systems antioxidant enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and lipid peroxidation in mice Phytomedicine 10(5) 405-15
Pinelli P Ieri F Vignolini P Bacci L Baronti S Romani A 2008 Extraction and HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds in leaves stalks and textile fibers of Urtica dioica L J Agric Food Chem56(19)9127-9132
Popa G Hagele-Kaddour H Walther C2005 Efficacy of a combined Sabal-urtica preparation in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia Results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study MMW Fortschr 147 Suppl 3103-8
Lasheras B et al Eacutetude pharmacologique preacuteliminaire de Prunus spinosa L Amelanchier ovalisMedikus Juniperus communis L et Urtica dioica L Plant Meacuted Phytotheacuter 20 219-26
Randall CRandall H Dobbs F 2000 Randomized controlled trial of nettle sting for treatment of base-of-thumb pain J R Soc Med 93(6) 305-9
Riehemann K Behnke B Schulze-Osthoff K 1999 Plant extracts from stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) an antirheumatic remedy inhibit the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB FEBS Lett 442(1) 89-94
Safarinejad MR 2005 Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover studyJ Herb Pharmacother 5(4) 1-11
Schneider T ampRubben H 2004Stinging nettle root extract (Bazoton-uno) in long term treatment of benign prostatic syndrome (BPS) Results of a randomized double-blind placebo controlled multicenter study after 12 months Urologea43(3)302-6
Schottner M Gansser D Spiteller G 1997 Lignans from the roots of Urtica dioica and their metabolites bind to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)Planta Med 63(6) 529-32
Schulze-Tanzil G Behnke B Klingelhoefer S Scheid A Shakibaei M2002 Effects of the antirheumatic remedy hox alphandasha new stinging nettle leaf extractndashon matrix metalloproteinases in human chondrocytes in vitro HistolHistopathol 17(2) 477-85
Smith TA 1977 Tryptamine and related compounds in plants Phytochemistry16171 Tahri A Yamani S Legssyer A Aziz M Mekhfi H Bnouham M 2000 Acute diuretic natriuretic and hypotensive
effects of a continuous perfusion of aqueous extract of Urtica dioica in the rat J Ethnopharmacol 73(1-2) 95ndash100
Taylor L 2005 The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs Raintree Nutrition Inc Carson City NV 89701 Testai L Chericoni S Calderone V Nencioni G Nieri P Morelli I Martinotti E 2002 Cardiovascular effects of
Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) roots extracts in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies J Ethnopharmacol 81(1) 105-9
Thornhill SMamp Kelly AM 2000 Natural treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis Altern Med Rev 5(5) 448-54
543
Tita B Faccendini P Bello U Martinoli L Bolle P 1993 Urtica dioica L Pharmacological effect of ethanol extract Pharmacol Res 27(Suppl 1) 21-2
Tunoacuten H Olavsdotter C Bohlin L 1995 Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis J Ethnopharmacol 48(2) 61-76
Turkdogan MKOzbek H Yener Z Tuncer I Uygan I Ceylan E 2003 The role of Urtica dioica and Nigella sativa in the prevention of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats Phytother Res 17(8) 942-6
Wagner HWiller Famp Kreher BB1989 Biologically active compounds from the aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Planta Med 55(5) 452-4
Walther C Popa G Haumlgele-Kaddour H 2005 Benign prostatic syndrome Urinary urgency and micturition frequency reduced with plant preparation MMW Fortschr Med 147(40) 52-3
537
Thin-layer chromatography of U urens U urens extract in chloroform ndash methanol ndash water (80202) solvent system the Rf values of the spots at 254nm were 002 011 014 022 028 035 046 050 and at 366nm were 001 008 016 025 036 052 070 In ethyl acetate ndash methanol ndash water (100165135) the Rf values at 254nm were 005 016 028 035 042 049 057 066 071 076 and at 366nm were 003 009 023 038 045 053 059 091 Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy of U urens U urens revealed prominent peaks in FT-IR spectrum at 3300 (OH) 292531 (C-H) 158910 - 139705 (aromatic ring) 104972 (C-O-C) cm-1
Insecticidal activity of U urens Dose dependent decrease in mobility was observed accompanied by paralyzing effect On exposure to 100mg of U urens mean paralyzing time was observed 68plusmn203 hours (Table 3 Graph 1) Anthelmintic activity of U urens Earthworms exhibited attractive behavior towards drug is attracted by the drug The mobility of the earthworms slowed down with the passage of time Mortality was found at 17plusmn485 on exposure to 25mg of U urens drug in comparison to standard drug and control Molluscicidal activity of U urens The snails exposed to 1-100mg doses of U urens exhibited no reduction in activity at the end of 72 hours whereas at 500mg dose of the drug showed paralytic effect in 4 out of 6 snails (48plusmn1662) along with shell discoloration Paralytic effect with shell discoloration was also observed in all the snails with 1000mg dose of U urens at the end of 24 hours and fatality at the end of 48 hours Anti-bacterial activityof U urens U urens displayed zone of inhibition 18plusmn2 against gram-negative bacteria K pneumonia in comparison to control and standard drug U urens exhibited (MIC) at 10mgml and 12mgml against S saprophyticus and S fecalis (gram-positive bacteria) respectively Anti-fungal activityof U urens U urens had zone of inhibition 32plusmn1 against Rhizopus (Saprophytes) MIC of U urens was found at 20mgml against A flavus (Saprophytes) U urens exhibited more pronounced inhibition of C albicans and S cerevisiae respectively in comparison to standard Griseofulvin
538
Anti-oxidant activityof U urens U urens (50mg) showed 8216 DPPH scavenging activity and total anti-oxidant activity (7795) at the dose of 50mg Effects of U urens on locomotor and exploratory behavior of mice The anxiolytic effect was assessed by open field head dip light and dark cage cross and swimming activities The CNS depression effects were observed at the dose of 100 mgkg of U urens extract in case of open field activity 8583plusmn353 counts in 30 minutes and cage cross 675plusmn315 times activity At the dose of 300mgkg of U urens maximum CNS depression was observed in head dip cage the mice dipped its head 467plusmn128 times Number of entries in light compartment in light and dark activity was 483plusmn103 times In forced swimming test (FST) the mean forced mobility time was 137plusmn002 seconds Locomotor and exploratory activity was observed substantially reduced in comparison to control and standard drug Diazepam (2 mgkg1) Effects of U urens on analgesic activity using Acetic acid Analgesic activity is widely assessed by the method of acetic acid induced abdominal constrictions 06 (10 mlkg ip) acetic acid solution was administered in mice and the abdominal constrictions (writhes) were observed after 05 minutes The writhes were counted for three phases each of 10 minutes respectively The inhibition of acetic acid induced writhes by Aspirin was as follows first phase 5617 second phase 727 third phase 1496 whereas U urens at the dose of 300 mgkg exhibited maximum inhibition in third phase (117) Effects of U urens on analgesic activity using Formalin The results exhibited prominent analgesic effect in comparison to Aspirin (orally administered 300 mgkg) The analgesic effects of aspirin in phase 1 2 and 3 was4456 8010 and 4049 respectively U urens (300 mgkg) showed maximum inhibition of the licking and biting response in second phase (023) as induced by formaldehyde Effects of U urens on Carrageenan induced anti-inflammatory activity U urens (300mgkg) exhibited maximum paw volume inhibition 1379 after half hour U urens (500mgkg) at 35 hours had 3076 paw volume inhibition Whereas Aspirin at 15 hours had 2222 paw volume inhibition Effects of U urens on hematological parameters of male rabbitsrsquo blood In blood analysis hemoglobin (10308plusmn0063) hematocrit (3589plusmn0063) MCV (6763plusmn0048) MCH (19425plusmn00418) were slightly raised whereas platelet count (50408plusmn011) was significantly elevated Red blood cells (5316plusmn00096) count white blood cells (5315plusmn00083) count and MCHC (28775plusmn0068) levels were somewhat lowered in test group treated with U urens when compared with its respective male control group Effects of U urens on hematological parameters of female rabbitsrsquo blood In female test group treated with U urens hemoglobin (9218plusmn0022) RBC count (4485plusmn00083) hematocrit (3179plusmn0063) MCV (708plusmn0063) and MCH (2034plusmn0077) were found to be lowered while MCHC (2885plusmn00836) white blood cells (8675plusmn00418) count and platelet count (40411plusmn0118) were elevated in comparison to its respective female control group Effects of U urens on Kidney Function Test of male rabbitsrsquo blood Urea (48plusmn1058) serum calcium (14643plusmn002) total protein (7925plusmn00083) albumin (533plusmn00083) and AG ratio (2065plusmn00083) were raised while creatinine (0643plusmn00083)
539
phosphorus (4845plusmn00195) uric acid (0105plusmn001) and globulin levels (2595plusmn00083) were lowered in male test group treated with U urens as compared to the male control group Effects of U urens on Kidney Function Test of female rabbitsrsquo blood Serum calcium (14867plusmn024) uric acid (008plusmn00058) and globulin (2198plusmn00165) levels were found elevated whereas urea (485plusmn0836) creatinine (0525plusmn00083) phosphorus (0988plusmn0023) total protein (6495plusmn00083) albumin (4306plusmn00096) and AG ratio (197plusmn001) were observed lowered in female test group treated with U urens in comparison to the female control group Effects of U urens on Cardiac Enzymes of male rabbitsrsquo blood The levels of the cardiac enzymes LDH (35116plusmn4258) CPK (5865plusmn137) and CK-MB (67333plusmn096) were found towards elevated side in the male test group treated with U urens as compared to its respective male control group Effects of U urens on Cardiac Enzymes of female rabbitsrsquo blood LDH (1925plusmn0836) and CPK (23705plusmn0836) enzymes were observed elevated whereas CK-MB (5695plusmn0836) levels were found reduced in female test group treated with U urens as compared to the control female group Effects of U urens onLipid Profile of male rabbitsrsquo blood HDL (95plusmn0836) was found elevated while cholesterol (1942plusmn0845) triglycerides (5183plusmn1036) LDL (767plusmn096) and VLDL (11plusmn1058) levels were observed towards lowered side in male group treated with U urens in comparison to the respective male control group Effects of U urens on Lipid Profile of female rabbitsrsquo blood All the lipid profile parameters were found to be elevated Cholesterol (77plusmn1058) HDL (195plusmn0836) LDL (405plusmn0836) VLDL (175plusmn0836) in female test group treated with U urens when compared with its respective female control group Effects of U urens on Liver Enzymes of male rabbitrsquos blood Total bilirubin (0286plusmn00096) direct bilirubin (0115plusmn00083) and gamma GT (1308plusmn0639) levels were found raised while SGOT (1883plusmn103) SGPT (5616plusmn1036) and alkaline phosphatase (4067plusmn0966) enzymes level was found lowered in U urens treated test group in comparison to male control group Effects of U urens on Liver Enzymes of female rabbitsrsquo blood Gamma GT (1283plusmn1036) level was elevated whereas the levels of the rest of the liver enzymes SGOT (175plusmn0836) Total Bilirubin (024plusmn0021) Direct Bilirubin (00165plusmn00027) SGPT (395plusmn1224) Alkaline Phosphatase (335plusmn0836) were found to be lowered in test group treated with U urens in comparison with its respective control group Urine analysis of male rabbits The urine parameters of the male test group were similar to that of its respective male control group except for the presence of blood in the urine of the test group Urine analysis of female rabbits The urine parameters of the female test group were similar to that of its respective female control group Effects of U urenson liver enzymes of rabbits injected carbon tetrachloride prior to dissection The rabbits treated with U urens extract for three months were administered carbon tetrachloride 15ml before taking out blood via cardiac puncture for LFT Total bilirubin 017plusmn00063 level was lowered while the rest of the liver enzymes that is direct bilirubin 0205plusmn00083 SGPT
540
30108plusmn0639 alkaline phosphatase 85plusmn0316 and gamma GT 2325plusmn0418 were found elevated as compared to the control group Autopsy of male rabbitrsquos treated with U urens No significant pathology was seen in heart liver and stomach tissues whereas acute tubular necrosis was found in kidney tissues of the male group treated with U urens extract
Male liver tissue Male kidney tissue Autopsy of female rabbitrsquos treated with U urens In female group treated with U urens no substantial pathology was seen in heart stomach and kidney tissues While mild portal inflammation and peri-portal fibrosis with focal macrovesicular steatosis was seen in liver tissues
Female liver tissue Female Kidney tissue Diuretic activity of rabbits treated with U urens The mice given oral dose of 300 mgkg of U urens extract exhibited pronounce diuretic activity 166plusmn00033 at the end of 4 hours as compared to the control 093plusmn00036 Furosemide 10 mgkg showed diuretic activity 252plusmn00033 Anti-urolithiasis activity of U urens All the tested concentrations of U urens did not exhibit inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization
References Akbay P Basaran AA Undeger U Basaran N 2003 In vitro immunomodulatory activity of flavonoid glycosides
from Urtica dioica L Phytother Res 17(1) 34-7 Antonopoulou S Demopoulos CA Andrikopoulos NK 1996 Lipid separation from Urtica dioica Existence of
Platelet-Activating Factor J Agric Food Chem 44(10) 3052-6 Avci G Kupeli E Eryavuz A Yesilada E Kucukkurt I 2006 Anti-hypercholesterolaemic and anti-oxidant activity
assessment of some plants used as remedy in Turkish folk medicine J Ethnopharmacol 107(3) 418-23
541
Baraibar CP Broncano FJ Lazaro-Carrasco MJ Rebuelta M Villuna L1983 Acute and chronic toxicity studies on Nettle (Urtica dioica L) An Bromatol 3599-103
Bisset NG trans-ed 1994 Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals Boca Raton FL CRC 19945027 Bnouham M Merhfour FZ Ziyyat A Mekhfi H Aziz M Legssyer A 2003 Antihyperglycemic activity of the
aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Fitoterapia 74(7-8) 677-8 Bradley P ed 1992 British Herbal Compendium A handbook of scientific information on widely used plant drugs
companion to volume 1 of the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia Volume 1 British Herbal Medicine Association Bournemouth
Broncano FJ Rebuelta M Vivas JM DiazMP 1987 Estudio de diferentes preparados de Urtica dioica L sobre SCN An Real Acad Farm 53 284-91
Caceres A Giron LM and Martinez AM 1987a Diuretic activity of plants used for the treatment of urinary ailments in Guatemala Journal of Ethnopharmacology 19 233-245
Carson Camp Rittmaster R 2003 The role of dihydrotestosterone in benign prostatic hyperplasia Urology 61(4 Suppl 1) 2-7
Cetinus E Kilinc M Inanc F Kurua EB Buzkan N2005 The role of Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) in the prevention of oxidative stress caused by tourniquet application in rats Tohoku J Exp Med 205(3) 215-21
Chrubasik JE Roufogalis BD Wagner H Chrubasik S 2007 A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles Part II urticae radix Phytomedicine14(7-8)568-579
Daher CF Baroody KG Baroody GM 2006 Effect of Urtica dioica extract intake upon blood lipid profile in rats Fitoterapia 77(3) 183-8
De Clercq E 2000 Current lead natural products for the chemotherapy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection Med Res Rev 20(5) 323-49
Durak I Biri H Devrim E 2004 Aqueous extract of Urtica dioica makes significant inhibition on adenosine deaminase activity in prostate tissue from patients with prostate cancer Cancer Biol Ther 3(9) 855-7
Farzami BAhmadvand D Vardasbi S Majin FJ Khaghani Sh 2003 Induction of insulin secretion by a component of Urtica dioica leave extract in perifused Islets of Langerhans and its in vivo effects in normal and streptozotocin diabetic ratsJ Ethnopharmacol89(1)47-53
Ganzera M Piereder D Sturm S Erdelmeier C Stuppner H 2005 Urtica dioica agglutinin separation identification and quantitation of individual isolectins by capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry Electrophoresis26(9)1724-1731
Gozum S Tezel A Koc M 2003 Complementary alternative treatments used by patients with cancer in eastern Turkey Cancer Nurs 26(3) 230-6
Guumllccedilin I Kuumlfrevioglu OI Oktay M Buumlyuumlkokuroglu ME 2004 Antioxidant antimicrobial antiulcer and analgesic activities of nettle (Urtica dioica L) J Ethnopharmacol 90(2-3) 205-15
Helms S et al 2006 Natural treatment of chronic rhinosinusitisAltern Med Rev 11(3) 196-207 Kanter M Coskun O Budancamanak M2005 Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa L and Urtica dioica L on
lipid peroxidation antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats World J Gastroenterol 11(42) 6684-8
Koch E 2001 Extracts from fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata) and roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) viable alternatives in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated lower urinary tracts symptomsrdquo Planta Med 67 489-500
Konrad A Maumlhler M Arni S Flogerzi B Klingelhoumlfer S Seibold F 2005 Ameliorative effect of IDS 30 a stingingnettle leaf extract on chronic colitis Int J Colorectal Dis20(1)9-17
Konrad L Muumlller HH Lenz C Laubinger H Aumuumlller G Lichius JJ 2000 Antiproliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells by a stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) extract Planta Med 66(1) 44-7
Krstic-Pavlovic N and Dzamic R 1985 Astringent and mineral components in the leaves of nettle (Urtica dioica L) from many natural locations Agrochemija191-198
Legssyer A et al 2002 Cardiovascular effects of Urtica dioica L in the isolated rat heart and aorta Phytother Res 16(6) 503-7
Lichius JJamp Muth C1997 The inhibiting effects of Urtica dioica root extracts on experimentally induced prostatic hyperplasia in the mouse Planta Med 63(4) 307-10
Lopatkin NSivkov A Walther C Schlafke S Medvedev A Avdeichuk J 2005 Long-term efficacy and safety of a combination of sabal and urtica extract for lower urinary tract symptoms--a placebo-controlled double-blind multicenter trial World J Urol 23(2) 139-146
542
Lopatkin NASivkov AV Medvedev AA Walter K Schlefke S Avdeichuk IuI 2006 Combined extract of Sabal palm and nettle in the treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms in double blind placebo-controlled trial Urologiia12(2) 14-9
Lutomski J Speichert H1983 Die Brennessel in Heilkunde und Ernaumlhrung Pharm Unserer Zeit 12(6) 181-6 Lutomski J 1998 Antibakterielle und salidiuretische Aktivitaumlt der Kneippreg-Praumlparate Interner Versuchsbericht
Institut fuumlr Heilpflanzenforschung Poznan 1981 cited in Blaschek W Haumlnsel R Keller K Reichling J Rimpler H Schneider G eds Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis Drogen L-Z Vol 3 5th ed Springer-Verlag Berlin
Manganelli URE Zaccaro L Tomei PE 2005 Antiviral activity in vitro of Urtica dioica L Parietaria diffusa M and Sambucus nigra L J Ethnopharmacol 98(3) 323-7
Mekhfi H El Haouari M Legssyer A Bnouham M Aziz M Atmani F et al 2004 Platelet anti-aggregant property of some Moroccan medicinal plants J Ethnopharmacol 94(2-3) 317-22
Melo EABertero EB Rios LA Mattos D Jr 2002 Evaluating the efficiency of a combination of Pygeum africanum and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) extracts in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial Int Braz J Urol 28(5) 418-25
Mittman P 1990 Randomized Double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis Planta medica 5644-47
Obertreis B Giller K Teucher T 1996 Anti-inflammatory effect of Urtica dioicafolia extract in comparison to caffeic malic acid Arzneimittelforschung4652-56
Onal STimmur S Okuttucu B Zihnioglu 2005 Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase by aqueous extracts of some potent antidiabetic medicinal herbs Prep Biochem Biotechnol 35(1)29-36
Otoom SAAl-Safi SA Kerem ZK Alkofahi A 2006 The use of medicinal herbs by diabetic Jordanian patients J Herb Pharmacother 6(2) 31-41
Ozen Tamp Korkmaz H2003 Modulatory effect of Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) leaf extract on biotransformation enzyme systems antioxidant enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and lipid peroxidation in mice Phytomedicine 10(5) 405-15
Pinelli P Ieri F Vignolini P Bacci L Baronti S Romani A 2008 Extraction and HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds in leaves stalks and textile fibers of Urtica dioica L J Agric Food Chem56(19)9127-9132
Popa G Hagele-Kaddour H Walther C2005 Efficacy of a combined Sabal-urtica preparation in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia Results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study MMW Fortschr 147 Suppl 3103-8
Lasheras B et al Eacutetude pharmacologique preacuteliminaire de Prunus spinosa L Amelanchier ovalisMedikus Juniperus communis L et Urtica dioica L Plant Meacuted Phytotheacuter 20 219-26
Randall CRandall H Dobbs F 2000 Randomized controlled trial of nettle sting for treatment of base-of-thumb pain J R Soc Med 93(6) 305-9
Riehemann K Behnke B Schulze-Osthoff K 1999 Plant extracts from stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) an antirheumatic remedy inhibit the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB FEBS Lett 442(1) 89-94
Safarinejad MR 2005 Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover studyJ Herb Pharmacother 5(4) 1-11
Schneider T ampRubben H 2004Stinging nettle root extract (Bazoton-uno) in long term treatment of benign prostatic syndrome (BPS) Results of a randomized double-blind placebo controlled multicenter study after 12 months Urologea43(3)302-6
Schottner M Gansser D Spiteller G 1997 Lignans from the roots of Urtica dioica and their metabolites bind to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)Planta Med 63(6) 529-32
Schulze-Tanzil G Behnke B Klingelhoefer S Scheid A Shakibaei M2002 Effects of the antirheumatic remedy hox alphandasha new stinging nettle leaf extractndashon matrix metalloproteinases in human chondrocytes in vitro HistolHistopathol 17(2) 477-85
Smith TA 1977 Tryptamine and related compounds in plants Phytochemistry16171 Tahri A Yamani S Legssyer A Aziz M Mekhfi H Bnouham M 2000 Acute diuretic natriuretic and hypotensive
effects of a continuous perfusion of aqueous extract of Urtica dioica in the rat J Ethnopharmacol 73(1-2) 95ndash100
Taylor L 2005 The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs Raintree Nutrition Inc Carson City NV 89701 Testai L Chericoni S Calderone V Nencioni G Nieri P Morelli I Martinotti E 2002 Cardiovascular effects of
Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) roots extracts in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies J Ethnopharmacol 81(1) 105-9
Thornhill SMamp Kelly AM 2000 Natural treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis Altern Med Rev 5(5) 448-54
543
Tita B Faccendini P Bello U Martinoli L Bolle P 1993 Urtica dioica L Pharmacological effect of ethanol extract Pharmacol Res 27(Suppl 1) 21-2
Tunoacuten H Olavsdotter C Bohlin L 1995 Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis J Ethnopharmacol 48(2) 61-76
Turkdogan MKOzbek H Yener Z Tuncer I Uygan I Ceylan E 2003 The role of Urtica dioica and Nigella sativa in the prevention of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats Phytother Res 17(8) 942-6
Wagner HWiller Famp Kreher BB1989 Biologically active compounds from the aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Planta Med 55(5) 452-4
Walther C Popa G Haumlgele-Kaddour H 2005 Benign prostatic syndrome Urinary urgency and micturition frequency reduced with plant preparation MMW Fortschr Med 147(40) 52-3
538
Anti-oxidant activityof U urens U urens (50mg) showed 8216 DPPH scavenging activity and total anti-oxidant activity (7795) at the dose of 50mg Effects of U urens on locomotor and exploratory behavior of mice The anxiolytic effect was assessed by open field head dip light and dark cage cross and swimming activities The CNS depression effects were observed at the dose of 100 mgkg of U urens extract in case of open field activity 8583plusmn353 counts in 30 minutes and cage cross 675plusmn315 times activity At the dose of 300mgkg of U urens maximum CNS depression was observed in head dip cage the mice dipped its head 467plusmn128 times Number of entries in light compartment in light and dark activity was 483plusmn103 times In forced swimming test (FST) the mean forced mobility time was 137plusmn002 seconds Locomotor and exploratory activity was observed substantially reduced in comparison to control and standard drug Diazepam (2 mgkg1) Effects of U urens on analgesic activity using Acetic acid Analgesic activity is widely assessed by the method of acetic acid induced abdominal constrictions 06 (10 mlkg ip) acetic acid solution was administered in mice and the abdominal constrictions (writhes) were observed after 05 minutes The writhes were counted for three phases each of 10 minutes respectively The inhibition of acetic acid induced writhes by Aspirin was as follows first phase 5617 second phase 727 third phase 1496 whereas U urens at the dose of 300 mgkg exhibited maximum inhibition in third phase (117) Effects of U urens on analgesic activity using Formalin The results exhibited prominent analgesic effect in comparison to Aspirin (orally administered 300 mgkg) The analgesic effects of aspirin in phase 1 2 and 3 was4456 8010 and 4049 respectively U urens (300 mgkg) showed maximum inhibition of the licking and biting response in second phase (023) as induced by formaldehyde Effects of U urens on Carrageenan induced anti-inflammatory activity U urens (300mgkg) exhibited maximum paw volume inhibition 1379 after half hour U urens (500mgkg) at 35 hours had 3076 paw volume inhibition Whereas Aspirin at 15 hours had 2222 paw volume inhibition Effects of U urens on hematological parameters of male rabbitsrsquo blood In blood analysis hemoglobin (10308plusmn0063) hematocrit (3589plusmn0063) MCV (6763plusmn0048) MCH (19425plusmn00418) were slightly raised whereas platelet count (50408plusmn011) was significantly elevated Red blood cells (5316plusmn00096) count white blood cells (5315plusmn00083) count and MCHC (28775plusmn0068) levels were somewhat lowered in test group treated with U urens when compared with its respective male control group Effects of U urens on hematological parameters of female rabbitsrsquo blood In female test group treated with U urens hemoglobin (9218plusmn0022) RBC count (4485plusmn00083) hematocrit (3179plusmn0063) MCV (708plusmn0063) and MCH (2034plusmn0077) were found to be lowered while MCHC (2885plusmn00836) white blood cells (8675plusmn00418) count and platelet count (40411plusmn0118) were elevated in comparison to its respective female control group Effects of U urens on Kidney Function Test of male rabbitsrsquo blood Urea (48plusmn1058) serum calcium (14643plusmn002) total protein (7925plusmn00083) albumin (533plusmn00083) and AG ratio (2065plusmn00083) were raised while creatinine (0643plusmn00083)
539
phosphorus (4845plusmn00195) uric acid (0105plusmn001) and globulin levels (2595plusmn00083) were lowered in male test group treated with U urens as compared to the male control group Effects of U urens on Kidney Function Test of female rabbitsrsquo blood Serum calcium (14867plusmn024) uric acid (008plusmn00058) and globulin (2198plusmn00165) levels were found elevated whereas urea (485plusmn0836) creatinine (0525plusmn00083) phosphorus (0988plusmn0023) total protein (6495plusmn00083) albumin (4306plusmn00096) and AG ratio (197plusmn001) were observed lowered in female test group treated with U urens in comparison to the female control group Effects of U urens on Cardiac Enzymes of male rabbitsrsquo blood The levels of the cardiac enzymes LDH (35116plusmn4258) CPK (5865plusmn137) and CK-MB (67333plusmn096) were found towards elevated side in the male test group treated with U urens as compared to its respective male control group Effects of U urens on Cardiac Enzymes of female rabbitsrsquo blood LDH (1925plusmn0836) and CPK (23705plusmn0836) enzymes were observed elevated whereas CK-MB (5695plusmn0836) levels were found reduced in female test group treated with U urens as compared to the control female group Effects of U urens onLipid Profile of male rabbitsrsquo blood HDL (95plusmn0836) was found elevated while cholesterol (1942plusmn0845) triglycerides (5183plusmn1036) LDL (767plusmn096) and VLDL (11plusmn1058) levels were observed towards lowered side in male group treated with U urens in comparison to the respective male control group Effects of U urens on Lipid Profile of female rabbitsrsquo blood All the lipid profile parameters were found to be elevated Cholesterol (77plusmn1058) HDL (195plusmn0836) LDL (405plusmn0836) VLDL (175plusmn0836) in female test group treated with U urens when compared with its respective female control group Effects of U urens on Liver Enzymes of male rabbitrsquos blood Total bilirubin (0286plusmn00096) direct bilirubin (0115plusmn00083) and gamma GT (1308plusmn0639) levels were found raised while SGOT (1883plusmn103) SGPT (5616plusmn1036) and alkaline phosphatase (4067plusmn0966) enzymes level was found lowered in U urens treated test group in comparison to male control group Effects of U urens on Liver Enzymes of female rabbitsrsquo blood Gamma GT (1283plusmn1036) level was elevated whereas the levels of the rest of the liver enzymes SGOT (175plusmn0836) Total Bilirubin (024plusmn0021) Direct Bilirubin (00165plusmn00027) SGPT (395plusmn1224) Alkaline Phosphatase (335plusmn0836) were found to be lowered in test group treated with U urens in comparison with its respective control group Urine analysis of male rabbits The urine parameters of the male test group were similar to that of its respective male control group except for the presence of blood in the urine of the test group Urine analysis of female rabbits The urine parameters of the female test group were similar to that of its respective female control group Effects of U urenson liver enzymes of rabbits injected carbon tetrachloride prior to dissection The rabbits treated with U urens extract for three months were administered carbon tetrachloride 15ml before taking out blood via cardiac puncture for LFT Total bilirubin 017plusmn00063 level was lowered while the rest of the liver enzymes that is direct bilirubin 0205plusmn00083 SGPT
540
30108plusmn0639 alkaline phosphatase 85plusmn0316 and gamma GT 2325plusmn0418 were found elevated as compared to the control group Autopsy of male rabbitrsquos treated with U urens No significant pathology was seen in heart liver and stomach tissues whereas acute tubular necrosis was found in kidney tissues of the male group treated with U urens extract
Male liver tissue Male kidney tissue Autopsy of female rabbitrsquos treated with U urens In female group treated with U urens no substantial pathology was seen in heart stomach and kidney tissues While mild portal inflammation and peri-portal fibrosis with focal macrovesicular steatosis was seen in liver tissues
Female liver tissue Female Kidney tissue Diuretic activity of rabbits treated with U urens The mice given oral dose of 300 mgkg of U urens extract exhibited pronounce diuretic activity 166plusmn00033 at the end of 4 hours as compared to the control 093plusmn00036 Furosemide 10 mgkg showed diuretic activity 252plusmn00033 Anti-urolithiasis activity of U urens All the tested concentrations of U urens did not exhibit inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization
References Akbay P Basaran AA Undeger U Basaran N 2003 In vitro immunomodulatory activity of flavonoid glycosides
from Urtica dioica L Phytother Res 17(1) 34-7 Antonopoulou S Demopoulos CA Andrikopoulos NK 1996 Lipid separation from Urtica dioica Existence of
Platelet-Activating Factor J Agric Food Chem 44(10) 3052-6 Avci G Kupeli E Eryavuz A Yesilada E Kucukkurt I 2006 Anti-hypercholesterolaemic and anti-oxidant activity
assessment of some plants used as remedy in Turkish folk medicine J Ethnopharmacol 107(3) 418-23
541
Baraibar CP Broncano FJ Lazaro-Carrasco MJ Rebuelta M Villuna L1983 Acute and chronic toxicity studies on Nettle (Urtica dioica L) An Bromatol 3599-103
Bisset NG trans-ed 1994 Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals Boca Raton FL CRC 19945027 Bnouham M Merhfour FZ Ziyyat A Mekhfi H Aziz M Legssyer A 2003 Antihyperglycemic activity of the
aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Fitoterapia 74(7-8) 677-8 Bradley P ed 1992 British Herbal Compendium A handbook of scientific information on widely used plant drugs
companion to volume 1 of the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia Volume 1 British Herbal Medicine Association Bournemouth
Broncano FJ Rebuelta M Vivas JM DiazMP 1987 Estudio de diferentes preparados de Urtica dioica L sobre SCN An Real Acad Farm 53 284-91
Caceres A Giron LM and Martinez AM 1987a Diuretic activity of plants used for the treatment of urinary ailments in Guatemala Journal of Ethnopharmacology 19 233-245
Carson Camp Rittmaster R 2003 The role of dihydrotestosterone in benign prostatic hyperplasia Urology 61(4 Suppl 1) 2-7
Cetinus E Kilinc M Inanc F Kurua EB Buzkan N2005 The role of Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) in the prevention of oxidative stress caused by tourniquet application in rats Tohoku J Exp Med 205(3) 215-21
Chrubasik JE Roufogalis BD Wagner H Chrubasik S 2007 A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles Part II urticae radix Phytomedicine14(7-8)568-579
Daher CF Baroody KG Baroody GM 2006 Effect of Urtica dioica extract intake upon blood lipid profile in rats Fitoterapia 77(3) 183-8
De Clercq E 2000 Current lead natural products for the chemotherapy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection Med Res Rev 20(5) 323-49
Durak I Biri H Devrim E 2004 Aqueous extract of Urtica dioica makes significant inhibition on adenosine deaminase activity in prostate tissue from patients with prostate cancer Cancer Biol Ther 3(9) 855-7
Farzami BAhmadvand D Vardasbi S Majin FJ Khaghani Sh 2003 Induction of insulin secretion by a component of Urtica dioica leave extract in perifused Islets of Langerhans and its in vivo effects in normal and streptozotocin diabetic ratsJ Ethnopharmacol89(1)47-53
Ganzera M Piereder D Sturm S Erdelmeier C Stuppner H 2005 Urtica dioica agglutinin separation identification and quantitation of individual isolectins by capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry Electrophoresis26(9)1724-1731
Gozum S Tezel A Koc M 2003 Complementary alternative treatments used by patients with cancer in eastern Turkey Cancer Nurs 26(3) 230-6
Guumllccedilin I Kuumlfrevioglu OI Oktay M Buumlyuumlkokuroglu ME 2004 Antioxidant antimicrobial antiulcer and analgesic activities of nettle (Urtica dioica L) J Ethnopharmacol 90(2-3) 205-15
Helms S et al 2006 Natural treatment of chronic rhinosinusitisAltern Med Rev 11(3) 196-207 Kanter M Coskun O Budancamanak M2005 Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa L and Urtica dioica L on
lipid peroxidation antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats World J Gastroenterol 11(42) 6684-8
Koch E 2001 Extracts from fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata) and roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) viable alternatives in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated lower urinary tracts symptomsrdquo Planta Med 67 489-500
Konrad A Maumlhler M Arni S Flogerzi B Klingelhoumlfer S Seibold F 2005 Ameliorative effect of IDS 30 a stingingnettle leaf extract on chronic colitis Int J Colorectal Dis20(1)9-17
Konrad L Muumlller HH Lenz C Laubinger H Aumuumlller G Lichius JJ 2000 Antiproliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells by a stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) extract Planta Med 66(1) 44-7
Krstic-Pavlovic N and Dzamic R 1985 Astringent and mineral components in the leaves of nettle (Urtica dioica L) from many natural locations Agrochemija191-198
Legssyer A et al 2002 Cardiovascular effects of Urtica dioica L in the isolated rat heart and aorta Phytother Res 16(6) 503-7
Lichius JJamp Muth C1997 The inhibiting effects of Urtica dioica root extracts on experimentally induced prostatic hyperplasia in the mouse Planta Med 63(4) 307-10
Lopatkin NSivkov A Walther C Schlafke S Medvedev A Avdeichuk J 2005 Long-term efficacy and safety of a combination of sabal and urtica extract for lower urinary tract symptoms--a placebo-controlled double-blind multicenter trial World J Urol 23(2) 139-146
542
Lopatkin NASivkov AV Medvedev AA Walter K Schlefke S Avdeichuk IuI 2006 Combined extract of Sabal palm and nettle in the treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms in double blind placebo-controlled trial Urologiia12(2) 14-9
Lutomski J Speichert H1983 Die Brennessel in Heilkunde und Ernaumlhrung Pharm Unserer Zeit 12(6) 181-6 Lutomski J 1998 Antibakterielle und salidiuretische Aktivitaumlt der Kneippreg-Praumlparate Interner Versuchsbericht
Institut fuumlr Heilpflanzenforschung Poznan 1981 cited in Blaschek W Haumlnsel R Keller K Reichling J Rimpler H Schneider G eds Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis Drogen L-Z Vol 3 5th ed Springer-Verlag Berlin
Manganelli URE Zaccaro L Tomei PE 2005 Antiviral activity in vitro of Urtica dioica L Parietaria diffusa M and Sambucus nigra L J Ethnopharmacol 98(3) 323-7
Mekhfi H El Haouari M Legssyer A Bnouham M Aziz M Atmani F et al 2004 Platelet anti-aggregant property of some Moroccan medicinal plants J Ethnopharmacol 94(2-3) 317-22
Melo EABertero EB Rios LA Mattos D Jr 2002 Evaluating the efficiency of a combination of Pygeum africanum and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) extracts in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial Int Braz J Urol 28(5) 418-25
Mittman P 1990 Randomized Double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis Planta medica 5644-47
Obertreis B Giller K Teucher T 1996 Anti-inflammatory effect of Urtica dioicafolia extract in comparison to caffeic malic acid Arzneimittelforschung4652-56
Onal STimmur S Okuttucu B Zihnioglu 2005 Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase by aqueous extracts of some potent antidiabetic medicinal herbs Prep Biochem Biotechnol 35(1)29-36
Otoom SAAl-Safi SA Kerem ZK Alkofahi A 2006 The use of medicinal herbs by diabetic Jordanian patients J Herb Pharmacother 6(2) 31-41
Ozen Tamp Korkmaz H2003 Modulatory effect of Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) leaf extract on biotransformation enzyme systems antioxidant enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and lipid peroxidation in mice Phytomedicine 10(5) 405-15
Pinelli P Ieri F Vignolini P Bacci L Baronti S Romani A 2008 Extraction and HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds in leaves stalks and textile fibers of Urtica dioica L J Agric Food Chem56(19)9127-9132
Popa G Hagele-Kaddour H Walther C2005 Efficacy of a combined Sabal-urtica preparation in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia Results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study MMW Fortschr 147 Suppl 3103-8
Lasheras B et al Eacutetude pharmacologique preacuteliminaire de Prunus spinosa L Amelanchier ovalisMedikus Juniperus communis L et Urtica dioica L Plant Meacuted Phytotheacuter 20 219-26
Randall CRandall H Dobbs F 2000 Randomized controlled trial of nettle sting for treatment of base-of-thumb pain J R Soc Med 93(6) 305-9
Riehemann K Behnke B Schulze-Osthoff K 1999 Plant extracts from stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) an antirheumatic remedy inhibit the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB FEBS Lett 442(1) 89-94
Safarinejad MR 2005 Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover studyJ Herb Pharmacother 5(4) 1-11
Schneider T ampRubben H 2004Stinging nettle root extract (Bazoton-uno) in long term treatment of benign prostatic syndrome (BPS) Results of a randomized double-blind placebo controlled multicenter study after 12 months Urologea43(3)302-6
Schottner M Gansser D Spiteller G 1997 Lignans from the roots of Urtica dioica and their metabolites bind to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)Planta Med 63(6) 529-32
Schulze-Tanzil G Behnke B Klingelhoefer S Scheid A Shakibaei M2002 Effects of the antirheumatic remedy hox alphandasha new stinging nettle leaf extractndashon matrix metalloproteinases in human chondrocytes in vitro HistolHistopathol 17(2) 477-85
Smith TA 1977 Tryptamine and related compounds in plants Phytochemistry16171 Tahri A Yamani S Legssyer A Aziz M Mekhfi H Bnouham M 2000 Acute diuretic natriuretic and hypotensive
effects of a continuous perfusion of aqueous extract of Urtica dioica in the rat J Ethnopharmacol 73(1-2) 95ndash100
Taylor L 2005 The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs Raintree Nutrition Inc Carson City NV 89701 Testai L Chericoni S Calderone V Nencioni G Nieri P Morelli I Martinotti E 2002 Cardiovascular effects of
Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) roots extracts in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies J Ethnopharmacol 81(1) 105-9
Thornhill SMamp Kelly AM 2000 Natural treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis Altern Med Rev 5(5) 448-54
543
Tita B Faccendini P Bello U Martinoli L Bolle P 1993 Urtica dioica L Pharmacological effect of ethanol extract Pharmacol Res 27(Suppl 1) 21-2
Tunoacuten H Olavsdotter C Bohlin L 1995 Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis J Ethnopharmacol 48(2) 61-76
Turkdogan MKOzbek H Yener Z Tuncer I Uygan I Ceylan E 2003 The role of Urtica dioica and Nigella sativa in the prevention of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats Phytother Res 17(8) 942-6
Wagner HWiller Famp Kreher BB1989 Biologically active compounds from the aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Planta Med 55(5) 452-4
Walther C Popa G Haumlgele-Kaddour H 2005 Benign prostatic syndrome Urinary urgency and micturition frequency reduced with plant preparation MMW Fortschr Med 147(40) 52-3
539
phosphorus (4845plusmn00195) uric acid (0105plusmn001) and globulin levels (2595plusmn00083) were lowered in male test group treated with U urens as compared to the male control group Effects of U urens on Kidney Function Test of female rabbitsrsquo blood Serum calcium (14867plusmn024) uric acid (008plusmn00058) and globulin (2198plusmn00165) levels were found elevated whereas urea (485plusmn0836) creatinine (0525plusmn00083) phosphorus (0988plusmn0023) total protein (6495plusmn00083) albumin (4306plusmn00096) and AG ratio (197plusmn001) were observed lowered in female test group treated with U urens in comparison to the female control group Effects of U urens on Cardiac Enzymes of male rabbitsrsquo blood The levels of the cardiac enzymes LDH (35116plusmn4258) CPK (5865plusmn137) and CK-MB (67333plusmn096) were found towards elevated side in the male test group treated with U urens as compared to its respective male control group Effects of U urens on Cardiac Enzymes of female rabbitsrsquo blood LDH (1925plusmn0836) and CPK (23705plusmn0836) enzymes were observed elevated whereas CK-MB (5695plusmn0836) levels were found reduced in female test group treated with U urens as compared to the control female group Effects of U urens onLipid Profile of male rabbitsrsquo blood HDL (95plusmn0836) was found elevated while cholesterol (1942plusmn0845) triglycerides (5183plusmn1036) LDL (767plusmn096) and VLDL (11plusmn1058) levels were observed towards lowered side in male group treated with U urens in comparison to the respective male control group Effects of U urens on Lipid Profile of female rabbitsrsquo blood All the lipid profile parameters were found to be elevated Cholesterol (77plusmn1058) HDL (195plusmn0836) LDL (405plusmn0836) VLDL (175plusmn0836) in female test group treated with U urens when compared with its respective female control group Effects of U urens on Liver Enzymes of male rabbitrsquos blood Total bilirubin (0286plusmn00096) direct bilirubin (0115plusmn00083) and gamma GT (1308plusmn0639) levels were found raised while SGOT (1883plusmn103) SGPT (5616plusmn1036) and alkaline phosphatase (4067plusmn0966) enzymes level was found lowered in U urens treated test group in comparison to male control group Effects of U urens on Liver Enzymes of female rabbitsrsquo blood Gamma GT (1283plusmn1036) level was elevated whereas the levels of the rest of the liver enzymes SGOT (175plusmn0836) Total Bilirubin (024plusmn0021) Direct Bilirubin (00165plusmn00027) SGPT (395plusmn1224) Alkaline Phosphatase (335plusmn0836) were found to be lowered in test group treated with U urens in comparison with its respective control group Urine analysis of male rabbits The urine parameters of the male test group were similar to that of its respective male control group except for the presence of blood in the urine of the test group Urine analysis of female rabbits The urine parameters of the female test group were similar to that of its respective female control group Effects of U urenson liver enzymes of rabbits injected carbon tetrachloride prior to dissection The rabbits treated with U urens extract for three months were administered carbon tetrachloride 15ml before taking out blood via cardiac puncture for LFT Total bilirubin 017plusmn00063 level was lowered while the rest of the liver enzymes that is direct bilirubin 0205plusmn00083 SGPT
540
30108plusmn0639 alkaline phosphatase 85plusmn0316 and gamma GT 2325plusmn0418 were found elevated as compared to the control group Autopsy of male rabbitrsquos treated with U urens No significant pathology was seen in heart liver and stomach tissues whereas acute tubular necrosis was found in kidney tissues of the male group treated with U urens extract
Male liver tissue Male kidney tissue Autopsy of female rabbitrsquos treated with U urens In female group treated with U urens no substantial pathology was seen in heart stomach and kidney tissues While mild portal inflammation and peri-portal fibrosis with focal macrovesicular steatosis was seen in liver tissues
Female liver tissue Female Kidney tissue Diuretic activity of rabbits treated with U urens The mice given oral dose of 300 mgkg of U urens extract exhibited pronounce diuretic activity 166plusmn00033 at the end of 4 hours as compared to the control 093plusmn00036 Furosemide 10 mgkg showed diuretic activity 252plusmn00033 Anti-urolithiasis activity of U urens All the tested concentrations of U urens did not exhibit inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization
References Akbay P Basaran AA Undeger U Basaran N 2003 In vitro immunomodulatory activity of flavonoid glycosides
from Urtica dioica L Phytother Res 17(1) 34-7 Antonopoulou S Demopoulos CA Andrikopoulos NK 1996 Lipid separation from Urtica dioica Existence of
Platelet-Activating Factor J Agric Food Chem 44(10) 3052-6 Avci G Kupeli E Eryavuz A Yesilada E Kucukkurt I 2006 Anti-hypercholesterolaemic and anti-oxidant activity
assessment of some plants used as remedy in Turkish folk medicine J Ethnopharmacol 107(3) 418-23
541
Baraibar CP Broncano FJ Lazaro-Carrasco MJ Rebuelta M Villuna L1983 Acute and chronic toxicity studies on Nettle (Urtica dioica L) An Bromatol 3599-103
Bisset NG trans-ed 1994 Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals Boca Raton FL CRC 19945027 Bnouham M Merhfour FZ Ziyyat A Mekhfi H Aziz M Legssyer A 2003 Antihyperglycemic activity of the
aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Fitoterapia 74(7-8) 677-8 Bradley P ed 1992 British Herbal Compendium A handbook of scientific information on widely used plant drugs
companion to volume 1 of the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia Volume 1 British Herbal Medicine Association Bournemouth
Broncano FJ Rebuelta M Vivas JM DiazMP 1987 Estudio de diferentes preparados de Urtica dioica L sobre SCN An Real Acad Farm 53 284-91
Caceres A Giron LM and Martinez AM 1987a Diuretic activity of plants used for the treatment of urinary ailments in Guatemala Journal of Ethnopharmacology 19 233-245
Carson Camp Rittmaster R 2003 The role of dihydrotestosterone in benign prostatic hyperplasia Urology 61(4 Suppl 1) 2-7
Cetinus E Kilinc M Inanc F Kurua EB Buzkan N2005 The role of Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) in the prevention of oxidative stress caused by tourniquet application in rats Tohoku J Exp Med 205(3) 215-21
Chrubasik JE Roufogalis BD Wagner H Chrubasik S 2007 A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles Part II urticae radix Phytomedicine14(7-8)568-579
Daher CF Baroody KG Baroody GM 2006 Effect of Urtica dioica extract intake upon blood lipid profile in rats Fitoterapia 77(3) 183-8
De Clercq E 2000 Current lead natural products for the chemotherapy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection Med Res Rev 20(5) 323-49
Durak I Biri H Devrim E 2004 Aqueous extract of Urtica dioica makes significant inhibition on adenosine deaminase activity in prostate tissue from patients with prostate cancer Cancer Biol Ther 3(9) 855-7
Farzami BAhmadvand D Vardasbi S Majin FJ Khaghani Sh 2003 Induction of insulin secretion by a component of Urtica dioica leave extract in perifused Islets of Langerhans and its in vivo effects in normal and streptozotocin diabetic ratsJ Ethnopharmacol89(1)47-53
Ganzera M Piereder D Sturm S Erdelmeier C Stuppner H 2005 Urtica dioica agglutinin separation identification and quantitation of individual isolectins by capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry Electrophoresis26(9)1724-1731
Gozum S Tezel A Koc M 2003 Complementary alternative treatments used by patients with cancer in eastern Turkey Cancer Nurs 26(3) 230-6
Guumllccedilin I Kuumlfrevioglu OI Oktay M Buumlyuumlkokuroglu ME 2004 Antioxidant antimicrobial antiulcer and analgesic activities of nettle (Urtica dioica L) J Ethnopharmacol 90(2-3) 205-15
Helms S et al 2006 Natural treatment of chronic rhinosinusitisAltern Med Rev 11(3) 196-207 Kanter M Coskun O Budancamanak M2005 Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa L and Urtica dioica L on
lipid peroxidation antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats World J Gastroenterol 11(42) 6684-8
Koch E 2001 Extracts from fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata) and roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) viable alternatives in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated lower urinary tracts symptomsrdquo Planta Med 67 489-500
Konrad A Maumlhler M Arni S Flogerzi B Klingelhoumlfer S Seibold F 2005 Ameliorative effect of IDS 30 a stingingnettle leaf extract on chronic colitis Int J Colorectal Dis20(1)9-17
Konrad L Muumlller HH Lenz C Laubinger H Aumuumlller G Lichius JJ 2000 Antiproliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells by a stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) extract Planta Med 66(1) 44-7
Krstic-Pavlovic N and Dzamic R 1985 Astringent and mineral components in the leaves of nettle (Urtica dioica L) from many natural locations Agrochemija191-198
Legssyer A et al 2002 Cardiovascular effects of Urtica dioica L in the isolated rat heart and aorta Phytother Res 16(6) 503-7
Lichius JJamp Muth C1997 The inhibiting effects of Urtica dioica root extracts on experimentally induced prostatic hyperplasia in the mouse Planta Med 63(4) 307-10
Lopatkin NSivkov A Walther C Schlafke S Medvedev A Avdeichuk J 2005 Long-term efficacy and safety of a combination of sabal and urtica extract for lower urinary tract symptoms--a placebo-controlled double-blind multicenter trial World J Urol 23(2) 139-146
542
Lopatkin NASivkov AV Medvedev AA Walter K Schlefke S Avdeichuk IuI 2006 Combined extract of Sabal palm and nettle in the treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms in double blind placebo-controlled trial Urologiia12(2) 14-9
Lutomski J Speichert H1983 Die Brennessel in Heilkunde und Ernaumlhrung Pharm Unserer Zeit 12(6) 181-6 Lutomski J 1998 Antibakterielle und salidiuretische Aktivitaumlt der Kneippreg-Praumlparate Interner Versuchsbericht
Institut fuumlr Heilpflanzenforschung Poznan 1981 cited in Blaschek W Haumlnsel R Keller K Reichling J Rimpler H Schneider G eds Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis Drogen L-Z Vol 3 5th ed Springer-Verlag Berlin
Manganelli URE Zaccaro L Tomei PE 2005 Antiviral activity in vitro of Urtica dioica L Parietaria diffusa M and Sambucus nigra L J Ethnopharmacol 98(3) 323-7
Mekhfi H El Haouari M Legssyer A Bnouham M Aziz M Atmani F et al 2004 Platelet anti-aggregant property of some Moroccan medicinal plants J Ethnopharmacol 94(2-3) 317-22
Melo EABertero EB Rios LA Mattos D Jr 2002 Evaluating the efficiency of a combination of Pygeum africanum and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) extracts in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial Int Braz J Urol 28(5) 418-25
Mittman P 1990 Randomized Double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis Planta medica 5644-47
Obertreis B Giller K Teucher T 1996 Anti-inflammatory effect of Urtica dioicafolia extract in comparison to caffeic malic acid Arzneimittelforschung4652-56
Onal STimmur S Okuttucu B Zihnioglu 2005 Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase by aqueous extracts of some potent antidiabetic medicinal herbs Prep Biochem Biotechnol 35(1)29-36
Otoom SAAl-Safi SA Kerem ZK Alkofahi A 2006 The use of medicinal herbs by diabetic Jordanian patients J Herb Pharmacother 6(2) 31-41
Ozen Tamp Korkmaz H2003 Modulatory effect of Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) leaf extract on biotransformation enzyme systems antioxidant enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and lipid peroxidation in mice Phytomedicine 10(5) 405-15
Pinelli P Ieri F Vignolini P Bacci L Baronti S Romani A 2008 Extraction and HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds in leaves stalks and textile fibers of Urtica dioica L J Agric Food Chem56(19)9127-9132
Popa G Hagele-Kaddour H Walther C2005 Efficacy of a combined Sabal-urtica preparation in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia Results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study MMW Fortschr 147 Suppl 3103-8
Lasheras B et al Eacutetude pharmacologique preacuteliminaire de Prunus spinosa L Amelanchier ovalisMedikus Juniperus communis L et Urtica dioica L Plant Meacuted Phytotheacuter 20 219-26
Randall CRandall H Dobbs F 2000 Randomized controlled trial of nettle sting for treatment of base-of-thumb pain J R Soc Med 93(6) 305-9
Riehemann K Behnke B Schulze-Osthoff K 1999 Plant extracts from stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) an antirheumatic remedy inhibit the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB FEBS Lett 442(1) 89-94
Safarinejad MR 2005 Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover studyJ Herb Pharmacother 5(4) 1-11
Schneider T ampRubben H 2004Stinging nettle root extract (Bazoton-uno) in long term treatment of benign prostatic syndrome (BPS) Results of a randomized double-blind placebo controlled multicenter study after 12 months Urologea43(3)302-6
Schottner M Gansser D Spiteller G 1997 Lignans from the roots of Urtica dioica and their metabolites bind to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)Planta Med 63(6) 529-32
Schulze-Tanzil G Behnke B Klingelhoefer S Scheid A Shakibaei M2002 Effects of the antirheumatic remedy hox alphandasha new stinging nettle leaf extractndashon matrix metalloproteinases in human chondrocytes in vitro HistolHistopathol 17(2) 477-85
Smith TA 1977 Tryptamine and related compounds in plants Phytochemistry16171 Tahri A Yamani S Legssyer A Aziz M Mekhfi H Bnouham M 2000 Acute diuretic natriuretic and hypotensive
effects of a continuous perfusion of aqueous extract of Urtica dioica in the rat J Ethnopharmacol 73(1-2) 95ndash100
Taylor L 2005 The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs Raintree Nutrition Inc Carson City NV 89701 Testai L Chericoni S Calderone V Nencioni G Nieri P Morelli I Martinotti E 2002 Cardiovascular effects of
Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) roots extracts in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies J Ethnopharmacol 81(1) 105-9
Thornhill SMamp Kelly AM 2000 Natural treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis Altern Med Rev 5(5) 448-54
543
Tita B Faccendini P Bello U Martinoli L Bolle P 1993 Urtica dioica L Pharmacological effect of ethanol extract Pharmacol Res 27(Suppl 1) 21-2
Tunoacuten H Olavsdotter C Bohlin L 1995 Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis J Ethnopharmacol 48(2) 61-76
Turkdogan MKOzbek H Yener Z Tuncer I Uygan I Ceylan E 2003 The role of Urtica dioica and Nigella sativa in the prevention of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats Phytother Res 17(8) 942-6
Wagner HWiller Famp Kreher BB1989 Biologically active compounds from the aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Planta Med 55(5) 452-4
Walther C Popa G Haumlgele-Kaddour H 2005 Benign prostatic syndrome Urinary urgency and micturition frequency reduced with plant preparation MMW Fortschr Med 147(40) 52-3
540
30108plusmn0639 alkaline phosphatase 85plusmn0316 and gamma GT 2325plusmn0418 were found elevated as compared to the control group Autopsy of male rabbitrsquos treated with U urens No significant pathology was seen in heart liver and stomach tissues whereas acute tubular necrosis was found in kidney tissues of the male group treated with U urens extract
Male liver tissue Male kidney tissue Autopsy of female rabbitrsquos treated with U urens In female group treated with U urens no substantial pathology was seen in heart stomach and kidney tissues While mild portal inflammation and peri-portal fibrosis with focal macrovesicular steatosis was seen in liver tissues
Female liver tissue Female Kidney tissue Diuretic activity of rabbits treated with U urens The mice given oral dose of 300 mgkg of U urens extract exhibited pronounce diuretic activity 166plusmn00033 at the end of 4 hours as compared to the control 093plusmn00036 Furosemide 10 mgkg showed diuretic activity 252plusmn00033 Anti-urolithiasis activity of U urens All the tested concentrations of U urens did not exhibit inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization
References Akbay P Basaran AA Undeger U Basaran N 2003 In vitro immunomodulatory activity of flavonoid glycosides
from Urtica dioica L Phytother Res 17(1) 34-7 Antonopoulou S Demopoulos CA Andrikopoulos NK 1996 Lipid separation from Urtica dioica Existence of
Platelet-Activating Factor J Agric Food Chem 44(10) 3052-6 Avci G Kupeli E Eryavuz A Yesilada E Kucukkurt I 2006 Anti-hypercholesterolaemic and anti-oxidant activity
assessment of some plants used as remedy in Turkish folk medicine J Ethnopharmacol 107(3) 418-23
541
Baraibar CP Broncano FJ Lazaro-Carrasco MJ Rebuelta M Villuna L1983 Acute and chronic toxicity studies on Nettle (Urtica dioica L) An Bromatol 3599-103
Bisset NG trans-ed 1994 Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals Boca Raton FL CRC 19945027 Bnouham M Merhfour FZ Ziyyat A Mekhfi H Aziz M Legssyer A 2003 Antihyperglycemic activity of the
aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Fitoterapia 74(7-8) 677-8 Bradley P ed 1992 British Herbal Compendium A handbook of scientific information on widely used plant drugs
companion to volume 1 of the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia Volume 1 British Herbal Medicine Association Bournemouth
Broncano FJ Rebuelta M Vivas JM DiazMP 1987 Estudio de diferentes preparados de Urtica dioica L sobre SCN An Real Acad Farm 53 284-91
Caceres A Giron LM and Martinez AM 1987a Diuretic activity of plants used for the treatment of urinary ailments in Guatemala Journal of Ethnopharmacology 19 233-245
Carson Camp Rittmaster R 2003 The role of dihydrotestosterone in benign prostatic hyperplasia Urology 61(4 Suppl 1) 2-7
Cetinus E Kilinc M Inanc F Kurua EB Buzkan N2005 The role of Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) in the prevention of oxidative stress caused by tourniquet application in rats Tohoku J Exp Med 205(3) 215-21
Chrubasik JE Roufogalis BD Wagner H Chrubasik S 2007 A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles Part II urticae radix Phytomedicine14(7-8)568-579
Daher CF Baroody KG Baroody GM 2006 Effect of Urtica dioica extract intake upon blood lipid profile in rats Fitoterapia 77(3) 183-8
De Clercq E 2000 Current lead natural products for the chemotherapy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection Med Res Rev 20(5) 323-49
Durak I Biri H Devrim E 2004 Aqueous extract of Urtica dioica makes significant inhibition on adenosine deaminase activity in prostate tissue from patients with prostate cancer Cancer Biol Ther 3(9) 855-7
Farzami BAhmadvand D Vardasbi S Majin FJ Khaghani Sh 2003 Induction of insulin secretion by a component of Urtica dioica leave extract in perifused Islets of Langerhans and its in vivo effects in normal and streptozotocin diabetic ratsJ Ethnopharmacol89(1)47-53
Ganzera M Piereder D Sturm S Erdelmeier C Stuppner H 2005 Urtica dioica agglutinin separation identification and quantitation of individual isolectins by capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry Electrophoresis26(9)1724-1731
Gozum S Tezel A Koc M 2003 Complementary alternative treatments used by patients with cancer in eastern Turkey Cancer Nurs 26(3) 230-6
Guumllccedilin I Kuumlfrevioglu OI Oktay M Buumlyuumlkokuroglu ME 2004 Antioxidant antimicrobial antiulcer and analgesic activities of nettle (Urtica dioica L) J Ethnopharmacol 90(2-3) 205-15
Helms S et al 2006 Natural treatment of chronic rhinosinusitisAltern Med Rev 11(3) 196-207 Kanter M Coskun O Budancamanak M2005 Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa L and Urtica dioica L on
lipid peroxidation antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats World J Gastroenterol 11(42) 6684-8
Koch E 2001 Extracts from fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata) and roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) viable alternatives in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated lower urinary tracts symptomsrdquo Planta Med 67 489-500
Konrad A Maumlhler M Arni S Flogerzi B Klingelhoumlfer S Seibold F 2005 Ameliorative effect of IDS 30 a stingingnettle leaf extract on chronic colitis Int J Colorectal Dis20(1)9-17
Konrad L Muumlller HH Lenz C Laubinger H Aumuumlller G Lichius JJ 2000 Antiproliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells by a stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) extract Planta Med 66(1) 44-7
Krstic-Pavlovic N and Dzamic R 1985 Astringent and mineral components in the leaves of nettle (Urtica dioica L) from many natural locations Agrochemija191-198
Legssyer A et al 2002 Cardiovascular effects of Urtica dioica L in the isolated rat heart and aorta Phytother Res 16(6) 503-7
Lichius JJamp Muth C1997 The inhibiting effects of Urtica dioica root extracts on experimentally induced prostatic hyperplasia in the mouse Planta Med 63(4) 307-10
Lopatkin NSivkov A Walther C Schlafke S Medvedev A Avdeichuk J 2005 Long-term efficacy and safety of a combination of sabal and urtica extract for lower urinary tract symptoms--a placebo-controlled double-blind multicenter trial World J Urol 23(2) 139-146
542
Lopatkin NASivkov AV Medvedev AA Walter K Schlefke S Avdeichuk IuI 2006 Combined extract of Sabal palm and nettle in the treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms in double blind placebo-controlled trial Urologiia12(2) 14-9
Lutomski J Speichert H1983 Die Brennessel in Heilkunde und Ernaumlhrung Pharm Unserer Zeit 12(6) 181-6 Lutomski J 1998 Antibakterielle und salidiuretische Aktivitaumlt der Kneippreg-Praumlparate Interner Versuchsbericht
Institut fuumlr Heilpflanzenforschung Poznan 1981 cited in Blaschek W Haumlnsel R Keller K Reichling J Rimpler H Schneider G eds Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis Drogen L-Z Vol 3 5th ed Springer-Verlag Berlin
Manganelli URE Zaccaro L Tomei PE 2005 Antiviral activity in vitro of Urtica dioica L Parietaria diffusa M and Sambucus nigra L J Ethnopharmacol 98(3) 323-7
Mekhfi H El Haouari M Legssyer A Bnouham M Aziz M Atmani F et al 2004 Platelet anti-aggregant property of some Moroccan medicinal plants J Ethnopharmacol 94(2-3) 317-22
Melo EABertero EB Rios LA Mattos D Jr 2002 Evaluating the efficiency of a combination of Pygeum africanum and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) extracts in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial Int Braz J Urol 28(5) 418-25
Mittman P 1990 Randomized Double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis Planta medica 5644-47
Obertreis B Giller K Teucher T 1996 Anti-inflammatory effect of Urtica dioicafolia extract in comparison to caffeic malic acid Arzneimittelforschung4652-56
Onal STimmur S Okuttucu B Zihnioglu 2005 Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase by aqueous extracts of some potent antidiabetic medicinal herbs Prep Biochem Biotechnol 35(1)29-36
Otoom SAAl-Safi SA Kerem ZK Alkofahi A 2006 The use of medicinal herbs by diabetic Jordanian patients J Herb Pharmacother 6(2) 31-41
Ozen Tamp Korkmaz H2003 Modulatory effect of Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) leaf extract on biotransformation enzyme systems antioxidant enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and lipid peroxidation in mice Phytomedicine 10(5) 405-15
Pinelli P Ieri F Vignolini P Bacci L Baronti S Romani A 2008 Extraction and HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds in leaves stalks and textile fibers of Urtica dioica L J Agric Food Chem56(19)9127-9132
Popa G Hagele-Kaddour H Walther C2005 Efficacy of a combined Sabal-urtica preparation in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia Results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study MMW Fortschr 147 Suppl 3103-8
Lasheras B et al Eacutetude pharmacologique preacuteliminaire de Prunus spinosa L Amelanchier ovalisMedikus Juniperus communis L et Urtica dioica L Plant Meacuted Phytotheacuter 20 219-26
Randall CRandall H Dobbs F 2000 Randomized controlled trial of nettle sting for treatment of base-of-thumb pain J R Soc Med 93(6) 305-9
Riehemann K Behnke B Schulze-Osthoff K 1999 Plant extracts from stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) an antirheumatic remedy inhibit the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB FEBS Lett 442(1) 89-94
Safarinejad MR 2005 Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover studyJ Herb Pharmacother 5(4) 1-11
Schneider T ampRubben H 2004Stinging nettle root extract (Bazoton-uno) in long term treatment of benign prostatic syndrome (BPS) Results of a randomized double-blind placebo controlled multicenter study after 12 months Urologea43(3)302-6
Schottner M Gansser D Spiteller G 1997 Lignans from the roots of Urtica dioica and their metabolites bind to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)Planta Med 63(6) 529-32
Schulze-Tanzil G Behnke B Klingelhoefer S Scheid A Shakibaei M2002 Effects of the antirheumatic remedy hox alphandasha new stinging nettle leaf extractndashon matrix metalloproteinases in human chondrocytes in vitro HistolHistopathol 17(2) 477-85
Smith TA 1977 Tryptamine and related compounds in plants Phytochemistry16171 Tahri A Yamani S Legssyer A Aziz M Mekhfi H Bnouham M 2000 Acute diuretic natriuretic and hypotensive
effects of a continuous perfusion of aqueous extract of Urtica dioica in the rat J Ethnopharmacol 73(1-2) 95ndash100
Taylor L 2005 The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs Raintree Nutrition Inc Carson City NV 89701 Testai L Chericoni S Calderone V Nencioni G Nieri P Morelli I Martinotti E 2002 Cardiovascular effects of
Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) roots extracts in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies J Ethnopharmacol 81(1) 105-9
Thornhill SMamp Kelly AM 2000 Natural treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis Altern Med Rev 5(5) 448-54
543
Tita B Faccendini P Bello U Martinoli L Bolle P 1993 Urtica dioica L Pharmacological effect of ethanol extract Pharmacol Res 27(Suppl 1) 21-2
Tunoacuten H Olavsdotter C Bohlin L 1995 Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis J Ethnopharmacol 48(2) 61-76
Turkdogan MKOzbek H Yener Z Tuncer I Uygan I Ceylan E 2003 The role of Urtica dioica and Nigella sativa in the prevention of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats Phytother Res 17(8) 942-6
Wagner HWiller Famp Kreher BB1989 Biologically active compounds from the aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Planta Med 55(5) 452-4
Walther C Popa G Haumlgele-Kaddour H 2005 Benign prostatic syndrome Urinary urgency and micturition frequency reduced with plant preparation MMW Fortschr Med 147(40) 52-3
541
Baraibar CP Broncano FJ Lazaro-Carrasco MJ Rebuelta M Villuna L1983 Acute and chronic toxicity studies on Nettle (Urtica dioica L) An Bromatol 3599-103
Bisset NG trans-ed 1994 Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals Boca Raton FL CRC 19945027 Bnouham M Merhfour FZ Ziyyat A Mekhfi H Aziz M Legssyer A 2003 Antihyperglycemic activity of the
aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Fitoterapia 74(7-8) 677-8 Bradley P ed 1992 British Herbal Compendium A handbook of scientific information on widely used plant drugs
companion to volume 1 of the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia Volume 1 British Herbal Medicine Association Bournemouth
Broncano FJ Rebuelta M Vivas JM DiazMP 1987 Estudio de diferentes preparados de Urtica dioica L sobre SCN An Real Acad Farm 53 284-91
Caceres A Giron LM and Martinez AM 1987a Diuretic activity of plants used for the treatment of urinary ailments in Guatemala Journal of Ethnopharmacology 19 233-245
Carson Camp Rittmaster R 2003 The role of dihydrotestosterone in benign prostatic hyperplasia Urology 61(4 Suppl 1) 2-7
Cetinus E Kilinc M Inanc F Kurua EB Buzkan N2005 The role of Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) in the prevention of oxidative stress caused by tourniquet application in rats Tohoku J Exp Med 205(3) 215-21
Chrubasik JE Roufogalis BD Wagner H Chrubasik S 2007 A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles Part II urticae radix Phytomedicine14(7-8)568-579
Daher CF Baroody KG Baroody GM 2006 Effect of Urtica dioica extract intake upon blood lipid profile in rats Fitoterapia 77(3) 183-8
De Clercq E 2000 Current lead natural products for the chemotherapy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection Med Res Rev 20(5) 323-49
Durak I Biri H Devrim E 2004 Aqueous extract of Urtica dioica makes significant inhibition on adenosine deaminase activity in prostate tissue from patients with prostate cancer Cancer Biol Ther 3(9) 855-7
Farzami BAhmadvand D Vardasbi S Majin FJ Khaghani Sh 2003 Induction of insulin secretion by a component of Urtica dioica leave extract in perifused Islets of Langerhans and its in vivo effects in normal and streptozotocin diabetic ratsJ Ethnopharmacol89(1)47-53
Ganzera M Piereder D Sturm S Erdelmeier C Stuppner H 2005 Urtica dioica agglutinin separation identification and quantitation of individual isolectins by capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry Electrophoresis26(9)1724-1731
Gozum S Tezel A Koc M 2003 Complementary alternative treatments used by patients with cancer in eastern Turkey Cancer Nurs 26(3) 230-6
Guumllccedilin I Kuumlfrevioglu OI Oktay M Buumlyuumlkokuroglu ME 2004 Antioxidant antimicrobial antiulcer and analgesic activities of nettle (Urtica dioica L) J Ethnopharmacol 90(2-3) 205-15
Helms S et al 2006 Natural treatment of chronic rhinosinusitisAltern Med Rev 11(3) 196-207 Kanter M Coskun O Budancamanak M2005 Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa L and Urtica dioica L on
lipid peroxidation antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats World J Gastroenterol 11(42) 6684-8
Koch E 2001 Extracts from fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata) and roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) viable alternatives in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated lower urinary tracts symptomsrdquo Planta Med 67 489-500
Konrad A Maumlhler M Arni S Flogerzi B Klingelhoumlfer S Seibold F 2005 Ameliorative effect of IDS 30 a stingingnettle leaf extract on chronic colitis Int J Colorectal Dis20(1)9-17
Konrad L Muumlller HH Lenz C Laubinger H Aumuumlller G Lichius JJ 2000 Antiproliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells by a stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) extract Planta Med 66(1) 44-7
Krstic-Pavlovic N and Dzamic R 1985 Astringent and mineral components in the leaves of nettle (Urtica dioica L) from many natural locations Agrochemija191-198
Legssyer A et al 2002 Cardiovascular effects of Urtica dioica L in the isolated rat heart and aorta Phytother Res 16(6) 503-7
Lichius JJamp Muth C1997 The inhibiting effects of Urtica dioica root extracts on experimentally induced prostatic hyperplasia in the mouse Planta Med 63(4) 307-10
Lopatkin NSivkov A Walther C Schlafke S Medvedev A Avdeichuk J 2005 Long-term efficacy and safety of a combination of sabal and urtica extract for lower urinary tract symptoms--a placebo-controlled double-blind multicenter trial World J Urol 23(2) 139-146
542
Lopatkin NASivkov AV Medvedev AA Walter K Schlefke S Avdeichuk IuI 2006 Combined extract of Sabal palm and nettle in the treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms in double blind placebo-controlled trial Urologiia12(2) 14-9
Lutomski J Speichert H1983 Die Brennessel in Heilkunde und Ernaumlhrung Pharm Unserer Zeit 12(6) 181-6 Lutomski J 1998 Antibakterielle und salidiuretische Aktivitaumlt der Kneippreg-Praumlparate Interner Versuchsbericht
Institut fuumlr Heilpflanzenforschung Poznan 1981 cited in Blaschek W Haumlnsel R Keller K Reichling J Rimpler H Schneider G eds Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis Drogen L-Z Vol 3 5th ed Springer-Verlag Berlin
Manganelli URE Zaccaro L Tomei PE 2005 Antiviral activity in vitro of Urtica dioica L Parietaria diffusa M and Sambucus nigra L J Ethnopharmacol 98(3) 323-7
Mekhfi H El Haouari M Legssyer A Bnouham M Aziz M Atmani F et al 2004 Platelet anti-aggregant property of some Moroccan medicinal plants J Ethnopharmacol 94(2-3) 317-22
Melo EABertero EB Rios LA Mattos D Jr 2002 Evaluating the efficiency of a combination of Pygeum africanum and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) extracts in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial Int Braz J Urol 28(5) 418-25
Mittman P 1990 Randomized Double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis Planta medica 5644-47
Obertreis B Giller K Teucher T 1996 Anti-inflammatory effect of Urtica dioicafolia extract in comparison to caffeic malic acid Arzneimittelforschung4652-56
Onal STimmur S Okuttucu B Zihnioglu 2005 Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase by aqueous extracts of some potent antidiabetic medicinal herbs Prep Biochem Biotechnol 35(1)29-36
Otoom SAAl-Safi SA Kerem ZK Alkofahi A 2006 The use of medicinal herbs by diabetic Jordanian patients J Herb Pharmacother 6(2) 31-41
Ozen Tamp Korkmaz H2003 Modulatory effect of Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) leaf extract on biotransformation enzyme systems antioxidant enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and lipid peroxidation in mice Phytomedicine 10(5) 405-15
Pinelli P Ieri F Vignolini P Bacci L Baronti S Romani A 2008 Extraction and HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds in leaves stalks and textile fibers of Urtica dioica L J Agric Food Chem56(19)9127-9132
Popa G Hagele-Kaddour H Walther C2005 Efficacy of a combined Sabal-urtica preparation in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia Results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study MMW Fortschr 147 Suppl 3103-8
Lasheras B et al Eacutetude pharmacologique preacuteliminaire de Prunus spinosa L Amelanchier ovalisMedikus Juniperus communis L et Urtica dioica L Plant Meacuted Phytotheacuter 20 219-26
Randall CRandall H Dobbs F 2000 Randomized controlled trial of nettle sting for treatment of base-of-thumb pain J R Soc Med 93(6) 305-9
Riehemann K Behnke B Schulze-Osthoff K 1999 Plant extracts from stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) an antirheumatic remedy inhibit the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB FEBS Lett 442(1) 89-94
Safarinejad MR 2005 Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover studyJ Herb Pharmacother 5(4) 1-11
Schneider T ampRubben H 2004Stinging nettle root extract (Bazoton-uno) in long term treatment of benign prostatic syndrome (BPS) Results of a randomized double-blind placebo controlled multicenter study after 12 months Urologea43(3)302-6
Schottner M Gansser D Spiteller G 1997 Lignans from the roots of Urtica dioica and their metabolites bind to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)Planta Med 63(6) 529-32
Schulze-Tanzil G Behnke B Klingelhoefer S Scheid A Shakibaei M2002 Effects of the antirheumatic remedy hox alphandasha new stinging nettle leaf extractndashon matrix metalloproteinases in human chondrocytes in vitro HistolHistopathol 17(2) 477-85
Smith TA 1977 Tryptamine and related compounds in plants Phytochemistry16171 Tahri A Yamani S Legssyer A Aziz M Mekhfi H Bnouham M 2000 Acute diuretic natriuretic and hypotensive
effects of a continuous perfusion of aqueous extract of Urtica dioica in the rat J Ethnopharmacol 73(1-2) 95ndash100
Taylor L 2005 The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs Raintree Nutrition Inc Carson City NV 89701 Testai L Chericoni S Calderone V Nencioni G Nieri P Morelli I Martinotti E 2002 Cardiovascular effects of
Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) roots extracts in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies J Ethnopharmacol 81(1) 105-9
Thornhill SMamp Kelly AM 2000 Natural treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis Altern Med Rev 5(5) 448-54
543
Tita B Faccendini P Bello U Martinoli L Bolle P 1993 Urtica dioica L Pharmacological effect of ethanol extract Pharmacol Res 27(Suppl 1) 21-2
Tunoacuten H Olavsdotter C Bohlin L 1995 Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis J Ethnopharmacol 48(2) 61-76
Turkdogan MKOzbek H Yener Z Tuncer I Uygan I Ceylan E 2003 The role of Urtica dioica and Nigella sativa in the prevention of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats Phytother Res 17(8) 942-6
Wagner HWiller Famp Kreher BB1989 Biologically active compounds from the aqueous extract of Urtica dioica Planta Med 55(5) 452-4
Walther C Popa G Haumlgele-Kaddour H 2005 Benign prostatic syndrome Urinary urgency and micturition frequency reduced with plant preparation MMW Fortschr Med 147(40) 52-3
542
Lopatkin NASivkov AV Medvedev AA Walter K Schlefke S Avdeichuk IuI 2006 Combined extract of Sabal palm and nettle in the treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms in double blind placebo-controlled trial Urologiia12(2) 14-9
Lutomski J Speichert H1983 Die Brennessel in Heilkunde und Ernaumlhrung Pharm Unserer Zeit 12(6) 181-6 Lutomski J 1998 Antibakterielle und salidiuretische Aktivitaumlt der Kneippreg-Praumlparate Interner Versuchsbericht
Institut fuumlr Heilpflanzenforschung Poznan 1981 cited in Blaschek W Haumlnsel R Keller K Reichling J Rimpler H Schneider G eds Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis Drogen L-Z Vol 3 5th ed Springer-Verlag Berlin
Manganelli URE Zaccaro L Tomei PE 2005 Antiviral activity in vitro of Urtica dioica L Parietaria diffusa M and Sambucus nigra L J Ethnopharmacol 98(3) 323-7
Mekhfi H El Haouari M Legssyer A Bnouham M Aziz M Atmani F et al 2004 Platelet anti-aggregant property of some Moroccan medicinal plants J Ethnopharmacol 94(2-3) 317-22
Melo EABertero EB Rios LA Mattos D Jr 2002 Evaluating the efficiency of a combination of Pygeum africanum and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) extracts in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial Int Braz J Urol 28(5) 418-25
Mittman P 1990 Randomized Double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis Planta medica 5644-47
Obertreis B Giller K Teucher T 1996 Anti-inflammatory effect of Urtica dioicafolia extract in comparison to caffeic malic acid Arzneimittelforschung4652-56
Onal STimmur S Okuttucu B Zihnioglu 2005 Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase by aqueous extracts of some potent antidiabetic medicinal herbs Prep Biochem Biotechnol 35(1)29-36
Otoom SAAl-Safi SA Kerem ZK Alkofahi A 2006 The use of medicinal herbs by diabetic Jordanian patients J Herb Pharmacother 6(2) 31-41
Ozen Tamp Korkmaz H2003 Modulatory effect of Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) leaf extract on biotransformation enzyme systems antioxidant enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and lipid peroxidation in mice Phytomedicine 10(5) 405-15
Pinelli P Ieri F Vignolini P Bacci L Baronti S Romani A 2008 Extraction and HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds in leaves stalks and textile fibers of Urtica dioica L J Agric Food Chem56(19)9127-9132
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