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Mhalhel K, Kadmi Y, Ben Chira A, Levanti M, Pansera L, Cometa M, Sicari M, Germanà A, Aragona M, Montalbano G. Urtica dioica Extract Abrogates Chlorpyrifos-Induced Toxicity in Zebrafish Larvae. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6631. [PMID: 38928336 PMCID: PMC11203861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a widely used organophosphate insecticide, though its excessive use causes environmental contamination, raising concerns about its adverse effects on human health. In this regard, Urtica dioica stands out as a promising candidate for counteracting chemical 'contaminant' toxicity thanks to its therapeutic properties. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the potential of an Urtica dioica ethanolic extract (UDE) to mitigate chlorpyrifos-induced toxicity. Eight compounds in the Urtica dioica ethanolic extract have been identified, most of which present significant potential as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective agents. Chlorpyrifos exposure altered hatching rates, increased the incidence of teratogenic effects, and upregulated the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) in zebrafish larvae telencephalon. On the other hand, UDE demonstrated a preventive effect against CPF-induced teratogenicity, which is expressed by a lower morphological deformity rate. Moreover, the UDE showed a rather protective effect, maintaining the physiological condition of the telencephalon. Additionally, CPF altered the locomotor behavior of larvae, which was characterized by irregular swimming and increased activity. This defective behavioral pattern was slightly attenuated by the UDE. Our findings suggest that the UDE possesses significant protective properties against CPF-induced toxicity, probably conferred by its natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory contents. Still, further research is needed to elucidate the recruited mechanisms and implicated pathways on UDE's protective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamel Mhalhel
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.L.); (L.P.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.)
| | - Yassine Kadmi
- LASIRE, Equipe Physico-Chimie de l’Environnement, CNRS UMR 8516, Université Lille, Sciences et Technologies, CEDEX, 59655 Villeneuve d′Ascq, France;
- Department of Chemistry, Université d’Artois, IUT de Béthune, 62400 Béthune, France
| | - Ahlem Ben Chira
- LR22ES01 Laboratory of Biomathematics, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, Department of Mathematics, P.O. Box 1171, Sfax 3000, Tunisia;
| | - Maria Levanti
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.L.); (L.P.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.)
| | - Lidia Pansera
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.L.); (L.P.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.)
| | - Marzio Cometa
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.L.); (L.P.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.)
| | - Mirea Sicari
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.L.); (L.P.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.)
| | - Antonino Germanà
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.L.); (L.P.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.)
| | - Marialuisa Aragona
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.L.); (L.P.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.)
| | - Giuseppe Montalbano
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.L.); (L.P.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.)
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Domjanić Drozdek S, Odeh D, Đikić D, Gračan R, Oršolić N, Dragović-Uzelac V, Feher-Turković L, Dragičević P, Landeka Jurčević I. The Effects of Nettle Extract Consumption on Liver PPARs, SIRT1, ACOX1 and Blood Lipid Levels in Male and Female C57Bl6 Mice. Nutrients 2022; 14:4469. [PMID: 36364732 PMCID: PMC9657111 DOI: 10.3390/nu14214469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate how nettle (Urtica dioica L.) water extract consumption would interact with regulators of peroxysomal lipid oxidation, histone deacetylase, and markers of oxidative stress in the liver and blood lipid levels in male and female C57Bl6 mice. Metabolically unchallenged (healthy) mice (n = 5 per sex) were treated with a nettle extract in a dose of 40 mg of total polyphenols in the extract per kg mice body weight. The nettle extract was applied daily along with normal diet for 15 days. The serum triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and liver PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, PGC-1-α, ACOX1, SIRT1, MDA, SOD, CAT, and GSH were compared between exposed and unexposed (control) animals. In males, the PPAR-α, PGC1-α, and ACOX1 levels together with systemic HDL cholesterol were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased while the LDL cholesterol decreased (p ≤ 0.05). In females, no changes in PPAR-α and PGC1-α or serum lipids were noted, but the ACOX1 content in the liver was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased. The SIRT1 activity increased (p ≤ 0.05) only in females. In both sexes, the PPAR-γ levels were not significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected in either sex. The results indicate that nettle plant extract has the potential to modulate selected transcriptional factors and histone deacetylase in vivo, with certain sex differences, which should be studied further in similar models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dyana Odeh
- Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Domagoj Đikić
- Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Romana Gračan
- Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nada Oršolić
- Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Verica Dragović-Uzelac
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lana Feher-Turković
- School of Applied Health Sciences, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Irena Landeka Jurčević
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.): Nutritional Composition, Bioactive Compounds, and Food Functional Properties. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27165219. [PMID: 36014458 PMCID: PMC9413031 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L., Urticaceae) is commonly found in Asia, Africa, and Europe and has a long history of being used as food and traditional medicine. Recently, this plant is gaining attention as a highly nutritious food, where fresh leaves are dried and used as powder or in other forms. Leaves are rich in many bioactive compounds. This review aims to cover the traditional uses in food and medicine, as well as its nutritional composition, including its bioactive chemical constituents and reported food functional activities. Various bioactive chemical constituents have been isolated from stinging nettle to date, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, amino acid, carotenoids, and fatty acids. Stinging nettle extracts and its compounds, such as rutin, kaempferol, and vitamin A, are also used for their nutritional properties and as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents. Future studies should focus on the proper formulation and stability testing of the functional foods containing stinging nettle and their detailed activities in clinical studies.
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Namazi F, Bordbar E, Bakhshaei F, Nazifi S. The effect of Urtica dioica extract on oxidative stress, heat shock proteins, and brain histopathology in multiple sclerosis model. Physiol Rep 2022; 10:e15404. [PMID: 35924324 PMCID: PMC9350467 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) results from the destruction of myelin and focal inflammation. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica dioica on oxidative stress, heat shock proteins, and brain histopathology in multiple sclerosis model. Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were divided into six groups of 10. Groups included positive control, negative control, and treatment groups with U. dioica extract at a dose of 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg for 21 days (three times a week). The MS model was developed by a diet containing 0.2% cuprizone for 6 weeks. A section of brains was evaluated with Luxol Fast Blue staining and the other part evaluated with heat shock protein (HSP) kits 60 and 70, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA). In sections of corpus callosum, the highest amount of myelin was observed in the negative controls, while the use of cuprizone in the positive controls caused the destruction and reduction of myelin. The use of U. dioica extract in therapeutic groups except at a dose of 50 mg/kg could reduce myelin degradation to some extent and lead to remyelination. However, myelin levels in treatment groups were not significantly different from any of the negative and positive controls. Although HSP60 decreased in the treatment groups, there was no significant difference between the positive and negative controls. Treatment with this extract significantly reduced the amount of HSP70 compared with the positive controls. The decreased TAC and increased MDA in positive controls indicated oxidative stress, respectively. Furthermore, the extract led to an increase and decrease of TAC and MDA in the treatment groups, respectively. However, only the MDA level was significantly different from that of the positive controls. Therefore, the antioxidant effects of U. dioica extract could decrease cuprizone-induced oxidative stress and be effective in improving demyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Namazi
- Pathology Division, Department of PathobiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz UniversityShirazIran
| | - Elnaz Bordbar
- School of Veterinary MedicineShiraz UniversityShirazIran
| | - Farnoosh Bakhshaei
- Clinical Pathology Division, Department of Clinical SciencesSchool of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz UniversityShirazIran
| | - Saeed Nazifi
- Clinical Pathology Division, Department of Clinical SciencesSchool of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz UniversityShirazIran
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Taheri Y, Quispe C, Herrera-Bravo J, Sharifi-Rad J, Ezzat SM, Merghany RM, Shaheen S, Azmi L, Prakash Mishra A, Sener B, Kılıç M, Sen S, Acharya K, Nasiri A, Cruz-Martins N, Tsouh Fokou PV, Ydyrys A, Bassygarayev Z, Daştan SD, Alshehri MM, Calina D, Cho WC. Urtica dioica-Derived Phytochemicals for Pharmacological and Therapeutic Applications. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2022; 2022:4024331. [PMID: 35251206 PMCID: PMC8894011 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4024331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urtica dioica belongs to the Urticaceae family and is found in many countries around the world. This plant contains a broad range of phytochemicals, such as phenolic compounds, sterols, fatty acids, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and lignans, that have been widely reported for their excellent pharmacological activities, including antiviral, antimicrobial, antihelmintic, anticancer, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antiarthritis, antidiabetic, antiendometriosis, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiaging effects. In this regard, this review highlights fresh insight into the medicinal use, chemical composition, pharmacological properties, and safety profile of U. dioica to guide future works to thoroughly estimate their clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Taheri
- 1Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Cristina Quispe
- 2Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Avda. Arturo Prat 2120, Iquique 1110939, Chile
| | - Jesús Herrera-Bravo
- 3Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomas, Chile
- 4Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, 4811230, Chile
| | - Javad Sharifi-Rad
- 1Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- 5Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Shahira M. Ezzat
- 6Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El Ainy Street, Cairo 11562, Egypt
- 7Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), 6th of October 12451, Egypt
| | - Rana M. Merghany
- 8Department of Pharmacognosy, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Lubna Azmi
- 10Hygia Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Lucknow, U. P. 226001, India
| | - Abhay Prakash Mishra
- 11Department of Pharmacology, University of Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, Free State, South Africa
| | - Bilge Sener
- 12Gazi University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Ankara 06330, Turkey
| | - Mehtap Kılıç
- 13Department of Pharmacognosy, Lokman Hekim University Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara 06510, Turkey
| | - Surjit Sen
- 14Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India
- 15Department of Botany, Fakir Chand College, Diamond Harbour, West Bengal 743331, India
| | - Krishnendu Acharya
- 14Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India
| | - Azadeh Nasiri
- 16Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Natália Cruz-Martins
- 17Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- 18Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- 19Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, Gandra PRD 4585-116, Portugal
- 20TOXRUN-oxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, Gandra 4585-116, Portugal
| | - Patrick Valere Tsouh Fokou
- 21Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Bamenda, Bambili, P.O. Box. 39, Cameroon
| | - Alibek Ydyrys
- 22Biomedical Research Centre, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Al-Farabi av. 71, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
| | - Zhandos Bassygarayev
- 23Department of Biophysics, Biomedicine and Neuroscience, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Al-Farabi av. 71, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
| | - Sevgi Durna Daştan
- 24Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas 58140, Turkey
- 25Beekeeping Development Application and Research Center, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas 58140, Turkey
| | - Mohammed M. Alshehri
- 26Pharmaceutical Care Department, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Daniela Calina
- 27Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova 200349, Romania
| | - William C. Cho
- 28Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Anti-diabetic potential of Urtica Dioica: current knowledge and future direction. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2022; 21:931-940. [PMID: 35673511 PMCID: PMC9167344 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-021-00942-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Aim This review summarizes studies on the anti-diabetic effect of Urtica Dioica (UD) in Type-2-diabetes. Materials and methods We studied worldwide traditional medicines, old texts, and published literature for anti-diabetic effect of UD. Electronic databases comprising PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched to collect articles published between 1990 and 2021 years. Results Our literature investigation suggests UD as a glucose lowering, blood lipid regulating, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation plant. Conclusions UD's anti-diabetic properties make it potential traditional therapeutics for lowering the clinical manifestations of T2DM through affecting hyperglycemia and therefore suggest it as a proper medication with no or limited side effects.
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MITROVIĆ J, NIKOLIĆ N, KARABEGOVIĆ I, LAZIĆ M, NIKOLIĆ L, SAVIĆ S, PEŠIĆ M, ŠIMURINA O, STOJANOVIĆ-KRASIĆ M. The effect of thermal processing on the content and antioxidant capacity of free and bound phenolics of cookies enriched by nettle (Urtica dioica L.) seed flour and extract. FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/fst.62420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Freitak D, Tammaru T, Sandre S, Meister H, Esperk T. Longer life span is associated with elevated immune activity in a seasonally polyphenic butterfly. J Evol Biol 2019; 32:653-665. [PMID: 30903723 PMCID: PMC6850579 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal polyphenism constitutes a specific type of phenotypic plasticity in which short-lived organisms produce different phenotypes in different times of the year. Seasonal generations of such species frequently differ in their overall lifespan and in the values of traits closely related to fitness. Seasonal polyphenisms provide thus excellent, albeit underused model systems for studying trade-offs between life-history traits. Here, we compare immunological parameters between the two generations of the European map butterfly (Araschnia levana), a well-known example of a seasonally polyphenic species. To reveal possible costs of immune defence, we also examine the concurrent differences in several life-history traits. Both in laboratory experiments and in the field, last instar larvae heading towards the diapause (overwintering) had higher levels of both phenoloxidase (PO) activity and lytic activity than directly developing individuals. These results suggest that individuals from the diapausing generation with much longer juvenile (pupal) period invest more in their immune system than those from the short-living directly developing generation. The revealed negative correlation between pupal mass and PO activity may be one of the reasons why, in this species, the diapausing generation has a smaller body size than the directly developing generation. Immunological parameters may thus well mediate trade-offs between body size-related traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalial Freitak
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental SciencesOrganismal and Evolutionary Biology Research ProgrammeHelsinkiFinland
- Division of ZoologyInstitute of BiologyUniversity of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Toomas Tammaru
- Department of ZoologyInstitute of Ecology and Earth SciencesUniversity of TartuTartuEstonia
| | - Siiri‐Lii Sandre
- Department of ZoologyInstitute of Ecology and Earth SciencesUniversity of TartuTartuEstonia
| | - Hendrik Meister
- Department of ZoologyInstitute of Ecology and Earth SciencesUniversity of TartuTartuEstonia
| | - Toomas Esperk
- Department of ZoologyInstitute of Ecology and Earth SciencesUniversity of TartuTartuEstonia
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Kregiel D, Pawlikowska E, Antolak H. Urtica spp.: Ordinary Plants with Extraordinary Properties. Molecules 2018; 23:E1664. [PMID: 29987208 PMCID: PMC6100552 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23071664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nettles (genus Urtica, family Urticaceae) are of considerable interest as preservatives in foods for both human and animal consumption. They have also been used for centuries in traditional medicine. This paper reviews the properties of nettles that make them suitable for wider applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Nettles contain a significant number of biologically-active compounds. For example, the leaves are rich sources of terpenoids, carotenoids and fatty acids, as well as of various essential amino acids, chlorophyll, vitamins, tannins, carbohydrates, sterols, polysaccharides, isolectins and minerals. Extracts from the aerial parts of nettles are rich sources of polyphenols, while the roots contain oleanol acid, sterols and steryl glycosides. Due to the variety of phytochemicals and their proportions they contain, nettles show noticeable activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These properties make nettles suitable for a range of possible applications, including functional food, dietary supplements and pharmacological formulations. Despite these benefits, the nettle is still an underestimated plant source. This paper provides a unique overview of the latest research on nettle plants focusing on the possibilities for transforming a common weed into a commercial plant with a wide range of applications. Special attention is paid to the antimicrobial activity of the active compounds in nettles and to possible uses of these valuable plants in food and feed formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Kregiel
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Lodz University of Technology, 171/173 Wolczanska, 90-924 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Ewelina Pawlikowska
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Lodz University of Technology, 171/173 Wolczanska, 90-924 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Hubert Antolak
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Lodz University of Technology, 171/173 Wolczanska, 90-924 Lodz, Poland.
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Hwang E, Ngo HT, Seo SA, Park B, Zhang M, Gao W, Hoo Yi T. Urtica thunbergiana prevents UVB-induced premature skin aging by regulating the transcription factor NFATc1: An in vitro and in vivo study. J Funct Foods 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Omwenga EO, Hensel A, Shitandi A, Goycoolea FM. Ethnobotanical survey of traditionally used medicinal plants for infections of skin, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract and the oral cavity in Borabu sub-county, Nyamira county, Kenya. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 176:508-14. [PMID: 26596256 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Different communities throughout the world have specialized and profound knowledge on the use medicinal plants for various diseases. However, the detailed information on the respective use may extinct in near future as this knowledge is passed only orally among generations in most of the communities. AIM OF THE STUDY The present survey aimed to document the use of medicinal plants by traditional healers from the Kisii community, Borabu sub-county in Nyamira county, Kenya, to treat infections of the urinary tract, oral cavity, gastrointestinal system and the skin and to evaluate the social context in which the healers work and practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Validated questionnaires were applied to 50 traditional healers in the study region, followed by interviews and structured conversations. Information on the relevant traditionally used medicinal plants and their use were documented, including sampling and identification of voucher specimens. RESULTS The ethnopharmacological survey revealed 25 medicinal plant species belonging to 19 families. It got evident that most of these species will be extinct in the near future unless appropriate measures are taken, as it turned out difficult to collect some of the wild growing species. Elaeodendron buchananii Loes, Erlangea marginata S. Moore, Acacia gerrardii Benth., Balanites orbicularis Sprague, Solanum renschii Vatke and Orthosiphon hildebrandtii Vatke have not been described before for its medicinal use. Among the 25 species collected from the various regions of Borabu sub-county Urtica dioica L. was the only medicinal plant that was collected from all regions. In contrast Erythrina abyssinica and Rhus natalensis were found in only two regions of the study area. CONCLUSION The traditional medicinal use of the reported plants for infections should be documented and a great need of awareness from scientists and local government for improved preservation or field cultivation of some species is obvious.
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Affiliation(s)
- E O Omwenga
- Kisii University, School of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 408, 40200 Kisii, Kenya; University of Münster, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Biology, Nanobiotechnology Group, Schlossgarten 3, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - A Hensel
- University of Münster, Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - A Shitandi
- Kisii University, Faculty of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 408, 40200 Kisii, Kenya
| | - F M Goycoolea
- University of Münster, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Biology, Nanobiotechnology Group, Schlossgarten 3, D-48149 Münster, Germany
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