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Raman R, Beddis T, Bonhomme P, Currer M, Day D, Haigh C, Pitt E, Robertson A, Robertson H, Roy B, Wood J. Nettle-induced Urticaria Treatment Study (NUTS): demonstrating the joy of research through a randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Emerg Med J 2024; 41:691-693. [PMID: 39074965 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2024-213915] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
The use of dock leaves to ease the discomfort of nettle stings is a well-known folk remedy in the British Isles, yet has never been tested in a clinical trial. A group of Emergency Department doctors designed and conducted the Nettle-induced Urticaria Treatment Study (NUTS) as a research training and team-building exercise to address this gap in the Emergency Medicine evidence base.
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Adamczyk-Szabela D, Wolf WM. The Influence of Copper and Zinc on Photosynthesis and Phenolic Levels in Basil ( Ocimum basilicum L.), Borage ( Borago officinalis L.), Common Nettle ( Urtica dioica L.) and Peppermint ( Mentha piperita L.). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3612. [PMID: 38612424 PMCID: PMC11011574 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This work is aimed at relationships which govern zinc and copper uptake by four popular medicinal herbs: basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), borage (Borago officinalis L.), common nettle (Urtica dioica L.) and peppermint (Mentha piperita L.). They are often grown in soils with significant copper or zinc levels. Herbs were cultivated by a pot method in controlled conditions. Manganese, iron, copper and zinc concentrations were determined by High-Resolution Continuum Source Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The efficiency of photosynthesis was estimated by measuring the chlorophyll content, water use efficiency, net photosynthesis, intercellular CO2, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate. Phenolic compounds were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Analysis of variance showed that herbs grown in soil treated with copper exhibited a lower iron content in roots, while manganese behaved in the opposite way. The only exception was borage, where a decrease in the manganese content in roots was observed. Both copper and zinc supplementations increased the total content of phenolics, while the highest increases were observed for common nettle and basil. Peppermint and borage responded less to supplementation. In the majority of samples, zinc and copper did not significantly affect the photosynthesis. Herbal extracts from common nettle and basil had unique antioxidant properties and may be good free radical scavengers.
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Flórez M, Cazón P, Vázquez M. Characterization of active films of chitosan containing nettle Urtica dioica L. extract: Spectral and water properties, microstructure, and antioxidant activity. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127318. [PMID: 37813218 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127318] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Chitosan films enriched with aqueous nettle extract (Urtica dioica L.) were evaluated by measuring their solubility, equilibrium moisture, water vapor permeability, spectral and antioxidant properties, and microstructure. Nettle extract showed a significant effect on the analyzed film properties. The addition of nettle extract manifested a sharp decrease in water vapor permeability, decreasing from 5.64 · 10-11 to 2.22 · 10-11 g/m·s·Pa. The chitosan- nettle extract films exhibited a high free-radical scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). Incorporation of nettle extract into the chitosan matrix was successfully carried out to obtain antioxidant films. The results obtained showed that the incorporation of nettle extract allowed obtaining chitosan films with antioxidant properties, including a total phenolic content up to 1.57 mg GAE/g film. Furthermore, the films with nettle extract boast an UV shielding ability with transmittance values close to zero in the UV region and a water solubility up to 1 %. The inherent biodegradability is also a strong advantage of the developed active films.
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Peyvandi A, Gorgani-Firouzjaee T, Najafzadehvarzi H, Jafarzadeh J. Urtica dioica Extract Leads to Cyst Reduction, Enhanced Cell-Mediated Immune Response, and Antioxidant Activity in Experimental Toxoplasmosis. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:880-890. [PMID: 37924457 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00727-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii which is commonly treated by pyrimethamine (PYR) plus sulfadiazine (SDZ) with several adverse side effects. The present study evaluated the therapeutic effects of Urtica dioica L. aqueous extract (UDE) on acute and chronic toxoplasmosis in mice. METHODS For this purpose, mice were infected with 20 cysts (acute infection) or 10 cysts (chronic infection) of T. gondii (Me49 strain). The mice were treated with 200 mg/kg of UDE intraperitoneally (IP) and intragastric route (IG). The UDE-treated mice were compared with the PYR + SDZ treatment. The histopathological changes, cyst count, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) assay, and serum INF-γ were also evaluated. RESULTS In the acute toxoplasmosis, UDE by IP and IG administration significantly reduced the number of brain cysts by 93.74 and 92.55%, respectively, and increased the survival rate to 80% compared with 60% in untreated controls. In the chronic infection, cyst burden decreased at 88.2 and 83.4%, respectively, for IP and IG treatments. Moreover, UDE significantly increased INF- γ levels in acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. Tissue inflammatory lesions were reduced in the UDE-treated subgroups compared to the untreated group. UDE treatment significantly reduced MDA levels and elevated TAC in both acute and chronic infections. CONCLUSION The results show that U. dioica possesses significant immunostimulant and antioxidant activity with a higher cyst reduction in the brain during acute toxoplasmosis. Further studies are required to investigate the fractionations of UDE against T. gondii and its combination with other standard drugs.
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Dakhli N, Rtibi K, Arrari F, Ayari A, Sebai H. Prophylactic Coloprotective Effect of Urtica dioica Leaves against Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1990. [PMID: 38004039 PMCID: PMC10673539 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59111990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Urtica dioica, a source of bioactive functional compounds, provides nutritional and gastrointestinal therapeutic benefits. This study attempted to investigate the prophylactic coloprotective action of an aqueous extract of Urtica dioica (AEUD) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). Materials and Methods: Phenolic compounds, total sugar, and mineral levels were determined in AEUD. Then, AEUD at different doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, BW, p.o.) and mesalazine (MESA) as a standard treatment (100 mg/kg, BW, p.o.) were given orally for 21 days. Acute colitis was induced by administering drinking water with 5% (w/v) DSS for 7 days. Body weight variation, fecal occult blood, and stool consistency were determined daily. The severity of colitis was graded according to colon length, disease activity index (DAI), histological evaluations, and biochemical alterations. Rats orally administered DSS regularly developed clinical and macroscopic signs of colitis. Results: Due to its richness in phenolic and flavonoid compounds (247.65 ± 2.69 mg EAG/g MS and 34.08 ± 0.53 mg EQt/g MS, respectively), AEUD markedly ameliorated DAI, ulcer scores, colon length shortening, colonic histopathological changes, and hematological and biochemical modifications. Taken together, AEUD treatment notably (p < 0.01) suppressed DSS-induced UC by reducing oxidative stress via lowering MDA/H2O2 production and stimulating the effect of enzyme antioxidants as well as attenuating inflammation by decreasing CRP levels by 79.5% between the DSS and DSS + AEUD-50 groups compared to the MESA group (75.6%). Conclusions: AEUD was sufficient to exert a coloprotective effect that might be influenced by its bioactive compounds' anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities.
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Jami S, Deuis JR, Klasfauseweh T, Cheng X, Kurdyukov S, Chung F, Okorokov AL, Li S, Zhang J, Cristofori-Armstrong B, Israel MR, Ju RJ, Robinson SD, Zhao P, Ragnarsson L, Andersson Å, Tran P, Schendel V, McMahon KL, Tran HNT, Chin YKY, Zhu Y, Liu J, Crawford T, Purushothamvasan S, Habib AM, Andersson DA, Rash LD, Wood JN, Zhao J, Stehbens SJ, Mobli M, Leffler A, Jiang D, Cox JJ, Waxman SG, Dib-Hajj SD, Neely GG, Durek T, Vetter I. Pain-causing stinging nettle toxins target TMEM233 to modulate Na V1.7 function. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2442. [PMID: 37117223 PMCID: PMC10147923 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37963-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels are critical regulators of neuronal excitability and are targeted by many toxins that directly interact with the pore-forming α subunit, typically via extracellular loops of the voltage-sensing domains, or residues forming part of the pore domain. Excelsatoxin A (ExTxA), a pain-causing knottin peptide from the Australian stinging tree Dendrocnide excelsa, is the first reported plant-derived NaV channel modulating peptide toxin. Here we show that TMEM233, a member of the dispanin family of transmembrane proteins expressed in sensory neurons, is essential for pharmacological activity of ExTxA at NaV channels, and that co-expression of TMEM233 modulates the gating properties of NaV1.7. These findings identify TMEM233 as a previously unknown NaV1.7-interacting protein, position TMEM233 and the dispanins as accessory proteins that are indispensable for toxin-mediated effects on NaV channel gating, and provide important insights into the function of NaV channels in sensory neurons.
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Mannila E, Marti-Quijal FJ, Selma-Royo M, Calatayud M, Falcó I, de la Fuente B, Barba FJ, Collado MC, Linderborg KM. In Vitro Bioactivities of Food Grade Extracts from Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) and Stinging Nettle ( Urtica dioica L.) Leaves. PLANT FOODS FOR HUMAN NUTRITION (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 78:132-138. [PMID: 36370293 PMCID: PMC9947014 DOI: 10.1007/s11130-022-01020-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L., AM) and nettle (Urtica dioica L., UD) are bioactive plants used commercially in functional food and supplement applications and traditionally to alleviate gastric disorders. In this work, the effects of food-grade optimized extracts of Finnish early-season AM and UD were tested on bacterial growth including potential beneficial and foodborne pathogens, as well as murine norovirus (MNV). The anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts were also tested in vitro by NF-κB reporter cells. The food-grade extraction was optimized with the response surface modelling in terms of total carotenoid, chlorophyll, and phenolic compounds contents and antioxidant capacities. The optimal food-grade extraction parameters were a 1-h extraction in 70% ethanol at 45 °C for AM, and at 49 °C for UD. There were no significant effects on the beneficial bacteria (Lacticaseibacillus and Bifidobacterium strains), and the extracts were more effective against gram-positive than gram-negative foodborne bacteria and potential pathogens. Listeria innocua was the most susceptible strain in the optimized extracts with a growth rate of 0.059 ± 0.004 for AM and 0.067 ± 0.006 for UD, p < 0.05 compared to control. The optimized extracts showed a logarithmic growth reduction of 0.67 compared to MNV. The hydroethanolic extracts were cytotoxic to both cell lines, whereas aqueous AM and UD extracts induced and reduced TLR4 signalling in a reporter cell line, respectively. The results provide novel food-grade extraction parameters and support the bioactive effects of AM and UD in functional food applications, but more research is needed to elucidate the precise biological activity in vivo for gastric health.
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Yousuf S, Shabir S, Kauts S, Minocha T, Obaid AA, Khan AA, Mujalli A, Jamous YF, Almaghrabi S, Baothman BK, Hjazi A, Singh SK, Vamanu E, Singh MP. Appraisal of the Antioxidant Activity, Polyphenolic Content, and Characterization of Selected Himalayan Herbs: Anti-Proliferative Potential in HepG2 Cells. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27238629. [PMID: 36500720 PMCID: PMC9735473 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural antioxidants derived from plants have played a vital role in preventing a wide range of human chronic conditions and provide novel bioactive leads for investigators in pharmacotherapy discovery. This work was designed to examine the ethnopharmacological role of Urtica dioica (UD), Capsella bursa-pastoris (CBP), and Inula racemosa (IR). The total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC) were illustrated through colorimetric assays, while the antioxidant activity was investigated through DPPH and ABTS assays. The evaluation of phytochemicals by FT-IR of UD and CBP revealed high contents of aliphatic amines, while IR showed a major peak for ketones. The antioxidant activity, TPC and TFC were highest in the ethanol extract of UD, followed by CBP, and IR showed the lowest activity. All of the extracts revealed significant antioxidant capacities along a dosage gradient. Through a HPLC analysis at a wavelength of 280 nm, UD leaves demonstrated an intense peak of quercetin, and the peak for rutin was less intense. CBP (whole plant), instead, demonstrated a major yield of rutin, and a peak for quercetin was not observed in CBP. IR (rhizomes) showed both quercetin and rutin. All of the extracts were significantly cytotoxic to HepG2 cells after 48 h with the trend IR > UD > CBP. The outcomes of this study may be effective in the selection of specific plants as realistic sources of the bioactive components that might be useful in the nutraceutical progression and other biomedical efficacies.
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Montoya-Arroyo A, Toro-González C, Sus N, Warner J, Esquivel P, Jiménez VM, Frank J. Vitamin E and carotenoid profiles in leaves, stems, petioles and flowers of stinging nettle (Urtica leptophylla Kunth) from Costa Rica. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2022; 102:6340-6348. [PMID: 35527679 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.11985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Local leafy vegetables are gaining attention as affordable sources of micronutrients, including vitamins, pro-vitamin carotenoids and other bioactive compounds. Stinging nettles (Urtica spp.) are used as source of fibers, herbal medicine and food. However, despite the relatively wide geographical spread of Urtica leptophylla on the American continent, little is known about its content of vitamin E congeners and carotenoids. We therefore investigated the particular nutritional potential of different plant structures of wild Costa Rican U. leptophylla by focusing on their vitamin E and carotenoid profiles. RESULTS Young, mature and herbivore-damaged leaves, flowers, stems and petioles were collected and freeze-dried. Vitamin E and carotenoids were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography after liquid/liquid extraction with hexane. α-Tocopherol was the major vitamin E congener in all structures. Flowers had a high content of γ-tocopherol. Herbivore-damaged leaves had higher contents of vitamin E than undamaged leaves. Lutein was the major and β-carotene the second most abundant carotenoid in U. leptophylla. No differences in carotenoid profiles were observed between damaged and undamaged leaves. CONCLUSION The leaves of U. leptophylla had the highest nutritional value of all analyzed structures; therefore, they might represent a potential source of α-tocopherol, lutein and β-carotene. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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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: 0.7] [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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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: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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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Isik B, Cakar F, Cankurtaran O. A comparative study of surface properties of Urtica dioica (nettle) leaves, roots, and seeds and examination of their ability to separate xylene isomers. PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS : PCA 2022; 33:886-894. [PMID: 35644373 DOI: 10.1002/pca.3145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Urtica dioica (nettle) is a plant species of the Urticaceae family that grows in various parts of the world and exerts antioxidant, antibacterial, antiulcer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. Their leaves, roots, and seeds are used in various fields such as food, medicine, and cosmetics. OBJECTIVES Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) was used to evaluate the surface characteristics and separation ability of U. dioica leaves, roots, and seeds. Characterization of these biomasses was performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. METHODOLOGY The surface properties of the biomasses including dispersive surface energy, adsorption enthalpy, Gibbs free energy, and acidity-basicity constants were determined at infinite dilution using various organic solvents. These properties were compared with each other. Dispersive surface energies were calculated using the Dorris-Gray, Donnet-Park, and Schultz methods. The accuracy of these methods and their applicability were evaluated. In the last stage of this study, the separation of xylene isomers was investigated by using U. dioica biomasses as stationary phases. RESULTS The surface functional groups were determined by FTIR analysis. As a result of the IGC studies, it was found that the adsorption of polar solvents on biomasses occurred exothermically and spontaneously. Besides, it was found that the surfaces of biomasses were basic. From the retention diagrams and selectivity coefficients, it was determined that xylene isomers were effectively separated. CONCLUSION IGC is a promising, low-cost, easy-to-apply, and high-accuracy technique for the investigation of the surface properties of biomasses and their ability to separate isomers.
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Eise NT, Simpson JS, Thompson PE, Ventura S. Aqueous extracts of Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) leaf contain a P2-purinoceptor antagonist-Implications for male fertility. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271735. [PMID: 35900970 PMCID: PMC9333203 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Stinging nettle root and leaf extracts were tested for their effect on prostatic smooth muscle contractility. Root extract did not affect electrical field stimulation induced-nerve mediated contractions of isolated rat prostates. On the other hand, leaf extract attenuated electrical field stimulation-induced contractions at all frequencies. Similarly, contractions elicited by exogenous administration of ATP and αβ-methylene ATP were inhibited by leaf extract, whereas contractions elicited by exogenous administration of noradrenaline or acetylcholine were unaffected. The active component was present within the aqueous phase of the leaf extract. In mouse mating studies, stinging nettle leaf extract (50 mg p.o. daily) reduced male fertility by 53% compared to vehicle-treated male mice. Cardiovascular parameters were unaffected by administration of stinging nettle leaf extract (p ≥ 0.057). Treated mice exhibited normal mating behaviour. Bladder and testes weighed less in stinging nettle leaf extract treated mice. All other organs and total body weight were unaffected. It is concluded that stinging nettle leaf extract reduces contractility of genitourinary smooth muscle by acting as an antagonist at postjunctional P2X1-purinoceptors. These data indicates that blocking sperm transport through pharmacological blockade of P2X1-purinoceptors via oral administration is consistent with an effective and convenient biological strategy male contraception.
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Krajewska A, Mietlińska K. Determining the Parameters of the Stinging Nettle ( Urtica dioica L.) Hydrolate Distillation Process. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27123912. [PMID: 35745034 PMCID: PMC9230648 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is a common perennial herb well known for its therapeutic, cosmetic and food use. Despite the popularity of nettle hydrolate, there is currently no literature describing its composition; likewise, there is still a lack of research describing in detail the parameters of hydrolates in general. U. dioica hydrolate fractions were obtained by industrial steam distillation of fresh herb. Total stinging nettle hydrolate was prepared by mixing an equal volume of each fraction. The volatiles were isolated from hydrolate samples by liquid–liquid extraction with diethyl ether, and analysed using GC-FID-MS. Over eighty volatile compounds were identified in U. dioica hydrolate. The main group of constituents were oxygenated compounds, mainly alcohols (e.g., (E)- and (Z)-hex-3-en-1-ol, carvacrol) and oxides (e.g., caryophyllene oxide). The content of volatiles in the representative sample of total hydrolate amounted to 58.2 mg/L. Some qualitative and quantitative changes in the composition of U. dioica hydrolate were observed during the progress of distillation. The content of low chain aliphatic alcohols ((E)- and (Z)-hex-3-en-1-ol) decreased, whereas the percentage of some monoterpene alcohols (carvacrol and α-terpineol) increased. The total content of volatiles in hydrolate also changed and decreased (128.0–6.2 mg/L) during distillation progress. According to our results, to produce stinging nettle hydrolate of good quality, the proper relationship between the amount of hydrolate and raw plant material should result in obtaining 0.74 L hydrolate from 1 kg of fresh stinging nettle herb. Therefore, it may be assumed that the high alcohol content may increase the microbiological stability of the product.
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Faleri C, Xu X, Mareri L, Hausman JF, Cai G, Guerriero G. Immunohistochemical analyses on two distinct internodes of stinging nettle show different distribution of polysaccharides and proteins in the cell walls of bast fibers. PROTOPLASMA 2022; 259:75-90. [PMID: 33839957 PMCID: PMC8752570 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-021-01641-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Stinging nettle is a perennial herbaceous species holding value as a multi-purpose plant. Indeed, its leaves and roots are phytofactories providing functional ingredients of medicinal interest and its stems produce silky and resistant extraxylary fibers (a.k.a. bast fibers) valued in the biocomposite sector. Similarly to what is reported in other fiber crops, the stem of nettle contains both lignified and hypolignified fibers in the core and cortex, respectively, and it is therefore a useful model for cell wall research. Indeed, data on nettle stem tissues can be compared to those obtained in other models, such as hemp and flax, to support hypotheses on the differentiation and development of bast fibers. The suitability of the nettle stem as model for cell wall-related research was already validated using a transcriptomics and biochemical approach focused on internodes at different developmental stages sampled at the top, middle, and bottom of the stem. We here sought to complement and enrich these data by providing immunohistochemical and ultrastructural details on young and older stem internodes. Antibodies recognizing non-cellulosic polysaccharides (galactans, arabinans, rhamnogalacturonans) and arabinogalactan proteins were here investigated with the goal of understanding whether their distribution changes in the stem tissues in relation to the bast fiber and vascular tissue development. The results obtained indicate that the occurrence and distribution of cell wall polysaccharides and proteins differ between young and older internodes and that these changes are particularly evident in the bast fibers.
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Dhouibi R, Affes H, Ben Salem M, Charfi S, Marekchi R, Hammami S, Zeghal K, Ksouda K. Protective effect of Urtica dioica in induced neurobehavioral changes, nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity after chronic exposure to potassium bromate in rats. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 287:117657. [PMID: 34435563 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chronic exposure to potassium bromate (KBrO3), a toxic halogen in the environment, has become a global problem of public health. The current study aims to elucidate for the first time the effect of Urtica dioica (UD) on behavioural changes, oxidative stress, and histopathological changes induced by KBrO3 in the cerebellum, kidney, liver and other organs of adult rats. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS The rats were divided into four groups: group 1 served as a control received physiological serum, Group 2 received KBrO3 (2 g/L of drinking water), group 3 received KBrO3 and Urtica dioica (100 mg/kg), and group 4 received KBrO3 and Urtica dioica (400 mg/kg). We then measured behavioural changes, oxidative stress, and biochemical and histological changes in the cerebellum, liver, kidney and others organs in these rats. After 30 days of treatment, the animals were sacrificed. RESULTS We observed significant behavioural changes in KBrO3-exposed rats. When investigating redox homeostasis in the cerebellum, we found that mice treated with KBrO3 had increased lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation in the cerebellum. In addition, it inhibits hepatic and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde), advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP), attenuates KBrO3-mediated enzyme depletion, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase enzymatic and antioxidant activities in the liver and kidney. Rats that were co-managed with Urtica dioica at the high portion of 400 mg/kg indicated a higher effect than that treated with the low dose of 100 mg/kg practically in all the tests carried out. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that Urtica dioica is a potential therapeutic agent for oxidative stress associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
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Yung L, Bertheau C, Tafforeau F, Zappelini C, Valot B, Maillard F, Selosse MA, Viotti C, Binet P, Chiapusio G, Chalot M. Partial overlap of fungal communities associated with nettle and poplar roots when co-occurring at a trace metal contaminated site. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 782:146692. [PMID: 33838361 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) raises growing interest in phytomanagement because it commonly grows under poplar Short Rotation Coppices (SRC) set up at trace-metal (TM) contaminated sites and provides high-quality herbaceous fibres. The mycobiome of this non-mycorhizal plant and its capacity to adapt to TM-contaminated environments remains unknown. This study aimed at characterizing the mycobiome associated with nettle and poplar roots co-occurring at a TM-contaminated site. Plant root barcoding using the fungi-specific ITS1F-ITS2 primers and Illumina MiSeq technology revealed that nettle and poplar had distinct root fungal communities. The nettle mycobiome was dominated by Pezizomycetes from known endophytic taxa and from the supposedly saprotrophic genus Kotlabaea (which was the most abundant). Several ectomycorrhizal fungi such as Inocybe (Agaricomycetes) and Tuber (Pezizomycetes) species were associated with the poplar roots. Most of the Pezizomycetes taxa were present in the highly TM-contaminated area whereas Agaricomycetes tended to be reduced. Despite being a known non-mycorrhizal plant, nettle was associated with a significant proportion of ectomycorrhizal OTU (9.7%), suggesting some connexions between the poplar and the nettle root mycobiomes. Finally, our study raised the interest in reconsidering the fungal networking beyond known mycorrhizal interactions.
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Younger J, Donovan EK, Hodgin KS, Ness TJ. A Placebo-Controlled, Pseudo-Randomized, Crossover Trial of Botanical Agents for Gulf War Illness: Reishi Mushroom ( Ganoderma lucidum), Stinging Nettle ( Urtica dioica), and Epimedium ( Epimedium sagittatum). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073671. [PMID: 33915962 PMCID: PMC8037868 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073671] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This report is third in a three-part clinical trial series screening potential treatments for Gulf War Illness (GWI). The goal of the project was to rapidly identify agents to prioritize for further efficacy research. We used a placebo-controlled, pseudo-randomized, crossover design to test the effects of reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), stinging nettle (Uritca dioica), and epimedium (Epimedium sagittatum) in 29 men with GWI. Participants completed 30 days of symptom reports for baseline, then a botanical line consisting of 30 days of placebo, followed by 30 days each of lower-dose and higher-dose botanical. After completing a botanical line, participants were randomized to complete the protocol with another botanical, until they completed three botanical trials. GWI symptom severity, pain, and fatigue were contrasted between the four conditions (baseline, placebo, lower-dose, higher dose) using linear mixed models. GWI symptom severity was unchanged from placebo in the reishi lower-dose condition (p = 0.603), and was higher in the higher-dose condition (p = 0.012). Symptom severity was not decreased from placebo with lower-dose stinging nettle (p = 0.604), but was significantly decreased with higher-dose stinging nettle (p = 0.048). Epimedium showed no significant decreases of GWI symptoms in the lower (p = 0.936) or higher (p = 0.183) dose conditions. Stinging nettle, especially at higher daily dosages, may help reduce the symptoms of GWI. Epimedium does not appear to beneficially affect GWI symptom severity, and reishi may exaggerate symptoms in some GWI sufferers. These results are in a small sample and are preliminary. Further research is required to determine if stinging nettle is indeed helpful for the treatment of GWI, and what dosage is optimal. This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02909686).
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Abu Almaaty AH, Mosaad RM, Hassan MK, Ali EHA, Mahmoud GA, Ahmed H, Anber N, Alkahtani S, Abdel-Daim MM, Aleya L, Hammad S. Urtica dioica extracts abolish scopolamine-induced neuropathies in rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:18134-18145. [PMID: 33405105 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-12025-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by alterations in monoamines, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunctions. We aim to assess the therapeutic impacts of roots or leaf extract from Urtica dioica (UD; stinging nettle) against scopolamine (SCOP)-induced memory dysfunction, amnesia, and oxidative stress in rats. Spatial memory was assessed by Y maze test. Tissue analyses of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH, GSSG), AMP, ADP, and ATP were assessed by HPLC. mRNA levels of Tau and Hsp70 were estimated by PCR. UD extracts particularly nettle root (NR) significantly normalized the SCOP-induced memory deficits even more potent than sermion (SR) and donepezil (DON). Similarly, NR had potent therapeutic impacts on the levels of cortical and hippocampal monoamines e.g. DA, NE, and 5-HT. SCOP induced a dramatic oxidative stress as measured by MDA, NO, and GSSG levels; however, UD extracts showed significant anti-oxidative stress impacts. Additionally, UD extracts restored ATP levels and reduced the levels of AMP and ADP compared to SCOP-treated rats. Furthermore, cortical Tau and hippocampal Hsp70 were modulated by UD extracts particularly NR compared to the SCOP group. In conclusion, UD extracts particularly roots have potential therapeutic impacts against SCOP-induced neuroinflammatory and/or Alzheimer-like phenotype in rats.
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Shah SS, Qasem MAA, Berni R, Del Casino C, Cai G, Contal S, Ahmad I, Siddiqui KS, Gatti E, Predieri S, Hausman JF, Cambier S, Guerriero G, Aziz MA. Physico-chemical properties and toxicological effects on plant and algal models of carbon nanosheets from a nettle fibre clone. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6945. [PMID: 33767326 PMCID: PMC7994820 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86426-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbon nanosheets are two-dimensional nanostructured materials that have applications as energy storage devices, electrochemical sensors, sample supports, filtration membranes, thanks to their high porosity and surface area. Here, for the first time, carbon nanosheets have been prepared from the stems and leaves of a nettle fibre clone, by using a cheap and straight-forward procedure that can be easily scaled up. The nanomaterial shows interesting physical parameters, namely interconnectivity of pores, graphitization, surface area and pore width. These characteristics are similar to those described for the nanomaterials obtained from other fibre crops. However, the advantage of nettle over other plants is its fast growth and easy propagation of homogeneous material using stem cuttings. This last aspect guarantees homogeneity of the starting raw material, a feature that is sought-after to get a nanomaterial with homogeneous and reproducible properties. To evaluate the potential toxic effects if released in the environment, an assessment of the impact on plant reproduction performance and microalgal growth has been carried out by using tobacco pollen cells and the green microalga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. No inhibitory effects on pollen germination are recorded, while algal growth inhibition is observed at higher concentrations of leaf carbon nanosheets with lower graphitization degree.
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Brahmi-Chendouh N, Piccolella S, Nigro E, Hamri-Zeghichi S, Madani K, Daniele A, Pacifico S. Urtica dioica L. leaf chemical composition: A never-ending disclosure by means of HR-MS/MS techniques. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2021; 195:113892. [PMID: 33445000 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2021.113892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The metabolite profiling of plant extracts always represents an exciting challenge, as the chemical diversity of natural products is still far beyond the researchers' imagination, even focusing on a plant that is thought to have already been broadly investigated. Herein UHPLC-HRMS/MS techniques were applied to an alcoholic crude extract from nettle leaves and proved to be a precious tool for the disclosure of secondary metabolites never found before. Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were the most representative constituents, with a 2-caffeoilisocitric acid cyclodimer described for the first time, besides four C-glycosylated flavones, bearing a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl function. This deep investigation paves the way for the isolation and full characterization of these molecules by means of spectroscopic techniques. Moreover, based on preliminary cytotoxicity evaluation, further research on the use of this nettle extract as a valuable nutraceutical product is encouraged.
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Lu H, Hu J, Han L, Guo Y, Zhang C. Commentary on " Urtica dioica in comparison with placebo and acupuncture: A new possibility for menopausal hot flashes: A randomized clinical trial" by Rahele Kargozar et al., 2019. Complement Ther Med 2020; 54:102212. [PMID: 33183653 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Hodroj MH, Al Bast NAH, Taleb RI, Borjac J, Rizk S. Nettle Tea Inhibits Growth of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells In Vitro by Promoting Apoptosis. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12092629. [PMID: 32872275 PMCID: PMC7551597 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Urtica dioica (UD), commonly known as "stinging nettle", is a herbaceous flowering plant that is a widely used agent in traditional medicine worldwide. Several formulations of UD leaf extract have been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, with anticancer potential. The current study investigated the possible anticancer properties of nettle tea, prepared from Urtica dioica leaves, on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines, and deciphered the underlying molecular mechanisms. Treatment of AML cell lines (U-937 and KG-1) with UD aqueous leaf extract resulted in a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of proliferation, an increase in apoptotic hallmarks such as phosphatidylserine flipping to the outer membrane leaflet, and DNA fragmentation as revealed by cell-death ELISA and cell-cycle analysis assays. Apoptosis induction in U937 cells involves alterations in the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 upon exposure to nettle tea. Furthermore, the chemical composition of UD aqueous extract indicated the presence of multiple chemical agents, such as flavonoids and phenolics, mainly patuletin, m/p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and caffeic acid, among others, to which the pro-apoptotic and anti-tumor effects may be attributed.
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Ilhan M, Ali Z, Khan IA, Taştan H, Küpeli Akkol E. Bioactivity-guided isolation of flavonoids from Urtica dioica L. and their effect on endometriosis rat model. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 243:112100. [PMID: 31325603 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Urtica dioica L. has been used traditionally for centuries. U. dioica leaves and roots are used as a blood purifier, emmenagogue, and diuretic, as well as to treat menstrual hemorrhage, rheumatism, and eczema. The present study aimed to evaluate the activity of U. dioica L. aerial parts in endometriosis rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS To evaluate the effects of the plant in endometriosis, n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and methanol (MeOH) extracts were prepared from the aerial parts of the plant and utilized in a rat surgical endometriosis model. In this model, adhesion scores of endometriotic implants and the spherical volumes of ectopic uterine tissues were evaluated. In addition to these parameters, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels of the peritoneal fluids were evaluated. Furthermore, histopathological studies were conducted on the endometriotic tissues. RESULTS Post-treatment implant volumes and adhesion scores were significantly reduced in the reference and the MeOH extract treated groups. Significant differences were found between the peritoneal TNF-α, VEGF, and IL-6 levels of MeOH extract treated group and those of control group. Moreover, histopathological findings supported the biological activity results. Furthermore, isolation studies were conducted on the MeOH extract, which showed prominent activity in the rat endometriosis model. Rutin (1), isoquercetin (2), the mixture of kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (nicotiflorin) (3a) and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (narcissin) (3b) (3), the mixture of kaempferol-3-O-glucoside (astragalin) (4a) and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside (4b) (4) were isolated from the active fraction. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrated that aerial parts of U. dioica exhibited promising activity in the endometriosis rat model due to its flavonoids.
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Silver JR, Weiner MF. Urtication (flogging with stinging nettles) and flagellation (beating with rods) in the treatment of paralysis. Spinal Cord Ser Cases 2019; 5:79. [PMID: 31632737 PMCID: PMC6786426 DOI: 10.1038/s41394-019-0222-8] [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: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Urtication and flagellation were used as a last resort in the treatment of paralysis when all other means were exhausted, and very few cases are reported in the literature. Two cases were identified and reviewed, one of urtication (flogging with nettles) and one of flagellation (beating with rods). In both cases the symptoms were alleviated, but there was insufficient detail to evaluate the therapeutic value of each treatment.
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