URTICA DOICA PLANTS: A POSSIBILITY TO EVALUATE CLIMATE CHANGE

Abstract

Urtica dioica L. is a multi-functional plant commonly known as stinging nettle, which has been used as wild vegetable for centuries. Stinging nettle is a highly nutritious vegetable due to its increased use in different food products and its health-promoting properties. Nettles are highly adaptable occurring in most common areas from unpolluted to highly polluted areas, along stream banks, farmland and also in highly disturbed areas. In hot areas, they prefer sites in partial shade, but accept to grow also in full sun, mostly in moist soils alongside streams or in drains. U. dioica develops easily while under stressful conditions of drought; reducing light absorption and ensuring carbon assimilation through light energy conversion efficiency. The aim of this study is to evaluate the moisture content and antioxidant properties of nettle plant components (root, leafs and stem). Evaluation of moisture contents, total antioxidant capacity and total polyphenol contents in ethanol nettle extracts is important in regard to the potential applications in various fields, such as environment, medicine and industry (food/feed, cosmetics, textiles etc.). The experimental studies were performed on nettle plants collected from three different counties from the western part of Romania and the obtained results were compared to various literature data. Due to the fact that one of the main characteristics of Urtica dioica L. is the resistance to drought, because of the thin leaves and their cuticle and the low percentage of epidermal cells, the study of evolution of leaves and roots moisture content as well as antioxidant capacity can give important information regarding the influence of climate change on plant development.