Nettle Leaf Extract Research Articles

SPRAYING NANO CHITOSAN LOADED WITH NPK, NETTEL AND GREEN TEA EXTRACTS AS A TOOL FOR IMPROVEMENT POTATO PRODUCTIVITY

This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of spraying nano chitosan loaded with NPK fertilizer and nettle leaf and green tea extracts on the growth and productivity of potato for the spring and fall seasons of 2021.It was conducted at private farm in Wasit Governorate, Iraq, as a factorial experiment (5 × 5) within randomized complete block design using three replicates. The first factor included spraying with four concentrations of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with NPK fertilizer 0, 10. 15 and 20% in addition to chemical fertilization treatment, the second factor was spraying nettle leaf extract 25 and 35 gL-1 and green tea extract with 2 and 4 g.L-1, in addition to the control treatment, spraying with distilled water only. The results showed a significant superiority of the interaction between spraying with Nano chitosan loaded with NPK at a concentration of 15% and spraying green tea extract at a concentration of 4 g L-1 significantly in producing the highest plant height 62.77 and 60.86 cm, number of main stems of the plant 4.45 and 4.36 stem for the both seasons respectively and mean of tuber weight (111.0 g tuber-1) for the spring season which increased the productivity of tuber yield (56.3 and 51.6 in ton ha-1 for both seasons, respectively).

Optimization of Process Conditions of Cotton Fabric Dyeing with Nettle Leaf Extract for Antibacterial Application Using Central Composite Design

ABSTRACT In this study, all conditions of the natural dyeing process of cotton fabric with antibacterial efficiency, extracted from the leaves of the nettle were optimized using a central composite design. The optimized dyeing conditions are: concentration of 16.943 g, temperature of 50 °C, time of 40 min, and the color strength obtained at optimum condition was 1.53. The Nettle natural dye is applied to cotton fabrics by the Pad-Dry-Cure method for imparting antibacterial properties to the textile product for apparel applications. Biomordants were applied on scoured cotton fabric in the pre-mordanting process of dyeing. Color characteristics of the dyed fabrics were measured by CIE L*a*b* value using a spectrophotometer. Gram-positive (S. aureus) and gram-negative (E. coli) bacterial assessments were performed quantitatively using the AATCC-100 test method. The results provided evidence that the treated fabric exhibits higher antibacterial efficiency of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria by 96.5–98% reduction compared to the control samples, respectively. The one having the highest antibacterial activity was washed 15 times under the same conditions and samples were taken after 1, 5, 10, and 15 washes. They retained nearly 91% S. aureus and 94% E. coli activity up to 10 launderings against the two bacteria.

Synergistic effect of endurance training and nettle leaf extract on the IDO1-KYN-AHR pathway homeostasis and inhibiting of liver toxicity in rats with STZ-induced diabetes.

Diabetes adversely affects a number of hepatic molecular pathways, including the kynurenine (KYN) pathway. KYN is produced by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). This study evaluated the effect of endurance training (EndTr) and nettle leaf extract (NLE) on the IDO1-KYN-AHR pathway in the livers of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. We divided 48 rats into six groups: controls (Ct), treated with EndTr (EndTr), diabetes-induced (D), D treated with NLE (D + NLE), D treated with EndTr (D + EnTr), and D treated with EndTr and NLE (D + EndTr + NLE). EndTr, D + EnTr, and D + EndTr + NLE groups were subjected to training with running on treadmill for 8 weeks, 5 days per week, 25min in first session to 59min at last session with intensity of 55% to 65% VO2max. Using real-time PCR gene (Ahr, Cyp1a1, and Ido1) expressions and ELISA, malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein (IDO1, AHR, and CYP1A1) levels were determined in the liver samples. A significant three-way interaction of exercise, nettle, and diabetes was observed on the all variables (P< 0.001). In particular, significant increases in blood glucose level (BGL), in gene and protein expression, and in MDA and KYN levels were observed in the liver samples of the D group versus the Ct group (P< 0.05). BGL and liver MDA levels were significantly lower in the D + EndTr and D + NLE groups than that in the D group. However, the D + EndTr + NLE group showed a more significant decrease in these factors (P< 0.05). In addition, liver KYN levels were significantly lower in the EndTr group compared with that in the Ct group as well as in the D + EndTr + NLE and D + EndTr groups compared with that in the D groups (P< 0.05). Whereas both the EndTr and D + NLE groups showed lower Ahr expression and AHR level compared with the Ct and D groups, respectively (P< 0.05), the D + EndTr + NLE group showed a higher significant reduction in the AHR level than the D group (P< 0.05). The Cyp1a1 expression and IDO1 level significantly decreased only in the D + EndTr + NLE group compared to that in the D group (P< 0.05). Overall, this study showed that the combination of EndTr and NLE may synergistically restore the imbalanced IDO1-KYN-AHR pathway in diabetic liver.

Effect of Spray Drying Encapsulation on Nettle Leaf Extract Powder Properties, Polyphenols and Their Bioavailability.

Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is a plant rich in a health-promoting compounds such as polyphenols, which are sensitive and unstable compounds with low bioavailability, that need to be stabilized and protected from external influences. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine how the temperature, type of carrier and sample to carrier ratio influence the physicochemical properties and encapsulation and loading capacity of the nettle leaf extract powder and examine the effect of encapsulation on the antioxidant capacity and bioavailability of polyphenols. The process yield ranged from 64.63–87.23%, moisture content from 1.4–7.29%, solubility from 94.76–98.53% and hygroscopicity from 13.35–32.92 g 100 g−1. The highest encapsulation (98.67%) and loading (20.28%) capacities were achieved at 160 °C, β-CD:GA (3:1) and sample:carrier ratio of 1:3. Extracts encapsulated at selected conditions showed high antioxidant capacity and distinct polyphenolic profile comprised of 40 different compounds among which cinnamic acids were the most abundant. Moreover, the encapsulation increased the bioavailability of nettle leaf polyphenols, with the highest amount released in the intestinal phase. Thus, the obtained encapsulated extract represents a valuable source of polyphenols and may therefore be an excellent material for application in value-added and health-promoting products.

Silk fibroin and Nettle extract promote wound healing in a rat model: A histological and morphometrical study

IntroductionConsidering the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial ability, and antioxidant effects besides stimulating ability of silk fibroin (SF) in cell migration and proliferation of Nettle, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of Nettle leaf extract (NLE) and SF on histology, morphometrical parameters and apoptosis on the wound in the rat model. Materials and methodsWistar rats are divided into 5 groups, including 1-control (rats with healthy skin and no treatment); 2-wound (without any treatment); 3-SF (administration of silk fibroin solution for 14 consecutive days); 4- Nettle (administration of Nettle ointment for 14 consecutive days), and 5- Eucerin group (administration of Eucerin substance for 14 consecutive days) and then assessed wound area by photography, angiogenesis, inflammation, and thickness of epidermis using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, collagen deposition, and structure of dermis layers evaluated by Masson's trichrome staining and the apoptosis index determined by tunnel assay on days 7, 14 and 21. Resultsphotographic illustrations showed that the wound surface environment on the seventh day in group 4 was significantly different from group 2 (p < 0.002). The rate of wound healing on the fourteenth day was higher in groups 3 and 4 than in group 2 (p < 0.001). Also, at this time, group 4 was significantly different from group 3 and group 5 (p = 0.003 and p = 0.000, respectively). There was a significant difference in epidermal thickness between the wound group and other experimental groups (p < 0.05). The number of apoptotic cells at the wound edges on the seventh day in both group 3 and group 4 had a significant decrease compared to other groups of wounds (p = 0.000), but there was a significant increase on the fourteenth day. Also, on the 21st day, a significant decrease in apoptotic cells was observed in both group 3 and group 4 compared to other wound groups (p = 0.000). Discussion and ConclusionNettle and SF maintain cell homeostasis and accelerate wound closure by reducing cell apoptosis and enhancing cell proliferation on the seventh day, but by increasing the apoptosis of fibroblast cells on the fourteenth day, they lead to remodeling and keratinocytes migration to epidermis formation. Increased apoptosis also seems to be one of the pathophysiological mechanisms to prevent the formation of keloid and hypertrophic scar tissue. SF and Nettle extract, by increasing cell proliferation and migration of different cell types to the site of injury, control the remodeling process by inducing and regulating apoptosis in the first two weeks of wound healing and accelerating the process of collagen deposition and epithelialization.

Aqueous extracts of Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) leaf contain a P2-purinoceptor antagonist-Implications for male fertility.

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.

Green and ecofriendly biosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles using Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) leaf extract: Antimicrobial and anticancer activity.

Plant extract is affordable and does not require any particular conditions; rapid production of nanoparticles using plants offers more advantages than other approaches. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have received much attention in the last decade due to SeNPs diverse and different applications. Herein, this study aimed to biosynthesize SeNPs using aqueous extract of Urtica dioica leaf through green and ecofriendly method. Moreover to fully characterize SeNPs using different techniques, and to evaluate it for antimicrobial activity as well as anticancer activity. SeNPs were biosynthesis using aqueous leaf extract of U. dioica (stinging nettle). The biosynthesized SeNPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive electron spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermal-gravimetric analysis (TGA). Antimicrobial and anticancer activities of biosynthesized SeNPs were assessed. Results illustrated that SeNPs exhibited promising antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as unicellular and multi-cellular fungi. Moreover, minimal-inhibitory concentration (MIC) of SeNPs against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus were 250, 31.25, and 500μgmL-1 , respectively, while were 62.5, 15.62, 31.25, and 7.81μgmL-1 against Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus, respectively. The cytotoxicity of SeNPs was performed on Vero normal-cell line CCL-81, where IC50 was 173.2μgmL-1 . For the first time, aqueous stinging nettle leaf extract was utilized to biosynthesize SeNPs in a green method. SeNPs have outstanding antimicrobial-activity against pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. Moreover, SeNPs have promising anticancer activity against HepG2 cancerous cell line without cytotoxicity on Vero normal cell line. Finally, the biosynthesized SeNPs via aqueous extract of stinging nettle leaf exhibited potential antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer action, making them useful in the medical field.

Nettle-Leaf Extract Derived ZnO/CuO Nanoparticle-Biopolymer-Based Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Nanocomposite Packaging Films and Their Impact on Extending the Post-Harvest Shelf Life of Guava Fruit.

Green synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have prominent applications in antimicrobial packaging systems. Here we have attempted for the fabrication of chitosan-based nanocomposite film containing Urtica dioica leaf extract derived copper oxide (CuO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs for shelf-life extension of the packaged guava fruits. Electron microscopy and spectroscopy analysis of the CuO and ZnO NPs exhibited nano-scale size, spherical morphologies, and negative ζ-potential values. The NPs possessed appreciable antioxidant and antimicrobial activity (AMA) in order of CuO NPs > ZnO NPs > nettle extract. Therefore, this work establishes for the first time the successful synthesis of CuO NPs and compares its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties with ZnO NPs. On incorporation in chitosan, the polymer nanocomposite films were developed by solvent casting technique. The developed films were transparent, had low antioxidant but substantial AMA. The NP supplementation improved the film characteristics as evident from the decrease in moisture content, water holding capacity, and solubility of the films. The nanocomposite films improved the quality attributes and shelf life of guava fruits by one week on packaging and storage compared to unpackaged control fruits. Therefore, this study demonstrates the higher antimicrobial potential of the nettle leaf extract derived CuO/ZnO NPs for development of antimicrobial nanocomposite films as a promising packaging solution for enhancing the shelf life of various perishable fruits.

Novel Antibacterial Food Packaging Based on Chitosan Loaded ZnO Nano Particles Prepared by Green Synthesis from Nettle Leaf Extract

New nonstoichiometric polyelectrolyte complex was prepared based on chitosan (CS) and Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and the addition of ZnO nano particles prepared by green synthesis from Nettle leaf extract for increasing the antibacterial properties. The composites were prepared in different mass ratios and the physicochemical properties of the complexes were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, FTIR analyzer, water absorption test, UV–Vis analyzer and thermal analyzer. The results indicated that the slow dropwise addition of CMC to chitosan allowed elaborating either anionic or cationic particles in the size range of 35.5–69.7 nm. The water uptake and the ash percentage of the nano composites increase by increasing the amount of CMC and the transparency and the opacity of Chitosan:CMC (75:25) is the best. The highest antibacterial activity related to the synthesised composite without nano ZnO for Escherichia coli and the best result achieved in prepared nano composite and adding nano ZnO (PCC3/ZnO) in Staphylococcus aureus medium.

Synergistic antidiabetic activity of ZnO nanoparticles encompassed by Urtica dioica extract

The present study aimed at producing ZnO nanoparticles using the leaf extract of nettle (Urtica dioica) as a medicinally valuable plant to maximize the antidiabetic property of ZnO while excluding the chemical pollution from the synthesis process. The properties of the ZnO-extract sample were uncovered by various techniques and compared to that produced without the extract (ZnO). The results of the surface, optical, and thermal studies disclosed the presence of the extract biomolecules over the ZnO-extract sample and was further confirmed by GC–MS analysis. The ZnO-extract was intraperitoneally injected to alloxan-induced diabetic rats and the effects on the serum levels of fasting blood glucose, insulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and total triglyceride were assessed. The obtained results were then compared with the effects of ZnO, nettle leaf extract, and insulin on the same factors. Among all the examined treatments, the best antidiabetic performance was obtained in the rats treated by ZnO-U. dioica extract mainly owing to the great synergistic interaction between its constituents.

Effects of Urtica dioica leaf extract on inflammation, oxidative stress, ESR, blood cell count and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

AimsInflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a debilitating, chronic relapsing and remitting condition. Although the exact etiology remains unknown, immune and inflammatory factors and oxidative stress are thought to play an important role in its pathogenesis. This study examined the effects of an Urtica dioica leaf extract on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cells, platelets and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. MethodsThis study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial, conducted on 64 patients with IBD. The participants were divided into a nettle group (n=32) and a placebo group (n=32) by stratified blocked randomization. Subjects received three tablets daily for 12 weeks of either a hydroethanolic nettle extract (400mg) or placebo. Blood levels of hs-CRP, SOD, ESR, platelets, WBC and inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire-9 (IBDQ-9) scores were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study. Results59 participants completed the trial (30 in the nettle and 29 in the placebo group). After 12 weeks, serum levels of hs-CRP and platelet count showed a significant reduction in the nettle group compared to the placebo group (p=0.012 and p=0.023 respectively), whereas the level of SOD only increased significantly in the nettle group (p=0.002). The score of IBDQ-9 also increased significantly in the nettle group compared to the placebo group (p<0.001). No significant differences were found in the levels of WBC and ESR between two groups (p=0.754 and p=0.094 respectively). ConclusionThe present study showed that a hydroethanolic nettle leaf extract can reduce inflammatory markers and platelet count, as well as increase antioxidant enzyme SOD activity and quality of life in patients with IBD. The results suggest that a nettle extract may have therapeutic potential as an adjunctive treatment in IBD and that further clinical studies are warranted.

Improved Glycemic Control in Patients with Advanced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Taking Urtica dioica Leaf Extract: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Advanced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) needing insulin therapy is common. Most conventional anti-hyperglycemic drugs have limited efficacies and significant side effects, so that better anti-hyperglycemic agents are needed. Urtica dioica L. (nettle) leaves have insulin secretagogue, PPARgamma agonistic, and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory effects. Moreover, nettle leaves are used in traditional medicine as an anti-hyperglycemic agent to treat diabetes mellitus. Thus, efficacy and safety of nettle in the treatment of patients with advanced type 2 diabetes mellitus needing insulin were studied. In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, we evaluated the effects of taking nettle leaf extract (one 500 mg capsule every 8 hours for 3 months) combined with the conventional oral anti-hyperglycemic drugs on the blood levels of fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), creatinine and liver enzymes SGOT and SGPT, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures in 46 patients and compared with the placebo group (n = 46). At the endpoint, the extract lowered the blood levels of fasting glucose, 2 hours postprandial glucose, and HbA1c significantly (p < 0.001, p = 0.009, and p = 0.006, respectively) without any significant effects on the other parameters (p > 0.05) compared with placebo. Nettle may safely improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients needing insulin therapy.

Antihypoxic and hemostimulating actions of a nettle extract prepared by a nanotechnological approach

Studies using models of hypobaric and hemic hypoxia in mice and circulatory impairment induced by lead acetate showed that a nettle leaf extract dispersed into nanoparticles increased the survival rate, prolonged the time to death, prevented gastric ulceration, increased blood erythrocyte and leukocyte counts and hemoglobin levels, and decreased prothrombin time, the effects being greater than those obtained with a nettle leaf extract prepared by grinding to a particle size of 1 mm. The antihypoxic action of the nettle leaf extract prepared by nanotechnological methods was as great as the effect of a Rhodiola extract, while the hemostimulatory action was no less than that of ferrous sulfate.

Inhibition of the Protease Activity of the Light Chain of Type A Botulinum Neurotoxin by Aqueous Extract from Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) Leaf

We investigated the inhibitory effect of stinging nettle leaf extract on the protease activity of botulinum neurotoxin type A and B light chains. The nettle leaf infusion was fractionated and HPLC-based enzymatic assays were performed to determine the capacity of each fraction to inhibit the protease activity of botulinum neurotoxin type A and B light chains. Assay results demonstrated that a water-soluble fraction obtained from the nettle leaf infusion inhibited type A, but did not inhibit type B light chain protease activity. The inhibition mode of water soluble fraction against protease activity of type A light chain was analyzed and found to be a non-competitive.

Ameliorative effect of IDS 30, a stinging nettle leaf extract, on chronic colitis.

Anti-TNF-alpha antibodies are very effective in the treatment of acute Crohn's disease, but are limited by the decline of their effectiveness after repeated applications. The stinging nettle leaf extract, IDS 30, is an adjuvant remedy in rheumatic diseases dependent on a cytokine suppressive effect. We investigated the effect of IDS 30 on disease activity of murine colitis in different models. C3H.IL-10-/- and BALB/c mice with colitis induced by dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) were treated with either IDS 30 or water. Mice were monitored for clinical signs of colitis. Inflammation was scored histologically, and faecal IL-1beta and mucosal cytokines were measured by ELISA. Mononuclear cell proliferation of spleen and Peyer's patches were quantified by 3H-thymidine. Mice with chronic DSS colitis or IL-10-/- mice treated with IDS 30 clinically and histologically revealed significantly (p < 0.05) fewer signs of colitis than untreated animals. Furthermore, faecal IL-1beta and mucosal TNF-alpha concentrations were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in treated mice. Mononuclear cell proliferation after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide was significantly (p < 0.001) reduced in mice treated with IDS 30. The long-term use of IDS 30 is effective in the prevention of chronic murine colitis. This effect seems to be due to a decrease in the Th1 response and may be a new therapeutic option for prolonging remission in inflammatory bowel disease.

Effects of the antirheumatic remedy hox alpha--a new stinging nettle leaf extract--on matrix metalloproteinases in human chondrocytes in vitro.

Inflammatory joint diseases are characterized by enhanced extracellular matrix degradation which is predominantly mediated by cytokine-stimulated upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. Besides tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) produced by articular chondrocytes and synovial macrophages, is the most important cytokine stimulating MMP expression under inflammatory conditions. Blockade of these two cytokines and their downstream effectors are suitable molecular targets of antirheumatic therapy. Hox alpha is a novel stinging nettle (Urtica dioica/Urtica urens) leaf extract used for treatment of rheumatic diseases. The aim of the present study was to clarify the effects of Hox alpha and the monosubstance 13-HOTrE (13-Hydroxyoctadecatrienic acid) on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1, -3 and -9 proteins (MMP-1, -3, -9). Human chondrocytes were cultured on collagen type-II-coated petri dishes, exposed to IL-1beta and treated with or without Hox alpha and 13-HOTrE. A close analysis by immunofluorescence microscopy and western blot analysis showed that Hox alpha and 13-HOTrE significantly suppressed IL-1beta-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1, -3 and -9 proteins on the chondrocytes in vitro. The potential of Hox alpha and 13-HOTrE to suppress the expression of matrix metalloproteinases may explain the clinical efficacy of stinging nettle leaf extracts in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. These results suggest that the monosubstance 13-HOTrE is one of the more active antiinflammatory substances in Hox alpha and that Hox alpha may be a promising remedy for therapy of inflammatory joint diseases.

Use of Stinging Nettle as a Potential Organic Fertilizer for Herbs

Experiments were conducted to compare the responses of 4 greenhouse grown herbs to the aqueous extracts and ground leaf material of stinging nettle, Urtica dioica L., as compared with 3 standard organic fertilizers and 1 inorganic fertilizer incorporated into the growth media. Stinging nettle leaf extract and organic fertilizer significantly increased the growth of French tarragon and purple coneflower. Ammonium sulfate produced the most growth in sweet basil. Stinging nettle leaves applied as a dry powder at 16 g/l of soil produced the most growth in parsley. The results indicate stinging nettle, a nitrophilic weed, has the potential to be used as an organic fertilizer to replace other conventional fertilizers.