Nettle Plant Research Articles

Urtica dioica: Anticancer Properties and Other Systemic Health Benefits from In Vitro to Clinical Trials.

While conventional medicine has advanced in recent years, there are still concerns about its potential adverse reactions. The ethnopharmacological knowledge established over many centuries and the existence of a variety of metabolites have made medicinal plants, such as the stinging nettle plant, an invaluable resource for treating a wide range of health conditions, considering its minimal adverse effects on human health. The aim of this review is to highlight the therapeutic benefits and biological activities of the edible Urtica dioica (UD) plant with an emphasis on its selective chemo-preventive properties against various types of cancer, whereby we decipher the mechanism of action of UD on various cancers including prostate, breast, leukemia, and colon in addition to evaluating its antidiabetic, microbial, and inflammatory properties. We further highlight the systemic protective effects of UD on the liver, reproductive, excretory, cardiovascular, nervous, and digestive systems. We present a critical assessment of the results obtained from in vitro and in vivo studies as well as clinical trials to highlight the gaps that require further exploration for future prospective studies.

Repellent and Attractant Effect of the Nettle Plant Urtica dioica on the Larvae of the Greater Wax Moth Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Repellent and Attractant Effect of the Nettle Plant Urtica dioica on the Larvae of the Greater Wax Moth Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Optimizing Kraft Pulping Conditions to Improve Nettle Plant Pulp Quality

The suitability of nettle plants for the production of pulp and paper was thoroughly examined, with special consideration given to the plant’s chemical compositions, morphological analysis, and kraft pulping qualities. The mean values of cell wall thickness, fiber length, lumen width, runkel ratio, and nettle plant diameter were found to be 7.4 μm, 55 mm, 4.9 μm, 2.4 and 16.9 μm, respectively. Although nettle plant fibers have a stronger cell wall, their physical properties are comparable to another biomass. The chemical composition investigation found that the contents of nettle plants were 64.8 weight percent holocellulose, 38.7 weight percent alpha-cellulose, 16.8 weight percent lignin, and 5.8 weight percent ash. Additionally, 8.4 weight percent were discovered in the 1% alkaline extractives of nettle leaves. The kraft pulping process of nettle plants needed a low chemical charge and lower boiling time when compared to a number of other non-wood raw materials utilized in the papermaking process. Despite these circumstances, kraft-pulped nettle plants yielded a high-yield bleachable grade pulp. Kraft pulp produced from bleached nettle plants had strength properties that were comparable to those of other biomass for pulp and papermaking materials. Overall, this present research show that nettle plants, which have morphological and chemical characteristics comparable to those of traditional papermaking materials, have a bright future as a source of pulp and paper.

Data of bioaccumulation and biomagnification from soil in biota nettle-snail (Urtica dioica, L and Helix pomatia,L) of heavy metal (Pb, Zn, Ni) pollution of mining activity in Mitrovica.

ABSTRACT
 In this research project, we measured the impact and distribution of the activity of minning Trepça Complex in Mitrovica on the concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Ni) in soil, plant (Urtica dioica,L) and shell of snail (Helix pomatia).
 Introdiction: Large quantities of these metals come from natural and anthropogenic sources including mining activity, agriculture, pesticide use, industrialization, and inadequate disposal of mineral waste and artificial fertilizers. These inorganic pollutants are deposited in the soil, water, and atmosphere in various forms of complexes and are thus transmitted from plants, animals to humans. Climatic factors such as winds, rains, and temperatures are believed to be major contributors to the spread over time and space of heavy metals in the environment.
 Materials and methods: Soil samples, nettle plant (Urtica dioica, L), and snail (Helix pomatia, L), were collected from the selected pollution source of mine Trepça complex at distances of 1km, 2km, and 5km in the radius circles divided into four geographical areas. Also the control samples are collected in unpolluted site Opoja-Dragash municipalty. The samples were digested in microwave at 2000C for 45 min and have been read in flame absorber Analyticjena Contra AAA.
 Results: Higher concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Ni were recorded in the southern parts of the country compared to that control with significant differences (p<0.01). Bioaccumulation and biomagnification levels of these heavy metals have also been recorded in the roots, stalks, and leaves of the stinging nettle plant (Urtica dioica, L) as well as in snail shells (Helix pomatia, L.).
 Conclusions: The results show that the stinging nettle plant has translocated larger amounts of these heavy metals especially Pb along with the vegetative organs wherefrom these they are carried in the snail shell, which is fed on the stinging nettle plant.
 Also, results shown that the nettle plant Urtica dioica can be used in phytoremediation process whereas snail Helix pomatia can be used like bioindicator of heavy metal pollution.
 

Experimental assessment and molecular-level exploration of the mechanism of action of Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) plant extract as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for X38 mild steel in sulfuric acidic medium

The development of green corrosion inhibitors has gained considerable importance in recent years due to their minimal environmental impact and sustainable nature. As industries increasingly seek eco-friendly alternatives to conventional corrosion inhibitors, research focused on identifying effective and renewable corrosion protection solutions becomes imperative. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the inhibition action of Nettle extract (NE) (Urtica dioica L.) as a promising green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in a 0.5 mol/L H2SO4 medium. In this work, the corrosion protection performance of NE was assessed using weight loss, electrochemical, surface characterization, and computational chemistry methods. The results indicated that NE acted as an effective corrosion inhibitor, with inhibition efficiency reaching a maximum of 90% at a concentration of 4 g L-1. Polarization studies revealed that NE functions as a mixed-type inhibitor, while electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results showed an increase in charge transfer resistance and a decrease in double layer capacitance values in the presence of NE. Surface characterization analysis confirmed the formation of a protective NE layer on the steel surface. Furthermore, Density-functional tight-binding (DFTB) simulations identified Quercetin, Kaempferol, and Serotonin as having stronger chemical bonding with the Fe(110) surface, while Histamine molecules exhibited physical interactions with iron atoms. This comprehensive evaluation of NE's inhibition action not only supports its potential as an eco-friendly inhibitor for mild steel corrosion protection but also contributes to the development of sustainable corrosion control strategies.

Properties of Himalayan Nettle Fiber and Development of Nettle/Viscose Blended Apparel Textiles

ABSTRACT Nettle plants are grown naturally as forest weeds in Himalayan region without much explored economic value. The plant remains under-explored as far as extraction of fiber for textile and other industrial applications are concerned. Present study highlights a complete information, starting from fiber extraction, retting, production of blended yarns & fabrics, coloration and products development along with cost analysis. Himalayan nettle plant was considered for fiber extraction through microbial retting, yielded 1.25% dry fiber. Extracted fiber was characterized in details for physical, mechanical, chemical, thermal and morphological properties. Fiber having fineness of 2.2–2.4 tex, tenacity of 10–16 cN/tex, and elongation of 3% was blended with viscose fiber in 100/0, 75/25, 50/50, and 25/75 ratios to produce blended yarns. Those yarns and bleached & dyed yarns were utilized as weft to produce fabric in handloom, keeping cotton yarn as warp. Yarns and fabrics properties were also evaluated in detail. Apparel textile products, like female fashion wear (cost $ 13) and “shawl” (cost $ 39), were produced. The developed products are not only be fashionable apparel but also be fully biodegradable. Research findings advocate that nettle plant may be considered as an untapped potential source for fiber extraction and application in apparel textile.

Molecular characterization of horse nettle virus A, a new member of subgroup B of the genus Nepovirus.

A new positive-strand RNA virus was discovered in a horse nettle plant, using high-throughput sequencing (HTS), and its complete genome, consisting of RNA1 and RNA2, which are 7522 and 4710 nucleotides in length, respectively, was characterized. Each genome segment contains a single open reading frame flanked by 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs), followed by a poly(A) tail at the 3' end. The encoded proteins have the highest amino acid sequence identity (55% and 45%) to the polyprotein encoded by RNA1 of tomato black ring virus (TBRV) and RNA2 of potato virus B (PVB), respectively. Its genome organization and phylogenetic relationship to other nepoviruses suggested that this virus is a novel member of subgroup B, and recombination analysis revealed its evolutionary history within the subgroup. These results suggest the new virus, provisionally named "horse nettle virus A", represents a new species within the genus Nepovirus.

The Future of our Roots and the Land: The Re-vival of the Atayal Weaving Material Ramie

This study focuses on ramie, a nettle plant known for its length and toughness used in traditional weaving by the Atayal, an Indigenous people in Taiwan. It discusses the Lihang Workshop’s revival of traditional weaving practices over the last thirty years and the application of these practices in art and culture. It also looks at historical writings about ramie, its role in the development of contemporary culture, and the use of the entire plant in adhering to the concepts of zero waste and a circular economy in Atayal culture.

The Effects of Nettle Extract Consumption on Liver PPARs, SIRT1, ACOX1 and Blood Lipid Levels in Male and Female C57Bl6 Mice.

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.

Optimizing the alkali treatment of cellulosic Himalayan nettle fibre for reinforcement in polymer composites

The Himalayan nettle plant can yield strong and long bast fibre. In this study, the extracted fibres were treated with 3, 5, 7, and 10 wt% alkali solution and characterised the raw and treated fibres for chemical, morphological, physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The objective is to find the optimized alkali concentration for fibre surface treatment to use as reinforcement in polymer composites. Results revealed that alkali treatment removed waxes, lignin, and hemicellulose from the surface and enhanced the fibre properties to make it compatible with the polymer matrix. However, alkali concentration affected the fibre properties significantly. 5 % alkali treatment resulted in a maximum crystallinity index (79.1 %), average roughness (26.8 nm), tensile strength (296.97 MPa), activation energy (181.33/180.97 kJ/mol) and initial temperature for stage II degradation (311.2 °C). This investigation concludes that 5 % is the optimized alkali concentration for surface treatment of the nettle fibre.

Effect of adding nettle plant on some physiological and biochemical parameters of broiler chickens

The objective of this study is to find out the impact of the nettle plant (Urtica dioica L.) on broiler, because of its wide spread in our regions, and insufficient information about its effects on the broiler, as most of the current researches refers its uses in folk medicine. So, this research had been conducted to evaluate the effects of adding 0.25 and 0.5% crushed nettle/kg diet on the blood picture and some biochemical indices of broiler. 180 broiler chicks (Ross 308), one-day-old were randomly distributed into 3 groups (60 birds/group) with 3 replicates/group (20 birds/replicate), and treated until 42 days age as follows: 1st group (Control): standard diets without additives, 2nd group: 0.25% nettle/kg diet, 3rd group: 0.50% nettle/kg diet. Results showed that crushed nettle plant led to an increase in the values of packed cell volume, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and it's shortened clotting time, as well as a significant increase (P≤0.05) in the number of basophils compared to the control group. In regard to the biochemical profile in the blood serum of broiler, most of biochemical indices values became better and significant when adding nettle (high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, risk index, total protein, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase). In conclusion, nettle can be given to broiler in these proportions to improve the hematological and biochemical indices due to its properties and contents.

Standardization and utilization of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) roots for the dyeing of silk fabric

The nature is abode to numerous plants, animal and mineral resources that offersustainable alternative to chemicalsused in textile dyeing. In this paper an effort has been made to utilize the roots of Himalayan nettle plant for fabric dyeing which grows abundantly in-the higher altitude of Uttarakhand as a weed plant. The extraction and dyeing variables were optimized for application on silk fabric on the basis of colour strength and wash fastness rating. Dye extraction carried out in aqueous medium at simmering temperature for 1.5 hoursresulted in better colour depth and washing fastness. Similarly, dyeing of silk at 90ºC for 90 minutes using 3 gm per 100 ml powdered dye material yielded better dyed samples in terms of colour strength and wash fastness. The obtained dye recipe is easy to be used by dyeing units at minimal cost since no chemicals are added during dyeing and raw material can be collected from pastures, around croplands and nearby forest areas.

The Agglutinin of Common Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) Plant Effects on Gene Expression Related to Apoptosis of Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cell Line

Treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) requires new drugs as result of a rise in new cases and high disease relapse. Plant lectins with the ability to bind carbohydrates on the cell surface have the potential to treat cancer. Urtica dioica L. agglutinin (UDA) is a low weight lectin with anti-benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) impact. Here, we examine the impact of UDA on HL-60 cell line. Cytotoxicity and cytostatic effects were assessed in HL-60 cells treated with UDA and vincristine (positive control). The effects of the lectin on cell cycle phases and cell death mechanism were surveyed by propidium iodide (PI) staining and annexin V/PI, respectively. The activation status of the apoptosis pathway was determined by western blotting. Finally, the expression levels of 84 genes were examined by the Human cancer drug target gene PCR array kit. The results indicated that the increase in UDA concentration inhibited the proliferation of HL-60 cells as well as apoptosis induction. Cell cycle analysis showed that the number of sub G1 cells increased essentially. Experimental observations showed that UDA can induce cell apoptosis through a caspase 9-dependent pathway. The expression changes of 21 genes confirmed the apoptotic events in HL-60 cells treated with UDA. In this, we have presented the first investigation on the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of a lectin isolated from rhizomes and roots of Urtica dioica L. on human AML cells. Generally, the results suggest that UDA may have therapeutic value for leukemia and would be studied further as a new drug for AML later on.

The utilisation of Himalayan Nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) plant for development of UV protective textiles: A new perspective of a traditionally used plant

The Himalayan nettle ( Girardinia diversifolia) plant has been traditionally used to make various fibre-based products such as sack, rope etc. but with this fast-moving technological era, new developments and researches are required to meet the demand of present so that it could also be made commercially viable. Presently UV radiation causes various skin problems including skin cancer. The present study explores the fabric properties of woven fabrics made of Himalayan nettle ( Girardinia diversifolia ) fibre for new end uses to protect the skin from harmful UV radiation. Nettle Yarn was procured from Kraftloom Overseas Private Limited, Dehradun. Twill and crepe weave fabric were prepared using handloom at Kumaon woollens, Haldwani. Physical properties and Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of the developed woven fabric were studied at textile testing lab of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. Based on results it was found that properties of nettle woven fabric like thickness, weight, thread count and cover factor affected the UPF of the nettle fabric. It was also found that ultraviolet protection properties of nettle woven fabric could be enhanced through weave variation. Ultraviolet protection properties of fabric made of nettle fibre were explored and reported for the first time which could be utilised for different UV protection products such as curtains, blinds and jackets. Further natural dyeing of developed fabric was also done in another part of the study to maximise the UV protective properties of the fabric.

Effect of Urticaria Spray on the Pain Severity in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients Referring to an Orthopedic Clinic

Introduction: Regarding serious impact of chronic back pain in quality of life of people, patients looking for treatment to relieve back pain. The anti- inflammatory properties of nettle plant (Urtica dioica) as spray in reducing severity of low back pain was investigated. Materials and Methods: This study as a registered controlled clinical trial (IRCT: 20171217037930N1) recruited 40 patients with chronic back pain who referred to Orthopedic clinic of Sabzevar Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Sabzevar, Iran by available sampling method. Patients were divided randomly into two groups; group A: treatment with utricaria spray and usual medical treatment (20 persons), group B: patients under just usual medical treatment (20 persons). Pain measurement tool carried out under the visual analog scale (VAS) after intervention into both groups, and data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: Both studied groups had the similar VAS before the study (P=0.15). Analysis of VAS showed that the average pain severity after intervention was decreased significantly into both studied groups (P=0.01). However these decrements in VAS were not statistically significant between two studied groups (P=0.06). Multiple linear regression analysis determined that utricaria spray could be decreased pain severity to averagely till 0.79%. Conclusion: We concluded that adding utricaria spray to usual treatment has no effect into decreasing chronic low back pain.

PREPARATION OF HERBAL SOAP FROM STINGING NETTLE AND TREATMENT OF SKIN DISEASES

In this article, the authors are describing the preparation of herbal soap from the stinging nettle and treatment of skin diseases. Stinging nettle plant characterized by fine hairs in the leaves and stems, the release of chemicals, stinging and triggering inflammation that cause redness, and irritation to the skin. Various kinds of herbal soaps produced recently from plant extracts for cosmetic purposes, treatment of skin disorders. Herbal soap obtained from the stinging nettle herb by saponification reaction in the alkaline medium is effective in the treatment of acne, eczema, viral infections, dermatitis, and other skin disorders.

Antibacterial Finishing of Cotton Fabric Using Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) Plant Leaf Extract

Natural organic fibers such as cotton, linen, and wool are readily attacked by microorganisms. Microbial growth on a textile fabric causes loss of strength and elongation, discoloration, and changes in appearance. The antibacterial finishing agents extracted from nettle plant leaf have been used to impart finish to the cotton fabric by using the Pad-Dry-Cure application method. The antibacterial activity of the finish was assessed quantitatively using the AATCC 100:2004 test method, and the antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria was measured. There was a 100 to 99.75 percent reduction in the count of test bacteria. Physical properties of treated and untreated cotton fabrics such as absorbency, fabric stiffness, air permeability, and strength were analyzed. To evaluate the laundering effect of stinging nettle leaf finished fabric, samples were subjected to laundry with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 washing cycles using standard AATCC test method 61, and bacterial count of treated samples was tested. The results showed gradual decrease in antibacterial property, with a 100 to 44% reduction in the bacterial count for Staphylococcus aureus and a 100 to 30% reduction in the bacterial count for Escherichia coli. The results of this investigation suggested that nettle leaf, a low-cost abundant plant in Ethiopia, can be used for antibacterial activity in woven cotton fabric.

Effect of nettle plant extract on the overconsumption diminution of zinc as sacrificial metal during cementation of copper

In this work, we study the cementation reaction of copper by zinc in acid sulphate media in the presence of nettle plant extract (Urtica dioica L.). The effect of some parameters, namely concentration of nettle extract, temperature and initial copper ions concentration have been studied. This extract obtained by refluxed technique in water, has proved to be a good inhibitor of the parasitic reactions of hydrogen and dissolved oxygen that accompanied the cementation process in acidic media. These reactions are the main causes of the zinc overconsumption and the decrease of copper recovery efficiency. The results showed that the maximum of copper recovery efficiency (85.2%) was obtained at the optimal concentration of nettle extract, equal to 1.5 g·L−1. At this concentration, we recorded a decrease in zinc overconsumption of about 43.5% compared to the solution without additives. The rate of the cementation reaction increases with increasing temperature up to 37 °C and this effect is more pronounced when the extract is present in solution.

Producing hybrid nanofiber-based on /PAN/Fe3 O4 /zeolite/nettle plant extract/urease and a deformed coaxial natural polymer to reduce toxicity materials in the blood of dialysis patients.

On incidence of kidney failure, the concentration of urea increases and there is need for patients to visit the hospital all through the week for blood purification. However, current hemodialysis has been found to reduce only 66-75% urea in the blood of patients. The main goal of this article is to observe the effect of biocompatible and high mechanical hemodiafiltration in reducing urea and creatinine within the shortest time frame, using two methods of Nano electrospinning fiber (hybrid and coaxial). Hybrid electrospinning was made by zeolite 940-HOA(beta), Fe3 O4 , polyacrylonitrile as well as the addition of nettle plant's leaf extract. Dispersing solution and enzymes were added to two different syringes and was used in making hybrid nanofibers by the electrospinning process. Nessler's Reagent adsorption method was used for measuring the concentration of ammonia after urease enzyme activation. Second coaxial filter was made by the core-shell electrospinning system and cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) as well as polyurethane (PU) were utilized. The data show hybrid hemodiafiltration with enzyme coating, decomposed urea and enzymes were activated for two days after electrospinning. The core-shell filtration can also reduce creatinine. Core-shell CAP-PU nanofiber was previously used for intravaginal drug delivery and PU was used as an artificial renal microfluidic chip. Thus, our study focused on using CAP-PU to reduce creatinine in dialysis patients. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1736-1743, 2019.

Synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles using Hypericum perforatum and Nettle aqueous extracts: A comparison with turkevich method

Here, the preparation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was presented using two different approaches. The first process is the usage of eco‐friendly green synthesis and the second approach is the conventional Turkevich method. For the green synthesis of nanoparticles, the Hypericum perforatum and Nettle plant extracts were used as reducing and stabilizing agents. The main constituents of the plant extracts were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) technique. The synthesized AuNPs were characterized by UV–vis absorption spectroscopy (UV–vis), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Also, the stabilities of the AuNPs were investigated in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) media. In comparison, the AuNPs prepared using green synthesis have been observed to be smaller and more stable than those prepared using the Turkevich method. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 508–517, 2019