Research Update:Nettle and Its Constituents.

  seminal trace...Nettle Extract.4:1,Silica 1%UV.Nettle P.E. Beta-Sterols 1%UV.Nettle P.E. 4:1,Urticae radix Extracts,Nettle Root Extracts,Nettle P.E. 1%phytosterol,Urticae radix Extracts,Nettle Root Extracts......

 


   Phytochemical info of Nettle:

 Product Name:
 Synonym:
 Definition:Nettle extract are majorly composed of
 Chemical information disclosed as following table:


  Plant Description of Nettle.Urtica dioica L.,Urticae radix.:

 Urtica dioica(Stinging nettle) is the name given to common nettle, garden nettle, and hybrids of these two plants. Originally from the colder regions of northern Europe and Asia, today this herbaceous shrub grows all over the world. Stinging nettle grows well in nitrogen-rich soil, blooms between June and September, and reaches nearly 3 feet high.
 The branching stems underground multiply by themselves and have multiple shoots. The leaves are heart-shaped, finely toothed, and tapered at the ends. The entire plant is covered with tiny stinging hairs, mostly on the underside of the leaves and stem
 Urtica dioica is a native British perennial growing in damp forests or wherever land has been disturbed by Man. It has a richly-branched yellow rhizome, which spreads which over large areas, and from which grow numerous erect, quadrangular stems. These are up to 120cm tall and are covered with long stinging hairs and short bristly hairs. The opposite, stalked, cordate or lanceolate leaves are serrated at the margin and covered on both sides with stinging hairs. The flowers are unisexual, the plants dioecious, although monoecious ones do occur. The flowers are arranged in drooping panicles, growing in groups from the upper leaf axils. The male inflorescences are erect and shortly branched, with four perianth segments and four stamens. The female flowers have two perianth segments and a superior ovary with a stalkless stigma. The fruit is an achene.
 It consumes the phlegmatic superfluities in the body of man, that the coldness and moisture of winter has left behind.
 The well-known Stinging Nettle is a perennial growing to about four feet (1.2 m). It has a creeping root, sharp-pointed leaves and greenish flowers. The irritant substance which causes the sting when the prickly hairs are touched is a mixture of histamine and formic acid.
 
 A detailed description of this familiar plant is hardly necessary; its heart-shaped, finelytoothed leaves tapering to a point, and its green flowers in long, branched clusters springing from the axils of the leaves are known to everyone. The flowers are incomplete: the male or barren flowers have stamens only, and the female or fertile flowers have only pistil or seed-producing organs. Sometimes these different kinds of flowers are to be found on one plant; but usually a plant will bear either male or female flowers throughout, hence the specific name of the plant, dioica, which means 'two houses.'
 The male flower consists of a perianth of four greenish segments enclosing an equal number of stamens, which bend inwards in the bud stage, but when the flower unfolds spring backwards and outwards, the anthers with the sudden uncoiling, exploding and scattering the pollen. The flowers are thus adapted for wind-fertilization. The perianth of the female flower is similar, but only contains a single, one-seeded carpel, bearing one style with a brush-like stigma. The male flowers are in loose sprays or racemes, the female flowers more densely clustered together.
 The Nettle flowers from June to September. As a rule the stem attains a height of 2 to 3 feet. Its perennial roots are creeping, so it multiplies quickly, making it somewhat difficult of extirpation.
 The whole plant is downy, and also covered with stinging hairs. Each sting is a very sharp, polished spine, which is hollow and arises from a swollen base. In this base, which is composed of small cells, is contained the venom, an acrid fluid, the active principle of which is said to be bicarbonate of ammonia. When, in consequence of pressure, the sting pierces the skin, the venom is instantly expressed, causing the resultant irritation and inflammation. The burning property of the juice is dissipated by heat, enabling the young shoots of the Nettle, when boiled, to be eaten as a pot-herb.


  Spectrology and History of Nettle:

 Nettle has a long history of use as a food,medicine and textile fiber.Grieve states that the common name of Nettle is derived from the German noedl meaning "needle,"possibly from its sharp sting,or in reference to the fact that it once furnished thread and cloth before the introduction of flax and hemp into Europe(1971,575).'Net' is stated as being the passive participle of ne,a verb that in many Indo-European languages such as Latin and Sanskrit,means 'sew' or 'bind',respectively (Grieve 1971,575).Nettle was one time highly esteemed as a textile fiber, and is highly durable,once thought to be the only real equivalent to cotton,used by the third Reich during the second world war as a textile in manufacture of German I uniforms(Grieve 1971,575;Wood 1999,482).Beyond its importance as a fiber however,Nettle has long been regarded as an important and nutritious green vegetable,one of the first edible green growing things of spring,picked young and eaten steamed or in soups, said to be a good corrector of the bowels.The body of the famous Tibetan yogi Milarepa is said to have turned green from consuming nothing other than Nettle during his meditations.Despite being classifed as a weed in many parts of the North America,Nettle was at one time highly prized commodity in rural areas, where the English poet Campbell recounts of his travels,"In Scotland I have eaten nettles,I have slept in nettle sheets,and I have dined off a nettle tablecloth"(Grieve 1971,575).More recently Nettle has been used as a commercial source of chlorophyll,and Weiss states that this color has been used in Germany as a food coloring agent for canned vegetables(1988,262;Mills and Bone 2000,490).

 Its erect stalk, two to three feet in height, bears dark green leaves with serrated margins and small, inconspicuous flowers. Botanists now designate it Urtica dioica L. and place it in the family Urticaceae. The American material differs from the typical European Urtica dioica subspecies dioica primarily in that it has male and female flowers on the same plant. Some botanists treat the varieties of U. dioica subspecies gracilis as separate species. The four Urtica species (with two subspecies and six varieties) that occur in North America have stinging hairs. (After accidental contact with it, people usually refer to the nettle by various uncomplimentary titles.)
 The entire plant, collected just before flowering, has had a lengthy reputation in folk medicine as a specific for asthma. Nettle has also been given as an expectorant, antispasmodic, diuretic, astringent, and tonic. Applying nettle to the scalp, especially in the form of the fresh juice, was said to stimulate hair growth. Cases of chronic rheumatism have been treated by placing nettle leaves directly on the afflicted area. Roman soldiers, facing the inhospitable climate in Britain, reportedly used the same irritation produced by nettle leaves to keep their legs warm. The tender tops of young, first growth nettles are believed especially palatable when cooked; Gibbons gives a number of recipes that use them, including nettle pudding and nettle beer.
 It is a strange fact that the juice of the Nettle proves an antidote for its own sting, and being applied will afford instant relief: the juice of the Dock, which is usually found in close proximity to the Nettle, has the same beneficial action.
   'Nettle in, dock out.
    Dock rub nettle out!'
     is an old rhyme.
   If a person is stung with a Nettle a certain cure will be effected by rubbing Dock leaves over the part, repeating the above charm slowly. Another version is current in Wiltshire:
   Out 'ettle in dock,
    Dock zhail ha' a new smock;
     'Ettle zhant ha' narrun! (none)

  Revenge Close Encounters with Nettles.

 another unpleasant plant that you may enounter out on the trail is Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica). The long range effects of Nettles aren't nearly as pronounced as Poison Ivy, but it can cause pretty intense short-term annoyance. Nettles have little prickly hairs that stick in your skin and sting and itch like crazy. Again, don't touch the exposed area. You won't have any trouble recognizing when you have just walked through Nettles. As soon as you can find water, wash the exposed area and the discomfort should vanish almost immediately.
 Aside from the stinging factor, the Nettle is a very useful plant with uses as food and many medicinal applications. Its constituents include Formic acid, histamines, acetylcholine, glocoquinones, minerals including iron, silica, potassium, manganese and sulphur and vitamins A & C.
 Nettles can grow just about anywhere. The fresh green leaves may be cooked and eaten like spinach, or made into soup or tea. (The sting is not present in the cooked or dried plant form.) In spring, a tea made from the leaves is a powerful tonic that provides many important vitamins and minerals. The vitamin C content works to help the iron be absorbed by the body. There are many folk and homeopathic medicinal uses for nettles.
   


  Precautions and Possible Interactions:

 The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.
 Stinging nettle is generally considered safe when used as directed. Occasional side effects include mild stomach upset, fluid retention, and hives (mainly from topical use). It is important to exercise care when handling the nettle plant as contact with skin can cause result in an allergic rash, such as contact dermatitis or hives.
 Because nettle can alter the menstrual cycle and may contribute to miscarriage, pregnant women should not use nettle, and lactating women should avoid excessive use of this herb.
 The leaves and stems of nettle are covered in short, stiff hairs that release irritating chemicals when they are touched. The resulting itchy or burning sensation may last for several hours after contact with the plant. Care should be taken not to let unprotected skin touch nettles.
 Although nettle's aerial parts have been used in the past to increase the production of breast milk by new mothers, very little is known about the possible effects of nettle aerial parts on a developing fetus. Therefore, it should be avoided during pregnancy. It should only be used while breast-feeding if such use is supervised by a medical professional.

  When should I be careful taking it?

 A tightening effect that nettle aerial parts may have on the muscles of the uterus may cause a miscarriage. Therefore nettle's aerial parts should not be taken by pregnant women.
 Individuals who have swelling or fluid retention caused by heart failure or who have kidney conditions should not use nettle's aerial parts -especially with excessive amounts of water -- because both those conditions may be worsened.
 Because the aerial parts of nettle may raise or lower blood sugar levels unpredictably, individuals with diabetes should avoid their use. Nettle may lower blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid chronic use due to its diuretic effects. Do not take if pregnant or breast-feeding. Do not take if diabetic.

  Possible Side Effects:

 Few side effects have been associated with the oral use of nettle's aerial parts. They have been known to cause mild diarrhea and stomach upset, however.

  Adverse Effects/Post Market Surveillance:

 General: Nettle therapy was generally well-tolerated for up to two years in available human trials.
 Cardiovascular: May cause hypotension (theoretical). An aqueous extract of aerial parts of nettle administered to male rats induced an acute hypotensive action indicating a direct effect on the cardiovascular system.
 Dermatologic: Penetration of the hairs of the nettle plant into the skin or light application of the leaf or steam causes short-lived whealing with burning and itching and a prolonged tingling sensation, which may persist for 12 hours or more. Twenty-three of 27 patients using the juice of a freshly cut nettle leaf to treat osteoarthritic pain experienced localized rash and slight itching after application. Fourteen of 18 patients using nettle for pain relief experienced the stinging sensation as not painful, while two described intense pain soon replaced by warmth, and three reported an area of numbness.
 Endocrine: May increase blood glucose (theoretical). In a study conducted on streptozotocin-diabetic mice, oral ingestion of nettle resulted in aggravation of the diabetic condition. An aqueous extract of nettle leaves administered to healthy rabbits with temporarily induced hyperglycemia caused a slight increase in glycemia (not statistically significant).
 Gastrointestinal: Continual pain in the gastrointestinal tract and hyperperistalsis was reported in one patient in an equivalence trail of 134 patients when two capsules were administered daily for eight weeks. Seven patients taking a freeze-dried preparation of Urtica dioica for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in a randomized, controlled trial reported mild gastric discomfort when the medication was taken on an empty stomach. Three of 10 patients in a case series treated with two Prostatin R capsules three times daily complained of gastrointestinal side effects that prompted withdrawal from the study. Four of 25 patients treated with Bazoton capsules in a randomized controlled trial withdrew from the study due to side effects such as constipation, diarrhea and gastric disorder.
 Genitourinary: May cause uterine contractions (theoretical). In a study conducted in mice, nettle caused uterine contractions.
 Hematologic: May decrease coagulation and cause hemorrhage (theoretical). The nettle plant contains a substance that is a coumarin derivative. In a chronic toxicity study, nettle infusion was administered to Wistar rats via an intra-gastric probe. The rats exhibited nasal, oral and orbital bleeding. Upon autopsy, pulmonary edema and blood at the intestinal lumen were found. Coagulation time was delayed for seven days in the rats and was also determined to be the cause of death.
 Renal: May cause diuresis (theoretical). An aqueous extract of aerial parts administered to male rats demonstrated diuretic and natriuretic effects, suggesting an action on renal function.

  Precautions/Warnings/Contraindications:

 Use cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus due to potential increased glycemia. Monitor blood glucose levels.
 Use cautiously in patients taking anticoagulants due to a decrease in coagulation. Monitor coagulation time (PT/INR).
 Use cautiously in patients taking diuretics and/or other antihypertensive agents due to the potential hypotensive actions of nettle. Monitor blood pressure.
 Use with caution in patients taking anti-inflammatory agents.
 Use with caution in patients with hyponatremia as nettle has a synergistic diuretic effect. Monitor sodium levels.
 Nettle should not be administered to children as it has not been studied.
 Use cautiously in elderly persons due to an increased risk of a hypotensive crisis.

  Pregnancy & Lactation:

 Not recommended due to lack of sufficient data.
 Avoid in pregnant patients due to the potential of nettle to induce uterine stimulation.

  Contraindications:

 Nettle has been documented in animal studies to lower blood pressure and heart rate. Those with heart conditions should seek the advice and supervision of a health practitioner to determine if nettle is suitable for their condition and to monitor its effects. known hypersensitive.
 Nettle has been documented to have diuretic effects. Chronic use of this plant may be contraindicated in various medical conditions where diuretics are not advised. Chronic long-term use of any diuretic can cause electrolyte and mineral imbalances. Consult your doctor if you choose to use this plant chronically for longer than 30 days concerning possible side effects of long term diuretic use.
 


  Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):

 In a scientific study of patients with acute arthritis, stewed stinging nettle leaves enhanced the anti-inflammatory effect of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). Although the combination of stinging nettle and NSAIDs may be beneficial for the treatment of arthritic conditions, a knowledgeable healthcare provider should be consulted before adding this herb to an existing medication regimen.
 The aerial parts of nettle may increase the anticoagulant or antiplatelet effects of drugs, aspirin, and certain herbal products. They may also increase the effectiveness of drugs and herbals that lower blood pressure, as well as the effectiveness of insulin and other agents that lower blood sugar.
 In addition, nettle aerial parts may increase the sedation associated with certain prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, other herbal supplements, and alcohol. It should be avoided or used carefully while drugs or herbals for anxiety, colds and coughs, epilepsy, or insomnia are being taken. Many other prescription and non-prescription medications and herbs cause drowsiness, so a doctor or pharmacist should review all the medications being used before products that contain nettle aerial parts are started.

  Interaction with Prescription Drugs:

 In case reports, the aerial parts of nettle have been shown to increase the time blood needs to clot. When it is taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, the effect of the drug may be increased, resulting in uncontrolled bleeding.

 Antiplatelets include Plavix and Ticlid;Anticoagulants include heparin and warfarin

 When the aerial parts of nettle are used with prescription drugs that promote sleepiness, the effects of the drug may be exaggerated, resulting in sedation or mental impairment. Prescription drugs that may cause sleepiness include:

 Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, phenytoin and valproic acid;Barbiturates such as phenobarbital;Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam and diazepam;Drugs for insomnia such as zaleplon and zolpidem;Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, amoxapine, doxepin and nortriptyline

 Due to their possible ability to lower blood pressure, the aerial parts of nettle may increase the effects of drugs that also lower blood pressure. Some blood pressure-lowering drugs are:

 ACE inhibitors such as captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, and Monopril

 Alpha-1 adrenergic blockers: Prazosin, doxazosin and terazosin have been associated with a "first-dose" effect. Marked hypotension, especially postural hypotension, and syncope with sudden loss of consciousness, can occur with the first few doses. An aqueous extract of aerial parts of the nettle plant administered to male rats demonstrated an acute hypotensive action (5). Co-administration of nettle and an alpha-1 blocker may theoretically have an additive hypotensive effect. Alpha-1 adrenergic blockers are also used in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia. Co-administration of alpha-1 blockers and nettle may result in additive effects of hypotensive crisis (8; 9; 10; 12; 14; 15; 18; 19; 20; 32; 33; 34).

 Anticoagulant drugs: Nettle root contains a coumarin constituent; therefore administration of nettle root may theoretically potentiate the effects of anticoagulants. As nettle leaves contain vitamin K, high doses may theoretically alter response to warfarin.

 Antihypertensive drugs: An aqueous extract of aerial parts of the nettle plant administered to male rats demonstrated an acute hypotensive action. Administration of nettle may theoretically have an additive effect with antihypertensive agents.

 Anti-inflammatory drugs: In a clinical trial, stewed nettle leaves plus diclofenac 50mg was as effective in the treatment of acute arthritis as diclofenac 200mg. Nettle leaves may theoretically have an additive effect with other anti-inflammatory agents.
 Beta blockers such as atenolol, metoprolol, and propranolol
 Calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine, Norvasc, and verapamil

 Diuretic drugs: such as Dyazide, furosemide, and hydrochlorothiazide,An aqueous extract of aerial parts administered to male rats demonstrated diuretic and natriuretic effects. Administration of nettle may theoretically have an additive effect on diuretics, resulting in dehydration and hypokalemia.

 Because of a small possibility that they may raise or lower blood sugar levels, the aerial parts of nettle may interfere with the effects of insulin and oral drugs for diabetes, such as:
 Actos,Avandia,glimepiride (Amaryl),glipizide (Glucotrol XL),glyburide (Glynase),Glyset,metformin (Glucophage),Prandin,Precose

 Finasteride: Finasteride, a 5 ¦Á-reductase inhibitor, is used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Co-administration of finasteride and nettle may have additive effects as both inhibit the enzyme.

 Hypoglycemic drugs: In a study conducted on streptozotocin diabetic mice, oral ingestion of nettle resulted in aggravation of the diabetic condition. An aqueous extract of nettle leaves administered to healthy rabbits with temporarily induced hyperglycemia caused a slight increase in glycemia (not statistically significant) (24). The efficacy of hypoglycemic agents may theoretically be reduced when co-administered with nettle.

  Interaction with Non-prescription Drugs

 Nettle's aerial parts can affect the ability of blood to clot after an injury. Aspirin can also delay clotting, so the aerial parts of nettle should not be taken at the same time as aspirin.

 The sleep-producing effects of over-the-counter products containing diphenhydramine can be enhanced by taking nettle's aerial parts at the same time. Diphenhydramine is contained in many non-prescription sleeping pills as well as in some cough and cold products, therefore caution should be used when taking these medications with the aerial parts of nettle because excessive drowsiness may result.

  Interaction with herbal Products:Nettle/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

 Theoretically, if nettle's aerial parts are used with other herbs that affect blood clotting, bleeding may occur. Some of the most common herbal products that might inhibit blood clotting are:
 Danshen;Devil's Claw;Eleuthero;Garlic;Ginger (in high amounts);Ginkgo;Horse Chestnut;Panax Ginseng;Papain;Red Clover;Saw Palmetto
 The aerial parts of nettle may cause excessive sedation if they are taken with other potentially sedating herbs such as:
 Catnip;Hops;Kava-kava;St. John's wort;Valerian
 Because nettle's aerial parts may decrease blood sugar levels, taking it with other blood sugar-lowering herbal products may result in hypoglycemia -- blood sugar that is too low. Herbals that may reduce blood sugar include:
 Eleuthero;Fenugreek;Ginger (in high amounts);Kudzu;Panax ginseng

 Anticoagulant/anti-platelet herbs: Theoretically, nettle may increase risk of bleeding.
 Anti-inflammatory herbs: Nettle leaves may theoretically have an additive effect with other anti-inflammatory agents.
 Diuretic herbs: Theoretically, nettle may cause diuresis.
 Dong Quai: Both nettle and dong quai contain natural coumarin derivatives. Co-administration may increase risk of bleeding.
 Horse chestnut: Horse chestnut has exhibited additive anti-thrombotic activity with warfarin. Since nettle contains a coumarin derivative, combined use may increase risk of bleeding.
 Hypoglycemic/hyperglycemic herbs: Theoretically, nettle may increase blood glucose levels.
 Hypotensive/hypertensive herbs: Theoretically, nettle may lower blood pressure levels.
 Kava: Kava has exhibited additive anti-thrombotic activity with warfarin. Since nettle contains a coumarin derivative, combined use may increase risk of bleeding.
 Niacin: Niacin has been associated with small but significant increase in prothrombin time (mean increase 4%). Combined use with nettle may cause further increases in prothrombin time (theoretical).
 Pygeum: Pygeum is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and may have additive therapeutic effects with nettle.
 Saw palmetto: Saw palmetto is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and may have additive therapeutic effects with nettle.
 Soy isoflavones: Soy isoflavones appear to inhibit type II 5 ¦Á-reductase and may have additive effects with nettle (anecdotal).

 Interaction with Foods:No interactions between nettle's aerial parts and foods have been reported, but drinking alcohol at the same time as taking nettle's aerial parts by mouth may result in increased drowsiness.

  Nettle/Lab Interactions:

 Blood pressure: Theoretically, nettle may lower blood pressure levels.
 Glucose: Due to potential hyperglycemic effects, serum glucose concentration may be increased by nettle.
 Prothrombin time/INR (International Normalized Ratio): In theory, nettle may alter coagulation.
 Sodium: Nettle has a synergistic diuretic effect and may lower sodium levels.


  Research Update:Nettle and Its Constituents.:

  Ethnoveterinary medicines used for ruminants in British Columbia, Canada.:J Ethnobiol Ethnomedicine. 2007 Feb 26;3:11.Lans C, Turner N, Khan T, Brauer G, Boepple W. School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 3P5, Canada. nturner@uvic.ca.

 ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The use of medicinal plants is an option for livestock farmers who are not allowed to use allopathic drugs under certified organic programs or cannot afford to use allopathic drugs for minor health problems of livestock. METHODS: In 2003 we conducted semi-structured interviews with 60 participants obtained using a purposive sample. Medicinal plants are used to treat a range of conditions. A draft manual prepared from the data was then evaluated by participants at a participatory workshop. RESULTS: There are 128 plants used for ruminant health and diets, representing several plant families. The following plants are used for abscesses: Berberis aquifolium/Mahonia aquifolium Echinacea purpurea, Symphytum officinale, Bovista pila, Bovista plumbea, Achillea millefolium and Usnea longissima. Curcuma longa L., Salix scouleriana and Salix lucida are used for caprine arthritis and caprine arthritis encephalitis.Euphrasia officinalis and Matricaria chamomilla are used for eye problems.Wounds and injuries are treated with Bovista spp., Usnea longissima, Calendula officinalis, Arnica sp., Malva sp., Prunella vulgaris, Echinacea purpurea, Berberis aquifolium/Mahonia aquifolium, Achillea millefolium, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Hypericum perforatum, Lavandula officinalis, Symphytum officinale and Curcuma longa.Syzygium aromaticum and Pseudotsuga menziesii are used for coccidiosis. The following plants are used for diarrhea and scours: Plantago major, Calendula officinalis, Urtica dioica, Symphytum officinale, Pinus ponderosa, Potentilla pacifica, Althaea officinalis, Anethum graveolens, Salix alba and Ulmus fulva.Mastitis is treated with Achillea millefolium, Arctium lappa, Salix alba, Teucrium scorodonia and Galium aparine. Anethum graveolens and Rubus sp., are given for increased milk production.Taraxacum officinale, Zea mays, and Symphytum officinale are used for udder edema. Ketosis is treated with Gaultheria shallon, Vaccinium sp., and Symphytum officinale. Hedera helix and Alchemilla vulgaris are fed for retained placenta. CONCLUSION: Some of the plants showing high levels of validity were Hedera helix for retained placenta and Euphrasia officinalis for eye problems. Plants with high validity for wounds and injuries included Hypericum perforatum, Malva parviflora and Prunella vulgaris. Treatments with high validity against endoparasites included those with Juniperus communis and Pinus ponderosa. Anxiety and pain are well treated with Melissa officinalis and Nepeta caesarea.

  Natural treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis.:Altern Med Rev. 2006 Sept;11(3):196-207.Helms S, Miller A.2001 graduate of the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine; Private practice in Sandpoint, Idaho.

 Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common long-term illnesses in the United States, affecting approximately 14 percent of the population. CRS is a challenging condition to treat, partly due to its multifaceted, poorly understood pathophysiology. Treatment goals include maintaining open drainage and decreasing inflammation while improving tissue integrity and limiting causative factors. This review covers the etiology, pathology, and diagnosis of CRS, as well as mainstream and alternative treatments. Discussion of alternative therapeutics includes nutrients and botanicals (ascorbic acid, bromelain, N-acetylcysteine, quercetin, undecylenic acid, and Urtica dioica and other herbal medicines) and procedures (nasal irrigation and naso-sympatico treatments). The influences of diet and air quality on CRS are also discussed.

  Inheritance of progeny sex ratio in Urtica dioica.:J Evol Biol. 2007 Jan;20(1):133-40.Glawe GA, De Jong TJ.Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.

 Seed samples collected from female Urtica dioica plants in the field showed considerable inter-family variation in the sex ratio (faction of males). To investigate the inheritance pattern of the sex ratio trait, crosses were performed between individual male and female plants from different sex ratio families. Our results suggest, at least for the families studied here, that maternal parents strongly contribute to the variation in the primary sex ratio. Furthermore, progeny sex ratios from reciprocal crosses were significantly different and resembled the sex ratios produced by their maternal parents. We discuss the possible mechanisms underlying maternal control.

  The use of medicinal herbs by diabetic Jordanian patients.:J Herb Pharmacother. 2006;6(2):31-41.Otoom SA, Al-Safi SA, Kerem ZK, Alkofahi A. Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid-Jordan. sotoom@rcsi-mub.com

 Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder worldwide. To date, there have been no reports on the frequency of use of herb medicines in the managements of diabetes mellitus in Jordan. This cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 310 diabetic patients visiting two medical centers in Jordan: Jordan University of Science & Technology Medical Center and Sarih Medical Center between December 2003 and August 2004. It is found that 31% of interviewed patients have used herbal products (96 patients). The results revealed that the most commonly used herbs by diabetic patients in Jordan were Trigonella foenumgraecum (22.9%), Lupinus albus (14.6%), Allium sativum (11.5%), Allium cepa (5.2%), Nigella sativa (7.3%), Zea mays L. (6.3%), Urtica dioica L. (8.3%), Eucalyptus globules LA (9.4%), Olea europea L. (3.1%), Cumminum cyminum (9.4%), Coriandrum sativum (10.4%), Salvia officinalis L. (3.1%), and Tilia cordata (1%). Furthermore, it is found that 47.9% of the patients used herbs according to advice from their friends on a daily basis. The side effects were reported by 36.5% of the patients and include headache, nausea, dizziness, itching, palpitation, and sweating. Among the patients, 72.9% used the herbs as adjunctive therapy along with their anti-diabetic drugs and 80.2% of the patients informed their physicians about their use. A 79.2% of the sample confirmed their intention to re-use these herbs as 86.5% of them were satisfied with their diabetes control. There was a significant relationship between the use of herbs, the patient's place of residence and his/her level of education. The main conclusion of this survey is that the use of medicinal herbs among diabetic patient in Jordan is common. Therefore, it is essential to increase the level of awareness among diabetic patients and health care providers regarding the efficacy and toxicity of these medicinal herbs.

  Screening of herbal extracts for activation of the human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor.:Pharmazie. 2006 Nov;61(11):952-6.Rau O, Wurglics M, Dingermann T, Abdel-Tawab M, Schubert-Zsilavecz M.Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry/ZAFES, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.

 The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors play a pivotal role in metazoan lipid and glucose homeostasis. Synthetic activators of PPARalpha (fibrates) and PPARgamma (glitazones) are therefore widely used for treatment of dislipidemia and diabetes, respectively. There is growing evidence for herbal compounds to influence nuclear receptor signalling e.g. the PPARs. We recently reported carnosic acid and carnosol, both being diterpenes found in the labiate herbs sage and rosemary, to be activators of PPARgamma. The subsequent screening of a variety of ethanolic extracts, obtained from traditionally used herbs, for PPAR activation, led to an exceptionally high hit rate. Among 52 extracts nearly the half significantly activated PPARgamma and 14 activated PPARalpha in addition, whereas three of them were pan-PPAR activators, which also activated PPARdelta. The most active extracts, for which a concentration dependent effect could be shown, were the extracts of Alisma plantago aquatica (ze xie/european waterplantain), Catharanthus roseus (madagascar periwinkle), Acorus calamus (sweet calamus), Euphorbia balsamifera (balsam spurge), Jatropha curcas (barbados nut), Origanum majorana (marjoram), Zea mays (corn silk), Capsicum frutescens (chilli) and Urtica dioica (stinging nettle). The results of the present study provide a possible rationale for the traditional use of many herbs as antidiabetics.


  Allergenic proteins in Urtica dioica, a member of the Urticaceae allergenic family.:Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2006 Sep;97(3):343-9.Vega-Maray AM, Fernandez-Gonzalez D, Valencia-Barrera R, Suarez-Cervera M.Department of Vegetal Biology (Botany), Faculty of Biology, University of Leon, Spain. dbvavm@unileon.es

 BACKGROUND: Allergy to the pollen of flowering plant species significantly affects the health of people in many parts of the world. Pollens of related genera usually share common antigens and are often, but not always, cross-reactive. Several studies have shown that Parietaria pollen is one of the most common causes of pollinosis in the Mediterranean area, whereas Urtica has no allergenic significance. OBJECTIVES: To report on the localization of Parietaria judaica major allergen in Urtica dioica pollen grains and on the detection of allergenic proteins in U. dioica pollen grains during the hydration-activation process. METHODS: A combination of transmission electron microscopy and immunocytochemical methods was used to locate allergenic proteins in U. dioica pollen grains after different periods of hydration-activation using the anti-Par j 1 (4.1.3.) monoclonal antibody and serum samples from allergic patients. RESULTS: No significant labeling was noted for Parj 1 allergen after 10, 15, and 20 minutes in the walls and cytoplasm. Slight labeling was observed for allergic proteins in the walls of U. dioica after 10 minutes of hydration, and no significant labeling was found after 15 and 20 minutes of hydration. CONCLUSIONS: Immunocytochemical methods confirmed the absence of cross-reactivity between 2 related genera, Parietaria and Urtica, and the lowest allergenic potential of U. dioica.

  Analysis of nitrate ion in nettle (Urtica dioica L.) by ion-pair chromatographic method on a C30 stationary phase.:J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Jun 14;54(12):4082-6.Szabo Z, Boddi K, Mark L, Szabo LG, Ohmacht R.Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary.

 Nitrate ion is a frequent pollutant not only in soil and natural water resources but in vegetables and foods as well. In our study we focused on nettle due to its increased ability to accumulate nitrate ions. A new, simple method for the separation and determination of nitrate ion based on reversed-phase ion-pair chromatography has been elaborated. A new four-step sample pretreatment method enables the precipitation of proteins and oxidative degradation of compounds that may disturb the identification of the nitrate ion: (1) extraction of the total nitrate content, (2) precipitation of proteins with acetonitrile, (3) oxidative degradation of the organic contaminants with H2O2, (4) evaporation of the solvent and taking up of the residue in water. The chromatographic separations were carried out on a high-density C30 stationary phase under isocratic conditions. The optimal mobile-phase composition was 10% (v/v) acetonitrile and 90% (v/v) 20 mmol L(-1) phosphate buffer, containing 2 mmol of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide at pH 6.0. The method could also be used for the separation of IO3(-), SeO3(2-), BrO3(-), NO2(-), Br-, SeO4(2-), and I- ions. The validated method is sensitive (the detection limit is 0.18 ng of nitrate ion). The method is linear in a high concentration range (0.031-30.66 microg mL(-1)). Recoveries varied between 98% and 103%. Reproducibility of the elaborated sample pretreatment method showed 1.54%. The method can be used for the determination of nitrate ion from different plants.

  Antihypercholesterolaemic and antioxidant activity assessment of some plants used as remedy in Turkish folk medicine.:J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Oct 11;107(3):418-23. Epub 2006 Apr 15.Avci G, Kupeli E, Eryavuz A, Yesilada E, Kucukkurt I.Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyon, Turkey.

 Ethanolic and aqueous extracts from five plant species used in Turkish traditional medicine were evaluated for in vivo hypercholesterolaemic and antioxidant activities: Agrostemma githago L., Potentilla reptans L., Thymbra spicata var. spicata L., Urtica dioica L. and Viscum album var. album L. We assayed the effects of the administration of plant extracts on serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C, LDL-C, glucose, AST and ALT concentrations in mice fed with cholesterol-rich diet. In addition, plasma TAA, MDA and NO(x) levels in the same animals were assayed. All the aqueous plant extracts did not affect the serum cholesterol concentration. However, the ethanolic extracts of Agrostemma githago, Thymbra spicata and Viscum album decreased the serum cholesterol concentration in the mice fed with high-cholesterol diet without inducing any gastric damage. The ethanolic extracts of Thymbra spicata, Viscum album, Potentilla reptans and Urtica dioica and the aqueous extract of Agrostemma githago increased the serum HDL concentration, whereas the ethanolic extracts of Agrostemma githago, Thymbra spicata, Viscum album and Urtica dioica decreased the serum LDL-C concentration. Thymbra spicata and Viscum album were observed to decrease the serum triglyceride concentration. Among the plant extracts studied, the ethanolic extracts of Thymbra spicata significantly decreased the MDA level in mice. The ethanolic extract of Potentilla reptans increased in NO(x). None of these plants showed statistically prominent activity on plasma TAA. Results of the present study indicated that the ethanolic extracts of Agrostemma githago, Thymbra spicata and Viscum album showed potent hypocholesterolaemic activity in the mice fed with a diet containing high-cholesterol.

  Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.:J Herb Pharmacother. 2005;5(4):1-11.Safarinejad MR.Department of Urology, Urology Nephrology Research Center, Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. safarinejad@unrc.ir

 PURPOSE: To determine the effects of therapy with Urtica dioica for symptomatic relief of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 6-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, partial crossover, comparative trial of Urtica dioica with placebo in 620 patients was conducted. Patients were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), Serum Prostatic- Specific Antigen (PSA), testosterone levels, and prostate size. At the end of 6-month trial, unblinding revealed that patients who initially received the placebo were switched to Urtica dioica. Both groups continued the medication up to 18 months. RESULTS: 558 patients (90%) completed the study (287/305, 91% in the Urtica dioica group, and 271/315, 86% in the placebo group). By intention- to-treat analysis, at the end of 6-month trial, 232 (81%) of 287 patients in the Urtica dioica group reported improved LUTS compared with 43 (16%) of 271 patients in the placebo group (P < 0.001). Both IPSS and Qmax showed greater improvement with drug than with placebo. The IPSS went from 19.8 down to 11.8 with Urtica dioica and from 19.2 to 17.7 with placebo (P = 0.002). Peak flow rates improved by 3.4 mL/s for placebo recipients and by 8.2 mL/s for treated patients (P < 0.05). In Urtica dioica group, PVR decreased from an initial value of 73 to 36 mL (P < 0.05). No appreciable change was seen in the placebo group. Serum PSA and testosterone levels were unchanged in both groups. A modest decrease in prostate size as measured by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) was seen in Urtica dioica group (from 40.1 cc initially to 36.3 cc; P < 0.001). There was no change in the prostate volume at the end of study with placebo. At 18-month follow-up, only patients who continued therapy, had a favorable treatment variables value. No side effects were identified in either group. CONCLUSION: In the present study, Urtica dioica have beneficial effects in the treatment of symptomatic BPH. Further clinical trials should be conducted to confirm these results before concluding that Urtica dioica is effective.

  Inhibition of rat platelet aggregation by Urtica dioica leaves extracts.:Phytother Res. 2006 Jul;20(7):568-72.El Haouari M, Bnouham M, Bendahou M, Aziz M, Ziyyat A, Legssyer A, Mekhfi H.Laboratoire de Physiologie et Ethnopharmacologie, UFR 'Physiologie et Pharmacologie', Departement de biologie, Faculte des sciences, Universite Mohamed Premier, BP 717, 60000 Oujda, Morocco.

 Platelet hyperactivity plays an important role in arterial thrombosis and atherosclerosis. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of different extracts of Urtica dioica leaves on platelet aggregation. Rat platelets were prepared and incubated in vitro with different concentrations of the tested extracts and aggregation was induced by different agonists including thrombin (0.5 U/mL), ADP (10 microm), epinephrine (100 microm) and collagen (5 mg/mL). The crude aqueous extract inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. At 1 mg/mL, the percent inhibition was 17.1 +/- 4.2%. Soxhlet extraction of the plant leaves with different successive solvents showed that the ethyl acetate extract exhibited the most antiaggregant effect with an inhibition of 76.8 +/- 6.1% at 1 mg/mL. Flavonoids isolated from the plant leaves, produced a strong inhibitory effect on thrombin-induced platelet aggregation with an IC(50) of 0.25 +/- 0.05 and 0.40 +/- 0.04 mg/mL for genins and heterosidic flavonoids, respectively. Flavonoids also markedly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen and epinephrine. It is concluded that Urtica dioica has an antiplatelet action in which flavonoids are mainly implicated. These results support the traditional use of Urtica dioica in the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disease.


  Analysis of nitrate ion in nettle (Urtica dioica L.) by ion-pair chromatographic method on a C30 stationary phase.:

 Nitrate ion is a frequent pollutant not only in soil and natural water resources but in vegetables and foods as well. In our study we focused on nettle due to its increased ability to accumulate nitrate ions. A new, simple method for the separation and determination of nitrate ion based on reversed-phase ion-pair chromatography has been elaborated. A new four-step sample pretreatment method enables the precipitation of proteins and oxidative degradation of compounds that may disturb the identification of the nitrate ion: (1) extraction of the total nitrate content, (2) precipitation of proteins with acetonitrile, (3) oxidative degradation of the organic contaminants with H2O2, (4) evaporation of the solvent and taking up of the residue in water. The chromatographic separations were carried out on a high-density C30 stationary phase under isocratic conditions. The optimal mobile-phase composition was 10% (v/v) acetonitrile and 90% (v/v) 20 mmol L(-1) phosphate buffer, containing 2 mmol of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide at pH 6.0. The method could also be used for the separation of IO3(-), SeO3(2-), BrO3(-), NO2(-), Br-, SeO4(2-), and I- ions. The validated method is sensitive (the detection limit is 0.18 ng of nitrate ion). The method is linear in a high concentration range (0.031-30.66 microg mL(-1)). Recoveries varied between 98% and 103%. Reproducibility of the elaborated sample pretreatment method showed 1.54%. The method can be used for the determination of nitrate ion from different plants.

  Identification of Oxalic Acid and Tartaric Acid as Major Persistent Pain-inducing Toxins in the Stinging Hairs of the Nettle, Urtica thunbergiana.:

 Background and Aims Once human skin contacts stinging hairs of Urtica spp. (stinging nettles), the irritant is released and produces pain, wheals or a stinging sensation which may last for >12 h. However, the existence of pain-inducing toxins in the stinging hairs of Urtica thunbergiana has never been systematically demonstrated. Experiments were therefore conducted to identify the persistent pain-inducing agents in the stinging hairs of U. thunbergiana. * Methods The stinging hairs of U. thunbergiana were removed and immersed in deionized water. After centrifugation, the clear supernatants were then subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), enzymatic analysis and/or behavioural bioassays. * Key Results The HPLC results showed that the major constituents in the stinging hairs of U. thunbergiana were histamine, oxalic acid and tartaric acid. However, the well-recognized pain-inducing agents, serotonin and formic acid, existed at a low concentration as estimated by HPLC and/or enzymatic analyses. The behavioural tests showed that 2 % oxalic acid and 10 % tartaric acid dramatically elicited persistent pain sensations in rats. In contrast, 10 % formic acid and 2 % serotonin only elicited moderate pain sensation in the first 10 min. Moreover, no significant pain-related behavioural response was observed after injecting 10 % acetylcholine and histamine in rats. * Conclusions Oxalic acid and tartaric acid were identified, for the first time, as major long-lasting pain-inducing toxins in the stinging hairs of U. thunbergiana. The general view that formic acid, histamine and serotonin are the pain-inducing agents in the stinging hairs of U. dioica may require updating, since their concentrations in U. thunbergiana were too low to induce significant pain sensation in behavioural bioassays.

  Structure of Urtica dioica agglutinin isolectin I: dimer formation mediated by two zinc ions bound at the sugar-binding site.:

 Ultica dioica agglutinin, a plant lectin from the stinging nettle, consists of a total of seven individual isolectins. One of these structures, isolectin I, was determined at 1.9 A resolution by the X-ray method. The crystals belong to the space group P2(1) and the asymmetric unit contains two molecules related by local twofold symmetry. The molecule consists of two hevein-like chitin-binding domains lacking distinct secondary structure, but four disulfide bonds in each domain maintain the tertiary structure. The backbone structure of the two independent molecules is essentially identical and this is similarly true of the sugar-binding sites. In the crystal, the C-terminal domains bind Zn(2+) ions at the sugar-binding site. Owing to their location near a pseudo-twofold axis, the two zinc ions link the two independent molecules in a tail-to-tail arrangement: thus, His47 of molecule 1 and His67 of molecule 2 coordinate the first zinc ion, while the second zinc ion links Asp75 of molecule 1 and His47 of molecule 2.


  Crystal structure of Urtica dioica agglutinin, a superantigen presented by MHC molecules of class I and class II.:

 BACKGROUND: Urtica dioica agglutinin (UDA), a monomeric lectin extracted from stinging nettle rhizomes, is specific for saccharides containing N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc). The lectin behaves as a superantigen for murine T cells, inducing the exclusive proliferation of Vbeta8.3(+) lymphocytes. UDA is unique among known T cell superantigens because it can be presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules of both class I and II. RESULTS: The crystal structure of UDA has been determined in the ligand-free state, and in complex with tri-acetylchitotriose and tetra-acetylchitotetraose at 1.66 A, 1.90 A and 1.40 A resolution, respectively. UDA comprises two hevein-like domains, each with a saccharide-binding site. A serine and three aromatic residues at each site form the principal contacts with the ligand. The N-terminal domain binding site can centre on any residue of a chito-oligosaccharide, whereas that of the C-terminal domain is specific for residues at the nonreducing terminus of the ligand. We have shown previously that oligomers of GlcNAc inhibit the superantigenic activity of UDA and that the lectin binds to glycans on the MHC molecule. We show that UDA also binds to glycans on the T cell receptor (TCR). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of two saccharide-binding sites observed in the structure of UDA suggests that its superantigenic properties arise from the simultaneous fixation of glycans on the TCR and MHC molecules of the T cell and antigen-presenting cell, respectively. The well defined spacing between the two binding sites of UDA is probably a key factor in determining the specificity for Vbeta8.3(+) lymphocytes.

  Lignans from the roots of Urtica dioica and their metabolites bind to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).:

 Polar extracts of the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) roots contain the ligans (+)-neoolivil, (-)-secoisolariciresinol, dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol, isolariciresinol, pinoresinol, and 3,4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran. These compounds were either isolated from Urtica roots, or obtained semisynthetically. Their affinity to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) was tested in an in vitro assay. In addition, the main intestinal transformation products of plant lignans in humans, enterodiol and enterolactone, together with enterofuran were checked for their activity. All lignans except (-)-pinoresinol developed a binding affinity to SHBG in the in vitro assay. The affinity of (-)-3,4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran was outstandingly high. These findings are discussed with respect to potential beneficial effects of plant lignans on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

  Purification, crystallization, and preliminary X-ray studies on the rhizome lectin from stinging nettle and its complex with NN'N"-triacetylchitotriose.:

 Single crystals were grown from affinity-purified stinging nettle lectin and from its complex with the specific trisaccharide NN'N"-triacetylchitotriose by vapor diffusion at room temperature. The lectin crystallizes in space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with unit cell dimensions a = 54.3 (1) A, b = 62.2 (1) A, and c = 92.4 (2) A, and diffracts to 3.0 A resolution. The asymmetric unit contains three lectin monomers. The crystals of the lectin-trisaccharide complex have space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with cell constants a = 37.69 (4) A, b = 48.97 (6) A, and c = 57.32 (4) A. These crystals diffract to at least 2.0 A resolution and the asymmetric unit contains one lectin monomer. A three-dimensional X-ray structure determination is on its way.

  The primary structure of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) agglutinin. A two-domain member of the hevein family.:

 The primary structure of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) agglutinin has been determined by sequence analysis of peptides obtained from three overlapping proteolytic digests. The sequence of 80 residues consists of two hevein-like domains with the same spacing of half-cystine residues and several other conserved residues as observed earlier in other proteins with hevein-like domains. The hinge region between the two domains is four residues longer than those between the four domains in cereal lectins like wheat germ agglutinin.

  Biologically active compounds from the aqueous extract of Urtica dioica:

 From the water extract of the roots of Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) a polysaccharide fraction was isolated which revealed activity in the carrageenan rat paw edema model and lymphocyte transformation test. Ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration of this fraction afforded 4 different polysaccharides, one of which reduced dose dependent hemolysis in the classical pathway of the complement test. The Urtica dioica lectin (UDA) was reisolated and found to stimulate the proliferation of human lymphocytes.


  The synthesis of acetylcholine by plants.:

 Choline acetyltransferase was demonstrated in nettles (Urtica dioica), peas (Pisum sativum), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and blue--green algae by using a Sepharose--CoASH affinity column. The column effected a 1500-fold purification of the enzyme from nettle homogenates and was required for demonstrating activity in the other higher plants. Demonstration of the enzyme in blue-green algae suggests that acetylcholine was a biochemical necessity in the earliest photosynthetic organisms.


  Antihypercholesterolaemic and antioxidant activity assessment of some plants used as remedy in Turkish folk medicine.:

 Ethanolic and aqueous extracts from five plant species used in Turkish traditional medicine were evaluated for in vivo hypercholesterolaemic and antioxidant activities: Agrostemma githago L., Potentilla reptans L., Thymbra spicata var. spicata L., Urtica dioica L. and Viscum album var. album L. We assayed the effects of the administration of plant extracts on serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C, LDL-C, glucose, AST and ALT concentrations in mice fed with cholesterol-rich diet. In addition, plasma TAA, MDA and NO(x) levels in the same animals were assayed. All the aqueous plant extracts did not affect the serum cholesterol concentration. However, the ethanolic extracts of Agrostemma githago, Thymbra spicata and Viscum album decreased the serum cholesterol concentration in the mice fed with high-cholesterol diet without inducing any gastric damage. The ethanolic extracts of Thymbra spicata, Viscum album, Potentilla reptans and Urtica dioica and the aqueous extract of Agrostemma githago increased the serum HDL concentration, whereas the ethanolic extracts of Agrostemma githago, Thymbra spicata, Viscum album and Urtica dioica decreased the serum LDL-C concentration. Thymbra spicata and Viscum album were observed to decrease the serum triglyceride concentration. Among the plant extracts studied, the ethanolic extracts of Thymbra spicata significantly decreased the MDA level in mice. The ethanolic extract of Potentilla reptans increased in NO(x). None of these plants showed statistically prominent activity on plasma TAA. Results of the present study indicated that the ethanolic extracts of Agrostemma githago, Thymbra spicata and Viscum album showed potent hypocholesterolaemic activity in the mice fed with a diet containing high-cholesterol.

  Inhibition of Rat Platelet Aggregation by Urtica dioica Leaves Extracts.:

 Platelet hyperactivity plays an important role in arterial thrombosis and atherosclerosis. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of different extracts of Urtica dioica leaves on platelet aggregation. Rat platelets were prepared and incubated in vitro with different concentrations of the tested extracts and aggregation was induced by different agonists including thrombin (0.5 U/mL), ADP (10 microm), epinephrine (100 microm) and collagen (5 mg/mL). The crude aqueous extract inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. At 1 mg/mL, the percent inhibition was 17.1 +/- 4.2%. Soxhlet extraction of the plant leaves with different successive solvents showed that the ethyl acetate extract exhibited the most antiaggregant effect with an inhibition of 76.8 +/- 6.1% at 1 mg/mL. Flavonoids isolated from the plant leaves, produced a strong inhibitory effect on thrombin-induced platelet aggregation with an IC(50) of 0.25 +/- 0.05 and 0.40 +/- 0.04 mg/mL for genins and heterosidic flavonoids, respectively. Flavonoids also markedly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen and epinephrine. It is concluded that Urtica dioica has an antiplatelet action in which flavonoids are mainly implicated. These results support the traditional use of Urtica dioica in the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disease.

  Effect of Urtica dioica extract intake upon blood lipid profile in the rats.:

 Aqueous (150 mg/kg/day) and to a lesser extent petroleum ether (20 mg/kg/day) extract of Urtica dioica given for 30 days to rats fed with normal or high-fat diet, improved the blood lipid profile. Significant decreases in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio and plasma total apo B were observed. Assessment of GOT, GPT and LDH activities showed that no liver damage has occurred during the study period.

  Inhibitory effect of aqueous extracts of some herbs on human platelet aggregation in vitro.:

 Effect of aqueous extract of several herbs on human platelet aggregation in vitro was investigated. Out of 28 herbs/nutriceuticals investigated, camomile, nettle alfalfa, garlic and onion exhibited most significant anti-platelet activity (>or=45% inhibition). Aqueous extracts of alfalfa, fresh nettle, and camomile inhibited ADP induced-platelet aggregation by 73, 65 and 60%, respectively, compared with control (P < 0.05). Camomile and alfalfa inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation by 84 and 65%, respectively, but nettle could not inhibit collagen-induced aggregation. In contrast, nettle was the most potent inhibitor (66%) of whole blood aggregation induced by collagen, followed by alfalfa (52%), and camomile (30%) compared with control (P < 0.05). None of these three herbs however could inhibit arachidonic acid or thrombin induced platelet aggregation. Camomile and alfalfa strongly inhibited thromboxane B2 synthesis induced by ADP or collagen, but nettle had no effect. Alfalfa and nettle increased cGMP levels in platelets by 50 and 35%, respectively, compared with the control (1.85 +/- 0.23 nM) (P < 0.005). All these data indicate that camomile, nettle and alfalfa have potent anti-platelet properties, and their inhibitory actions are mediated via different mechanisms.


  Antiviral activity in vitro of Urtica dioica L., Parietaria diffusa M. et K. and Sambucus nigra L.:

 Parietaria diffusa M. et K., Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae) and Sambucus nigra L. (Caprifoliaceae) are plants usually used in popular medicine of central Italy for treating numerous diseases, first of all Herpes zoster. Several plant products have been described as potential antiviral agents, with special attention being devoted to those having retroviruses as etiological agents, including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), in which a retrovirus, the designated human immunodeficiency virus HIV, has been clearly identified as the primary cause of this disease. The present study proposes a preliminary screening of the antiviral activity of Parietaria diffusa, Sambucus nigra and Urtica dioica preparation against the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection. The feline immunodeficiency virus is a widespread lentivirus of domestic cats sharing numerous biological and pathogenic features with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). FIV infection in cats has therefore been proposed as an animal model for AIDS studies with respect to pathogenesis, chemotherapy, and vaccine development [Pedersen, N.C., 1993. Feline immunodeficiency virus infection. In: Levy, J.A. (Ed.), The Retroviridae. Plenum Press, New York; Bendinelli, M., Pistello, M., Lombardi, S., Poli, A., Garzelli, C., Matteucci, D., Ceccherini-Nelli, L., Malvaldi, G., Tozzini, F., 1995. Feline immunodeficiency virus: an interesting model for AIDS studies and an important cat pathogen. Clinical Microbiology Revue 8, 87-112; North, T.W., LaCasse, R.A., 1995. Testing anti-HIV drugs in the FIV model. Nature Medicine 1, 410-411; Matteucci, D., Pistello, M., Mazzetti, P., Giannechini, S., Isola, P., Merico, A., Zaccaro, L., Rizzati, A., Bendinelli, M., 2000. AIDS vaccination studies using feline immunodeficiency virus as a model: immunisation with inactivated whole virus suppresses viraemia levels following intravaginal challenge with infected cells but non-following intravenous challenge with cell-free virus. Vaccine 18, 119-130]. Early studies showed that some of them presented antiviral activity against infection of FIV as assayed by syncytia formation using feline kidney Crandell cells (CrFK).

  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.:

 Background and Aims: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: 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.

  Antihyperglycemic activity of the aqueous extract of Urtica dioica.:

 When administered 30 min before glucose loading, the aqueous extract of Urtica dioica (nettle) (250 mg/kg) showed a strong glucose lowering effect. The decrease of glycemia has reached to 33+/-3.4% of the control value 1 h after glucose loading. This effect was persistent during 3 h. In contrast, nettle did not show hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The amount of glucose absorbed in a segment jejunum in situ was 8.05+/-0.68 mg in presence of nettle extract vs. 11.11+/-0.75 mg in control rats during 2 h (P<0.05). The results indicate that nettle has a significant antihyperglycemic effect in OGTT model. This effect may be caused in part by the reduction of intestinal glucose absorption. LD(50) is 3.5 g/kg (i.p.).

  Cardiovascular effects of Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae) roots extracts: in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies.:

 Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) is a plant principally used in the traditional medicine of oriental Marocco as antihypertensive remedy (J. Ethnopharmacol., 58 (1997), 45). The aim of this work was to evaluate a possible direct cardiovascular action of the plant and to investigate its mechanism of action. In aortic preparations with intact and functional endothelial layer, pre-contracted with KCl 20 mM or norepinephrine 3 microM, the crude aqueous and methanolic extracts of the plant roots, as well as purified fractions elicited a vasodilator action. Nevertheless, the vasodilator activity was not present in aortic rings without endothelial layer. In aortic rings with intact endothelial layer, the vasorelaxing effect was abolished by L-NAME, a NO-biosynthesis inhibitor, and ODQ, a guanylate cyclase inhibitor. Furthermore, potassium channel blockers (TEA, 4-aminopyridine, quinine, but not glybenclamide) antagonized the vasodilator action of the purified fraction F1W of U. dioica. The same fraction produced a marked decrease of inotropic activity, in spontaneously beating atria of guinea-pig, and a marked, but transient, hypotensive activity on the blood pressure of anaesthetized rats. It is concluded that U. dioica can produce hypotensive responses, through a vasorelaxing effect mediated by the release of endothelial nitric oxide and the opening of potassium channels, and through a negative inotropic action.


  Combined extract of Sabal palm and nettle in the treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms in double blind, placebo-controlled trial:

 A multicenter, prospective clinical trial was performed to study efficacy and tolerance of a compound drug PRO 160/120 in the elderly men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A total of 257 patients were randomized into two groups. Group 1 of 129 patients received PRO 160/120; group 2 of 128 patients received placebo. In 2-week induction blind phase of placebo the patients received for 24 weeks 1 capsule of the drug or placebo twice a day in conditions of double blind study. The double blind phase was followed by an open control period for 24 weeks when all the patients received PRO 160/120. Treatment efficacy evaluation was based on I-PSS, quality of life index, urodynamic and ultrasonography evidence. PRO 160/120 was superior to placebo by attenuating LUTS assessed by I-PSS, improved obstructive and irritative symptoms, was effective in patients with moderate and severe symptoms. Tolerance of the plant extract was good.

  Long-term efficacy and safety of a combination of sabal and urtica extract for lower urinary tract symptoms--a placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial.:

 The efficacy and tolerability of a fixed combination of 160 mg sabal fruit extract WS 1473 and 120 mg urtica root extract WS 1031 per capsule (PRO 160/120) was investigated in elderly, male patients suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia in a prospective multicenter trial. A total of 257 patients (129 and 128, respectively) were randomized to treatment with PRO 160/120 or placebo (127 and 126 were evaluable for efficacy). Following a single-blind placebo run-in phase of 2 weeks, the patients received 2 x 1 capsule/day of the study medication under double-blind conditions over a period of 24 weeks. Double-blind treatment was followed by an open control period of 24 weeks during which all patients were administered PRO 160/120. Outcome measures for treatment efficacy included the assessment of the patients' LUTS by means of the I-PSS self-rating questionnaire and a quality of life index as well as uroflow and sonographic parameters. Using the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS), patients treated with PRO 160/120 exhibited a substantially higher total score reduction after 24 weeks of double-blind treatment than patients of the placebo group (6 points vs 4 points; P=0.003, one tailed) with a tendency in the same direction after 16 weeks. This applied to obstructive as well as to irritative symptoms, and to patients with moderate or severe symptoms at baseline. Patients randomized to placebo showed a marked improvement in LUTS (as measured by the I-PSS) after being switched to PRO 160/120 during the control period (P=0.01, one tailed, in comparison to those who had been treated with PRO 160/120 in the double-blind phase). The tolerability of PRO 160/120 was comparable to the placebo. In conclusion, PRO 160/120 was clearly superior to the placebo for the amelioration of LUTS as measured by the I-PSS. PRO 160/120 is advantageous in obstructive and irritative urinary symptoms and in patients with moderate and severe symptoms. The tolerability of the herbal extract was excellent.

  Induction of insulin secretion by a component of Urtica dioica leave extract in perifused Islets of Langerhans and its in vivo effects in normal and streptozotocin diabetic rats.:

 The blood glucose lowering effect of Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle) as a medicinal plant has been noted in old writings such as those of Avicenna. Recently, there has also been other investigators that indicated the hypoglycemic effect of Urtica dioica. But so far, the mechanism of this effect has not been deduced. In this report, a perifusion system is arranged in which an exact number of Langerhans Islets were exposed to several fractions of extracts of Urtica dioica by TLC. The active ingredient fraction named F(1), caused a marked increase in insulin secretion. A simultaneous assay of glucose showed that the increase in insulin level was associated with a decrease in glucose level. Furthermore, the active component of Urtica dioica was found to increase the insulin content of blood sera in normal and streptozotocin diabetic rats that were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with the active ingredient of the extract. The in vivo studies presented in this report show that not only an increase in insulin level of blood sera was observed in rats after 30 min from the initial point of injection but a simultaneous decrease of blood sugar was detected when similar sera was tested for glucose. The increase in insulin level was six times during the 120 min of our determination. The decrease in blood sugar was found to be similar both in the level and time of initiation. On the basis of our findings, we assume that F(1) is the active ingredient of plant leaves extract. The results show that the blood lowering effect of the extract was due to the enhancement of insulin secretion by Langerhance Isletes.

  Botanical medicines for the urinary tract.:

 Four important categories of urologic herbs, their history, and modern scientific investigations regarding them are reviewed. Botanical diuretics are discussed with a focus on Solidago spp (goldenrod) herb, Levisticum officinale (lovage) root, Petroselinum crispus (parsley) fruit, and Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) herb. Urinary antiseptic and anti-adhesion herbs, particularly Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (uva-uri) leaf, Juniperus spp (juniper) leaf, and Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) fruit are reviewed. The antinephrotoxic botanicals Rheum palmatum (Chinese rhubarb) root and Lespedeza capitata (round-head lespedeza) herb are surveyed, followed by herbs for symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, most notably Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) fruit, Urtica dioica root, and Prunus africana (pygeum) bark.


  Extracts from fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata) and roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica): viable alternatives in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated lower urinary tracts symptoms.:

 Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are very common disorders in aging men. Despite the great clinical importance, many aspects of their aetiology remain uncertain although it is generally accepted that advanced age and testicular androgens are important requirements for the development of these complaints. The currently available therapeutic options include watchful waiting, changes of life style, medical treatments and invasive therapies. In many European countries the use of phytopharmaceuticals for the management of BPH and related LUTS is common and these products represent up to 80 % of all drugs prescribed for this disorder. In particularly, extracts from the fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata, syn. Serenoa repens) and the roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) are popular. During the last years numerous papers have been published which elaborated on the pharmacological activities and the clinical assessment of these herbal remedies. These investigations have not only broadened the scientific basis for the rational use of phytotherapeutics but have also provided evidence for their therapeutic efficacy and favourable safety profile.

  Combined sabal and urtica extract compared with finasteride in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: analysis of prostate volume and therapeutic outcome.:

 Objective: To test the hypothesis that in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the outcome of drug therapy with finasteride may be predictable from the baseline prostate volume and that positive clinical effects might be expected only in patients with prostate volumes of > 40 mL, using a subgroup analysis of results from a previously reported clinical trial of finasteride and phytotherapy. Patients and Methods: A subgroup of 431 patients was analysed from a randomized, multicentre, double-blind clinical trial involving 543 patients with the early stages of BPH. Patients received a fixed combination of extracts of saw palmetto fruit (Serenoa repens) and nettle root (Urtica dioica) (PRO 160/120) or the synthetic 5alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride. The patients assessed had valid ultrasonographic measurements and baseline prostate volumes of either 40 mL. All 516 patients were included in the safety analysis. The results of the original trial showed equivalent efficacy for both treatments. Results: The mean (SD) maximum urinary flow (the main outcome variable) increased (from baseline values) after 24 weeks by 1.9 (5.6) mL/s with PRO 160/120 and by 2.4 (6.3) mL/s with finasteride. There were no statistically significant group differences (P = 0.52). The subgroups with small prostates ( 40 mL were similar, at 2.3 (6.1) and 2. 2 (5.3) mL/s, respectively. There were improvements in the International Prostate Symptom Score in both treatment groups, with no statistically significant differences. The subgroup analysis showed slightly better results for voiding symptoms in the patients with prostates of > 40 mL, but there were also improvements in the subgroup with smaller prostates. The safety analysis showed that more patients in the finasteride group reported adverse events and also there were more adverse events in this group than in patients treated with PRO 160/120. CONCLUSION: The present analysis showed that the efficacy of both PRO 160/120 and finasteride was equivalent and unrelated to prostate volume. However, PRO 160/120 had better tolerability than finasteride.

  Antiproliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells by a stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) extract.:

 In the present study the activity of a 20% methanolic extract of stinging nettle roots (Urtica dioica L., Urticaceae) on the proliferative activity of human prostatic epithelial (LNCaP) and stromal (hPCPs) cells was evaluated using a colorimetric assay. A concentration-dependent and significant (p < 0.05) antiproliferative effect of the extract was observed only on LNCaP cells during 7 days, whereas stromal cell growth remained unaltered. The inhibition was time-dependent with the maximum of growth reduction (30%) at a concentration of 1.0E-6 mg/ml on day 5 compared to the untreated control. On day 4 and 6, the reduction in proliferation of LNCaP cells showed the minimal effective dose at 1.0E-9 mg/ml. No cytotoxic effect of ME-20 on cell proliferation was observed. The antiproliferative effect of ME-20 of stinging nettle roots observed both in an in vivo model and in an in vitro system clearly indicates a biologically relevant effect of compounds present in the extract.


  Urtica dioica for Treatment of Benign Prostatic HyperplasiaA Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study.:

 Purpose: To determine the effects of therapy with Urtica dioica for symptomatic relief of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Material and methods: A 6-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, partial crossover, comparative trial of Urtica dioica with placebo in 620 patients was conducted. Patients were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), Serum Prostatic- Specific Antigen (PSA), testosterone levels, and prostate size. At the end of 6-month trial, unblinding revealed that patients who initially received the placebo were switched to Urtica dioica. Both groups continued the medication up to 18 months. Results: 558 patients (90%) completed the study (287/305, 91% in the Urtica dioica group, and 271/315, 86% in the placebo group). By intention- to-treat analysis, at the end of 6-month trial, 232 (81%) of 287 patients in the Urtica dioica group reported improved LUTS compared with 43 (16%) of 271 patients in the placebo group (P < 0.001). Both IPSS and Qmax showed greater improvement with drug than with placebo. The IPSS went from 19.8 down to 11.8 with Urtica dioica and from 19.2 to 17.7 with placebo (P = 0.002). Peak flow rates improved by 3.4 mL/s for placebo recipients and by 8.2 mL/s for treated patients (P < 0.05). In Urtica dioica group, PVR decreased from an initial value of 73 to 36 mL (P < 0.05). No appreciable change was seen in the placebo group. Serum PSA and testosterone levels were unchanged in both groups. A modest decrease in prostate size as measured by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) was seen in Urtica dioica group (from 40.1 cc initially to 36.3 cc; P < 0.001). There was no change in the prostate volume at the end of study with placebo. At 18-month follow-up, only patients who continued therapy, had a favorable treatment variables value. No side effects were identified in either group. Conclusion: In the present study, Urtica dioica have beneficial effects in the treatment of symptomatic BPH. Further clinical trials should be conducted to confirm these results before concluding that Urtica dioica is effective.

  Efficacy of a combined Sabal-urtica preparation in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study:

 This re-evaluation of a double-blind placebo-controlled therapeutic study of the combined sabal-urtica preparation PRO 160/120 investigates the changes in the irritative symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) under the test substance in comparison with placebo. It was found that, over the study period of 24 weeks, the micturition symptoms frequency and urgency were statistically significantly improved under the well-tolerated PRO 160/120 in comparison with placebo. The patient's quality of life was also significantly better under PRO 160/120 in comparison with placebo. CONCLUSION: The often distressing symptoms of BPH can be effectively ameliorated already after only a few weeks of treatment with the sabal-urtica preparation PRO 160/120. In particular those patients with the stigmatizing symptoms urinary urgency and frequency benefit from such treatment.


  Purification and characterization of polyphenol oxidase from nettle (Urtica dioica L.) and inhibitory effects of some chemicals on enzyme activity.:

 Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) of nettle (Urtica dioica L.) was extracted and purified through (NH4)2SO4 precipitation, dialysis, and CM-Sephadex ion-exchange chromatography and was used for its characterization. The PPO showed activity to catechol, 4-methylcatechol, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), L-tyrosine, p-cresol, pyrogallol, catechin and trans-cinnamic acid. For each of these eight substrates, optimum conditions such as pH and temperature were determined and L-tyrosine was found to be one of the most suitable substrates. Optimum pH and temperature were found at pH 4.5 and 30 degrees C respectively and Km and Vmax values were 7.90 x 10(-4) M, and 11290 EU/mL for with L-tyrosine as substrate. The inhibitory effect of several inhibitors, L-cysteine chloride, sodium azide, sodium cyanide, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, L-ascorbic acid, glutathione, thiourea, sodium diethyl dithiocarbamate, beta-mercaptoethanol and sodium metabisulfite were tested. The most effective was found to be sodium diethyl dithiocarbamate which acted as a competitive inhibitor with a Ki value of 1.79 x 10(-9)M. In addition one isoenzyme of PPO was detected by native polacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis.

  Urtica dioica agglutinin: separation, identification, and quantitation of individual isolectins by capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry.:

 With benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) being a major health problem in ageing men, alternative therapeutic approaches (e.g., with phytopharmaceuticals) are of great interest. Based on pharmacological evidences, one of the most promising options in that respect are the lectins found in Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) roots. In this study the qualitative and quantitative analysis of individual isolectins in U. dioica extracts is described, which is the first report on using capillary electrophoresis (CE) for the analysis of lectins in plant material at all. By utilizing a 200 mM sodium acetate buffer (pH 3.75) a baseline separation and determination of four closely related isolectins was feasible within 20 min in the aqueous plant extracts. The individual compounds were identified based on reference compounds as well as data obtained from CE-mass spectrometry (MS) experiments. After modifying the optimized CE conditions to 100 mM ammonium formate buffer with pH 3.75 and a voltage of 15 kV, the isolectins were clearly assignable in positive electrospray ionization (ESI) mode. The quantitative results obtained by CE (the total lectin content varied from 0 to 0.42% in the samples) were accurate (recovery rates of spiked samples between 92.5 and 96.2%), precise (relative standard deviation < 5%) and in good agreement to those obtained by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). As for peak resolution, assignable compounds and required separation time the newly developed CE method was clearly advantageous over the determination achieved by LC.

  Evaluating the efficiency of a combination of Pygeum africanum and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) extracts in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial.:

 Objectives: In spite of its historical use, published data about phytotherapic products is characterized by the absence of well conducted studies, leading to conflictive and indefinite results about efficiency and safety of theses drugs. In that sense, we have analyzed the results of a combination of Pygeum africanum and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) extracts in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), based in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled protocol. Materials and Methods: We have selected, according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, only patients with >or=50 years, presenting urinary symptoms assessed by the International Prostatic Symptoms Score (IPSS), with minimum score of 12, and Quality of Life (QoL) index of at least 3 points, rectal examination consistent with BPH, and maximum urinary flow rate (Q(max)) between 5 and 15 mL/s. Phytotherapic and placebo groups were formed by 27 and 22 patients, respectively. The major variables analyzed during the study were IPSS variation, Q(max), and side effects. Reduction of >or=30% and >or=50% in IPSS were the parameters used to define a clinically significant response (CSR). We have also analyzed >or=30% and >or=50% Q(max) increases. RESULTS: After six months of treatment we did not observe significant differences in clinical improvement potential between the phytotherapic combination and placebo groups. Percent IPSS drop of 21.6% in the phytotherapic group was similar to 19.7% obtained in the placebo group (p=0.928). Neither we observed any difference (p=0.530) for QoL improvement between phytotherapic (9.26%) and placebo (5.98%) groups. The alterations of Q(max) followed the trend line observed in clinical data, with no significant difference (p=0.463) in Q(max) increasing percent between phytotherapic (17.2%) and placebo (13.3%) groups. The CSR evaluation of clinical and urodynamic data was also similar between the groups. Conclusion: The combination of 25mg Pygeum africanum and 300mg stinging nettle extracts produced clinical and urodynamic effects similar to placebo in a group of HBP patients.

  Aqueous extract of Urtica dioica makes significant inhibition on adenosine deaminase activity in prostate tissue from patients with prostate cancer.:

 AIM: Investigation of possible effects of aqueous extract of Urtica dioica leaves on adenosine deaminase activity in prostate tissue from patients with prostate cancer. METHODS: Ten prostate tissues from patients with pathologically proven localized prostate cancer (Gleason scores 4 to 7) were used in the study. In the tissues, ADA activities with and without preincubation with different amounts of Urtica dioica extracts were performed. RESULTS: Aqueous extract of Urtica dioica results in significant inhibition on adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity of prostate tissue. CONCLUSION: ADA inhibition by Urtica dioica extract might be one of the mechanisms in the observed beneficial effect of Urtica dioica in prostate cancer.

  Stinging nettle root extract (Bazoton-uno) in long term treatment of benign prostatic syndrome (BPS). Results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled multicenter study after 12 months:

 Phytotherapy of BPS has a long tradition in Germany; nevertheless, data referring to single phytotherapeutic agents are rare. We therefore performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study for 1 year with Bazoton uno (459 mg dry extract of stinging nettle roots) with 246 patients. The IPSS decreased on average from 18.7+/-0.3 to 13.0+/-0.5 with a statistically significant difference compared to placebo (18.5+/-0.3 to 13.8+/-0.5; p=0.0233). The median Q(max) increased by 3.0+/-0.4 ml/s in comparison to 2.9+/-0.4 ml/s (placebo), thus not statistically significantly different, as well as the median volume of residual urine, which changed from 35.5+/-3.4 ml before therapy to 20.0+/-2.8 ml and from 40.0+/-4.0 ml to 21.0+/-2.9 ml under placebo application. The number of adverse events (29/38) as well as urinary infections etc. (3/10 events) was smaller under Bazoton uno therapy compared to placebo. Treatment with Bazoton uno can therefore be considered a safe therapeutic option for BPS, especially for reducing irritative symptoms and BPS-associated complications due to the postulated antiphlogistic and antiproliferative effects of the stinging nettle extract. A strong increase of Q(max) or reduction of residual urine are not to be expected.


  Herbs for benign prostatic hyperplasia.:

 Objective: To review and evaluate the literature relative to the use of herbal therapies in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Data Sources: Literature was identified by MEDLINE, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and the International Bibliographic Information on Dietary Supplements searches and through cross-referencing of selected articles. Study Selection/Data Extraction: All articles identified from the data sources were evaluated and all information deemed relevant was included in this review. DATA SYNTHESIS: A large percentage of men >50 years old begin to experience signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Herbs hold promise in the treatment of BPH. Serenoa repens, Pygeum africanum, Urtica dioica radix, and Cucurbita peponis semen are some of the botanical therapies used in the treatment of BPH. CONCLUSIONS: There are many European studies examining efficacy, dose, and adverse effects of these plants in the treatment of BPH. However, numerous questions remain. These include issues concerning long-term beneficial and adverse effects of herbal therapy, prevention of complications, standardization of extracts, and concomitant use with "mainstream" medications. Based on the information available today, these botanical therapies can be used for treatment of a number of objective and subjective symptoms in patients with BPH, stages I and II.

  With alpha blockers, finasteride and nettle root against benign prostatic hyperplasia. Which patients are helped by conservative therapy?:

 Symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which a man has a 50% chance of developing during the course of his lifetime, should receive stage-related treatment. While Vahlensieck stage I disease requires no therapy, stages II and III are indications for medication. Established medications for the treatment of BPH in current use are alpha-blockers, finasteride, and the phytotherapeutic agents pumpkin seed (cucurbitae semen), nettle root (urticae radix), the phytosterols contained in Hypoxis rooperi, rye pollen and the fruits of saw palmetto (sabalis serrulati fructus). If the patient responds, these medicaments can be given life-long, or intermittently. The hard criterion for the rational use of drug treatment of BPH is, over the long term, the reduction in the number of prostate operations. In stage IV disease surgical measures--after prior compensation of renal function--are to the fore.

  Antiproliferative effect of a polysaccharide fraction of a 20% methanolic extract of stinging nettle roots upon epithelial cells of the human prostate (LNCaP).:

 In Germany, plant extracts are often used in the treatment of early stages of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). The effects of different concentrations of the polysaccharide fraction of the 20% methanolic extract of stinging nettle roots (POLY-M) on the cellular proliferation of lymph node carcinoma of the prostate (LNCaP) cells were determined by measurement of the genomic DNA content of the samples. All concentrations of POLY-M showed an inhibitory effect on the growth of the LNCaP cells during 7 days except the two lowest concentrations. The reduced proliferation of POLY-M treated LNCaP cells was significantly (p < 0.05) different from the untreated control. The inhibition was time- and concentration-dependent with the maximum suppression (50%) on day 6 and at concentrations of 1.0E-9 and 1.0E-11 mg/ml. No cytotoxic effect of POLY-M on cell proliferation was observed. The in vitro results show for the first time an antiproliferative effect of Urtica compounds on human prostatic epithelium and confirm our previous in vivo findings.

  The effect of extracts of the roots of the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on the interaction of SHBG with its receptor on human prostatic membranes.:

 Extracts from the roots of the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) are used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The mechanisms underlying this treatment have not been elucidated. We set out to determine whether specific extracts from U. dioica had the ability to modulate the binding of sex hormone-binding globulin to its receptor on human prostatic membranes. Four substances contained in U. dioica were examined: an aqueous extract; an alcoholic extract; U. dioica agglutinin, and stigmasta-4-en-3-one. Of these, only the aqueous extract was active. It inhibited the binding of 125I-SHBG to its receptor. The inhibition was dose related, starting at about 0.6 mg/ml and completely inhibited binding at 10 mg/ml.

  Effects of stinging nettle root extracts and their steroidal components on the Na+,K(+)-ATPase of the benign prostatic hyperplasia.:

 The effects of organic-solvent extracts of Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) on the Na+,K(+)-ATPase of the tissue of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were investigated. The membrane Na+,K(+)-ATPase fraction was prepared from a patient with BPH by a differential centrifugation of the tissue homogenate. The enzyme activity was inhibited by 10(-4)-10(-5) M of ouabain. The hexane extract, the ether extract, the ethyl acetate extract, and the butanol extract of the roots caused 27.6-81.5% inhibition of the enzyme activity at 0.1 mg/ml. In addition, a column extraction of stinging nettle roots using benzene as an eluent afforded efficient enzyme inhibiting activity. Steroidal components in stinging nettle roots, such as stigmast-4-en-3-one, stigmasterol, and campesterol inhibited the enzyme activity by 23.0-67.0% at concentrations ranging from 10(-3)-10(-6) M. These results suggest that some hydrophobic constituents such as steroids in the stinging nettle roots inhibited the membrane Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity of the prostate, which may subsequently suppress prostate-cell metabolism and growth.


  Stimulation of lymphocyte proliferation and inhibition of nitric oxide production by aqueous Urtica dioica extract.:

 The immunomodulatory and antiinflammatory activities of aqueous Urtica dioica extract were investigated for their effect on the mitogenic response of murine splenocytes and nitric oxide production by murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro. It was found that this extract stimulated the proliferation of T-lymphocytes and suppressed NO production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages without affecting cell viability.

  The effect of exercise and nettle supplementation on oxidative stress markers in the rat brain.:

 Chronic swimming training and phytotherapeutic supplementation are assumed to alleviate oxidative damage, and support cell survival in the brain. The effect of forced, chronic swimming training, and enriched lab chow containing 1% (w/w) dried nettle (Urtica dioica) leaf were investigated for oxidative stress, inflammation and neurotrophic markers in Wistar rat brains. The rats were divided into groups subjected to swimming training (6 weeks) or to nettle supplementation (8 weeks) or to a combination of these two treatments. The level of oxidative stress was measured by electron spin resonance (EPR), and by the concentration of carbonylated proteins. Nettle supplementation resulted in a decreased concentration of free radicals in both cerebellum and frontal lobe. Swimming, however, did not influence significantly the oxidative damage nor was it reflected in the carbonyl content. The protein content of nerve growth factor (NGF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) was evaluated by E-Max ImmunoAssay in the cerebellum. No changes occurred either with exercise or nettle diet treatments. On the other hand, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) binding activity to DNA increased with the combined effect of swimming training and nettle diet, while the activator protein1 (AP-1) DNA binding activity showed a more profound elevation in the nettle treated animals. The amount of c-Jun decreased by swimming training. In conclusion, the results suggest that both exercise and nettle influenced physiological brain functions. Nettle supplementation reduces the free radical concentration and increases the DNA binding of AP-1 in the brain. Nettle was found to be an effective antioxidant and possible antiapoptotic supplement promoting cell survival in the brain. Exercise, as a downregulator of c-Jun and in combined group as an upregulator of NF-kappaB, may play also a role in antiapoptotic processes, which is important after brain injury.

  Antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiulcer and analgesic activities of nettle (Urtica dioica L.).:

 In this study, water extract of nettle (Urtica dioica L.) (WEN) was studied for antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiulcer and analgesic properties. The antioxidant properties of WEN were evaluated using different antioxidant tests, including reducing power, free radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and metal chelating activities. WEN had powerful antioxidant activity. The 50, 100 and 250 microg amounts of WEN showed 39, 66 and 98% inhibition on peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion, respectively, while 60 microg/ml of alpha-tocopherol, exhibited only 30% inhibition. Moreover, WEN had effective reducing power, free radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and metal chelating activities at the same concentrations. Those various antioxidant activities were compared to standard antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), quercetin, and alpha-tocopherol. In addition, total phenolic compounds in the WEN were determined as pyrocatechol equivalent. WEN also showed antimicrobial activity against nine microorganisms, antiulcer activity against ethanol-induced ulcerogenesis and analgesic effect on acetic acid-induced stretching.

  Cardiovascular effects of Urtica dioica L. in isolated rat heart and aorta.:

 Urtica dioica L. or Nettle (Urticaceae) is widely used in oriental Morocco to treat hypertension. Aqueous extract of Nettle (AEN) also exerts a hypotensive action in the rat in vivo. The aim of this work was to characterize the specific cardiac and vascular effects of AEN. In the isolated Langendorff perfused rat heart, AEN (1 and 2 g/l) markedly decreased heart rate and increased left ventricular pressure. Higher concentration (5 g/l) even led to cardiac arrest. Although carbachol mimicked the bradycardiac effect of AEN, atropine (a muscarinic receptor antagonist, 1 micro M) did not modify the response. Beside its action on myocardium, AEN also affected vascular contractility. Indeed, AEN (0.1-5 g/l) produced a dose-dependent increase in basal tone of isolated rat aorta. This effect was endothelium independent and was abolished by 1 micro M prazosin (an alpha1-adrenergic antagonist). AEN had little additional effects when the aorta was precontracted by noradrenaline (1 micro M) or KCl (40 mM). Our data indicate that AEN produces a vasoconstriction of the aorta which is due to activation of alpha1-adrenergic receptors. However, AEN also induces a strong bradycardia through non-cholinergic and non-adrenergic pathways which might compensate for its vascular effect and account for the hypotensive action of Urtica dioica L described in vivo.


  The development of professional guidelines on the law and ethics of male circumcision.:

 This paper does not attempt to lay out the arguments relating to male circumcision for non-medical reasons. Rather, the aim is to focus more on the process and the problems of a professional body (in this case the British Medical Association (BMA)) attempting to produce any consensus guidelines for its members on an issue which clearly polarises doctors as much as it divides society as a whole. The legal and ethical considerations of male circumcision are inevitably touched upon here but are not the central issue. In 2003, the BMA published professional guidance on this subject. Some thought this a pointless exercise; others saw it as an initiative which simply failed to go far enough. Reservations centred on the fact that the BMA's guidance--like that of the statutory body, the General Medical Council--explored the issues without either firmly rejecting or accepting non-therapeutic male circumcision. Was it then a fruitless project or a brave start to grasping the nettle?

  Some medicinal plants as immunostimulant for fish.:

 Immunostimulant effects of the dietary intake of various medicinal plant extracts on fish, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), were investigated. For this purpose fish were fed with diets containing aqueous extracts of mistletoe (Viscum album), nettle (Urtica dioica), and ginger (Zingiber officinale). Food containing lyophilized extracts of these plants as 0.1 and 1% was used at a rate of 2% of body weight per day for three weeks. At the end of the experimental period, various parameters of non-specific defence mechanisms, including extracellular and intracellular respiratory burst activities, phagocytosis in blood leukocytes and total plasma protein level were examined. Specific growth rates (SGRs) and condition factors (CFs) of the fish were also measured. Plant materials tested for immunostimulatory food additives caused an enhanced extracellular respiratory burst activity (P<0.001) compared to the control group. Especially the rainbow trout fed with a diet containing 1% aqueous extract of powdered ginger roots for three weeks exhibited a significant non-specific immune response. Phagocytosis and extracellular burst activity of blood leukocytes were significantly higher in this group than those in the control group. All plant extracts added to fish diet increased the total protein level in plasma except 0.1% ginger. The highest level of plasma proteins was observed in the group fed with 1% ginger extract containing feed.

  In vitro immunomodulatory activity of flavonoid glycosides from Urtica dioica L.:

 The major compounds isolated from the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Urtica dioica L. were determined as quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (1). kaempherol-3-O-rutinoside (2). and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside (3). by chromatographic, chemical (acidic hydrolysis) and spectral (UV, IR, (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR) methods. Their immunomodulatory activities were studied in vitro by chemotaxis (Boyden Migration Chamber) and intracellular killing activity (NBT reduction) tests. Compounds 1, 2, 3 and the total flavonoid fraction were determined to have significant chemotactic effects in 4, 8, 16 microg doses. According to the results of the NBT reduction test, all flavonoid glycosides showed high intracellular killing activity. The results of both assays confirmed the immunostimulatory activity of the flavonoid fraction and the isolated flavonoid glycosides on neutrophils suggesting that they could possibly be useful for treating patients suffering from neutrophil function deficiency and chronic granulomatous diseases.

  Doctors, patients and the Internet: time to grasp the nettle.:

 The Internet, the fastest growing technology in society, has been driven by the public's hunger for fast, cheap communication. The modern patient increasingly presents to their doctor with an Internet diagnosis and treatment plan, obtained from a website with inaccurate or highly biased information. Doctors have limited access to the Internet in the workplace and often find it difficult to answer specific medical questions using routine search engines. The Internet provides an unparalleled opportunity to revolutionise medical education, bedside decision-making, patient records and communication between professionals and patients. Coordination between government, the Royal Colleges and the healthcare industry is required to develop the necessary software and hardware to help doctors and patients use the Internet to their advantage

  Nettle sting of Urtica dioica for joint pain--an exploratory study of this complementary therapy.:

 This exploratory study aims to explore the present use of the common stinging nettle to treat joint pain. Eighteen self-selected patients using the nettle sting of Urtica dioica were interviewed. Information regarding patients' use of nettle therapy was elicited, in particular mode of application, dosage and effects. All except one respondent were sure that netles had been very helpful and several considered themselves cured. No observed side effects were reported, except a transient urticarial rash. This exploratory study suggests nettle sting is a useful, safe and cheap therapy which needs further study. A randomized controlled trial is planned in collaboration with a rheumatology specialist.


  How Search Engine think about Nettle.:

nettle is one of my favorite foods
nettle is often recommended as an expectorant
nettle is marketed in europe as a diuretic and as a treatment for benign prostatic hypertrophy
nettle is the terminal emulator and telnet client for the risc os operating system
nettle is used for
nettle is a site that takes a look at the customer experience
nettle is about experience design
nettle is a highly successful plant found all over the temperate areas of the world
nettle is a wildflower and should not be dug up from the countryside
nettle is useful with the following
nettle is not a gnu program
nettle is a cryptographic library that is designed to fit easily in more or less any context
nettle is actually one of the least idle weeds in history
nettle is listed as poor
nettle is an erect
nettle is in demand as a treatment for non
nettle is a naturalized
nettle is
nettle is native to temperate regions of europe and asia
nettle is anti
nettle is a diuretic
nettle is a bristly
nettle is great for reducing pain
nettle is called a counterirritant
nettle is a fairly attractive perennial arising 30
nettle is an attractive perennial arising 70
nettle is common in the idyllwild area and usually appear in the spring
nettle is a perennial plant and common weed that grows in temperate climates throughout the world
nettle is difficult to harvest
nettle is highly regarded as a "blood builder"
nettle is a perennial plant from the nettle family
nettle is a weed commonly found in waste places
nettle is like a beast with a heart of gold
nettle is our most important natural herb
nettle is an opportunistic feeder
nettle is not sufficient therapy alone for urinary tract infections
nettle is known traditionally as a spring tonic
nettle is an old
nettle is antiallergenic and works wonders in treating hay fever
nettle is promoted for infections of the urinary tract
nettle is a plant in the mint family with serrated leaves and stinging hairs
nettle is found widely in temperate climates
nettle is a democrat
nettle is destroyed in cooking
nettle is a winter annual in interior valleys but grows throughout the year on the california coast
nettle is a perennial plant
nettle is very rich in minerals and trace nutrients
nettle is an excellent source of vitamins
nettle is used as a compress to treat neuralgia and arthritis
nettle is an herb worth using on a regular basis
nettle is a particularly damaging weed because any pesticides that kill the weed
nettle is an old folk remedy for arthritis
nettle is one of the most useful of all herbal tonics
nettle is a perennial growing to about four feet
nettle is a well
nettle is a most beneficial medicinal herb
nettle is considered a bothersome weed
nettle is unusual in its ability to live in low salinity water
nettle is considered a giant jelly; its distinctive purplish bell can reach over three feet in diameter
nettle is a member of the mint family it has a square stem
nettle is also used to control mildew
nettle is used in phytotherapy with great interest
nettle is also a tonic for the endocrine system
nettle is also an antidote for the plants own sting
nettle is added to their diet
nettle is an excellent source of calcium when brewed as an infusion; one cup can contain as much as 500 mg of calcium
nettle is known for cleansing the kidneys
nettle is a rich source of trace elements and contains formic acid
nettle is primarily a weed of landscapes
nettle is often used for plants that aren't nettles at all
nettle is also an aromatase inhibitor
nettle is unusual in its ability to live in water of low salinity
nettle is a native species in the north west
nettle is actually a member of the nightshade family
nettle is valuable as a garden companion also
nettle is one of our most unpopular weeds so it may come as a surprise that wildlife experts have been
nettle is indeed strong
nettle is making a resurgence for use as a textile
nettle is a leafy plant that is found in most temperate regions of the world
nettle is how to get rid of it
nettle is a good antihistamine source
nettle is a good illustration
nettle is a good cleanser
nettle is a native of europe and was first recorded in new zealand in 1870
nettle is named for its sting
nettle is found in coastal plains from virginia to southern florida and west into oklahoma
nettle is the name given to two types of round
nettle is thought to be an effective remedy for a wide range of conditions including
nettle is full of iron and is good for menstruating women
nettle is urtica ferox
nettle is a cryptographic
nettle is found growing on waste ground and near hedges
nettle is young
nettle is an object oriented abstraction over network socket communications


  Scientific References:

  1.Research Update:Nettle and Its Constituents.