Pharmacological applications of Urtica dioica: a comprehensive review of its traditional use and modern scientific evidence
Md. Alimoddin, S. Jayakumari, Butool Fatima, Nadeem Hasan, Sadat Ali, Farheen Sami, Sajid Ali, Rajesh Sreedharan Nair, Mohammed T Ansari
Abstract
This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical constituents, traditional uses, and pharmacological applications of Urtica dioica (UD), commonly known as stinging nettle. An extensive literature search was conducted to identify 278 relevant articles. After eliminating 38 duplicates, we thoroughly analysed the remaining 240 articles by examining their titles and abstracts. Finally, 126 articles were selected for inclusion in this comprehensive study on UD. This review explores the plant identifiable characteristics, geographical distribution and taxonomic classification. The phytochemicals found in plants include sterols, fatty acids, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, lignans, and essential oils, all of which contribute to their medicinal and therapeutic properties. It exhibits a broad range of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic, antiurolithiatic, neuroprotective, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, and anticancer effects. UD leaves contain high levels of antioxidants, which may be useful for the treatment of breast cancer by inducing apoptosis. UD extracts exert a protective function by regulating blood glucose levels and β-cell activity, exhibiting insulin-like effects. It also inhibits pro-inflammatory pathways and demonstrates hepatoprotective properties following hepatectomy. UD extract inhibits the proliferation and migration of cancer cells and displays antiviral activity against rotavirus and feline immunodeficiency virus. Furthermore, UD is effective in treating chronic conditions, such as prostatitis, dandruff, and osteoarthritis, thereby reducing the need for conventional medications. The diverse uses and biological properties of UD make it a subject of interest for future research. • Urtica dioica (UD), also known as stinging nettle, has a wide range of pharmacological effects. • UD leaves are rich in antioxidants potentially aiding breast cancer treatment via apoptosis. • UD inhibits inflammation demonstrates hepatoprotective properties. • UD extract inhibits cancer cells proliferation, migration and shows antiviral activity. • UD regulates blood glucose levels and β-cell activity, exhibiting insulin-like effects.