STINGING NETTLE (URTICA DIOICA L.) – BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS, BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND HEALTH BENEFITS

Karolina Jakubczyk, Katarzyna Janda, Sylwia Szkyrpan, Izabela Gutowska, Jolanta Wolska

Abstract


Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) belongs to the family Urticaceae. It grows in the wild form in Asia, Europe, North America and North Africa. Stinging nettle is also a widespread ruderal plant found in Poland. Urtica dioica L., as a plant rich in biologically active compounds, is considered one of the most important plants used in phytotherapy. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated its antioxidant, antiplatelet, hypoglycaemic and hypocholesterolemic properties. Research conducted in recent years indicates the possibility of using nettle in chemoprevention, diabetes, benign prostatic hyperplasia and urologic diseases.

Keywords


stinging nettle; health benefits; phytotherapy

References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.21164/pomjlifesci.78

Copyright (c) 2015 Karolina Jakubczyk, Katarzyna Janda, Sylwia Szkyrpan, Izabela Gutowska, Jolanta Wolska

License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/pl/