A rat model of Urtica ferox neuropathy

A case of canine poisoning with New Zealand Tree Nettle (Ongaonga,Urtica ferox)

“…Toxin injected nerves at days 5 and 14 showed a reduction in the number of myelinated fibres. The identity of the toxin remains uncertain (Kankazi et al 2010). The effect of this toxin may explain the delayed recovery seen in the case study and human patients (Hammond-Tooke et al 2007).…”

“…The foliage is covered with fine hairs or trichomes which are hollow with a tapered point, and which break after piercing the skin injecting fluid into the tissue (Kankazi et al 2010). This fluid has been shown to carry histamine, acetylcholine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (Blackman and Sumich 1966).…”

“…Initial contact is reportedly followed by local discomfort and pain (Kankazi et al 2010). Studies with Urtica thunbergiana identified oxalic acid and tartaric acid as major persistent pain-inducing toxins (Fu et al 2006), although the amount of these acids present in the sting of Urtica ferox is unknown.…”

“…While significant contact can be fatal it seems many cases recover. The case study dog and human reports indicate full recovery may take up to 14 days (Hammond-Tooke et al 2007) although experimental models indicate recovery from an unidentified neurotoxin may take 28 days (Kankazi et al 2010). To enable targeted treatment further work is necessary to identify all the toxic compounds present in Urtica ferox and their contribution to the clinical signs following exposure.…”

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“…Exposure to the concentrated extract could potentially be more severe than the typical clinical presentation. While accidental exposure to this concentrated extract could make the film very exciting, this realization of risk was particularly concerning since the active compound in this extract is unknown [1][2][3][4], thus treating this exposure would be difficult.…”