Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis

Abstract

A nettle (Urtica dioica) extract shows in vitro inhibition of several key inflammatory events that cause the symptoms of seasonal allergies. These include the antagonist and negative agonist activity against the Histamine-1 (H(1)) receptor and the inhibition of mast cell tryptase preventing degranulation and release of a host of pro-inflammatory mediators that cause the symptoms of hay fevers. The nettle extract also inhibits prostaglandin formation through inhibition of Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and Hematopoietic Prostaglandin D(2) synthase (HPGDS), central enzymes in pro-inflammatory pathways. The IC(50) value for histamine receptor antagonist activity was 251 (+/-13) microg mL(-1) and for the histamine receptor negative agonist activity was 193 (+/-71) microg mL(-1). The IC(50) values for inhibition of mast cell tryptase was 172 (+/-28) microg mL(-1), for COX-1 was 160 (+/-47) microg mL(-1), for COX-2 was 275 (+/-9) microg mL(-1), and for HPGDS was 295 (+/-51) microg mL(-1). Through the use of DART TOF-MS, which yields exact masses and relative abundances of compounds present in complex mixtures, bioactives have been identified in nettle that contribute to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory pathways related to allergic rhinitis. These results provide for the first time, a mechanistic understanding of the role of nettle extracts in reducing allergic and other inflammatory responses in vitro.

Urtica dioica Induces Cytotoxicity in Human Prostate Carcinoma LNCaP Cells: Involvement of Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Depolarization and Apoptosis

“…The chemical constituents of aqueous nettle leaf extracts are diverse and over 100 compounds have been described including polyphenols (eugenol, flavones), phytosterols (cholecalciferol, carnosol) and flavonoids such as quercitin and Kaempherol [15,25,26). Carnosol has demonstrated anti-proliferative activity against LNCaP cells [27] and more interestingly the compounds quercitin and kaempferol have been shown to induce apoptotic death of LNCaP cells via PARP cleavage and DNA fragmentation [28] and could be responsible for the cytotoxic activities seen in the current study.…”

Determination of protein and mineral contents in stinging nettle

“…Traditionally, in herbal medicine stinging nettle is used as a diuretic agent and for the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis. Nowadays, in form of leaves and roots extracts, stinging nettle is used as supportive therapy to help relieve rheumatic complaints and seasonal allergy symptoms [Roschek, et al, 2009], in reducing diffi culties in urination associated with early stages of benign prostatic hyperplasia [Safarinejad, 2005] [Nahata, & Dixit, 2012] [ Schulze-Tanzil, et al, 2002] and in control of glucose level in diabetes [Mehri, et al, 2011] [Sarkhail, 2011] [Namazi, Tarighat, & Bahrami, 2012]. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities [Kukrić, et al, 2012] [Gülçin, et al, 2004] [ Modarresi-Chahardehi, et al, 2012], the possibilities for decreasing of cardiovascular risks [Alisi, et al, 2008] and investigations of chemo preventive properties [Güler, 2013] [Grevsen, & Fretté, 2008] [Biesiada, et al, 2009] [Krystofova, et al, 2010] [Kowol, et al, 2011] [Biesiada, et al, 2010].…”

Protective and Therapeutic Effects of Polygonum cognatum Meissn Aqueous Extract in Experimental Colitis

“…Including the suppression of cytokine production via an inhibition of NF-κB activation by extract (36). Among these herbals, it was proposed that nettle extract has broad in vitro anti-inflammatory activities and the synergistic interactions of bioactive compounds in the nettle extract may be responsible in addressing multiple steps in the proinflammatory cascade (37).…”