THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS OF URTICA DIOICA: A NATURAL RESERVOIR OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES

Аннотация

Urtica dioica, commonly known as stinging nettle, is a medicinal plant with a broad geographic distribution and a wide range of therapeutic properties. Its rich phytochemical profile—including essential vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and chlorophyll—contributes to its hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antianemic, immunomodulatory, and blood sugar-lowering activities. Both traditional healing systems and modern medicine utilize nettle for managing conditions such as anemia, hemorrhage, jointdisorders, dermatological issues, and as an adjunct in thetreatment of diabetes mellitus. It is available in multiple pharmaceutical forms, including decoctions, infusions, fresh juice, extracts, and herbal blends. Despite its demonstrated therapeutic value, the use of stinging nettle requires caution due to specific contraindications. This review highlights the latest findings regarding the medicinal applications of Urtica dioica in clinical and traditional practice. Keywords: stinging nettle, Urtica dioica, medicinal plants, phytotherapy, hemostatic effect, anti-inflammatory effect, anemia, diabetes mellitus, biologically active substances, traditional medicine, vitamins,flavonoids. Introduction Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has long been recognized in traditional medicine across various cultures for its therapeutic potential, particularly as a hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and general tonic. In recent years, scientific interest in this plant has grown, driven by extensive research into its bioactive constituents and pharmacological mechanisms [1,4,8]. The plant’s aerial parts are notably rich in biologically active compounds such as vitamins (C, K, B-complex), essential minerals (iron, calcium, zinc), flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), chlorophyll, and polysaccharides [2, 3, 14]. These compounds contribute to its diverse biological effects, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and metabolic activities. Phenolic constituents and lignans present in the leaves further support its role in immune enhancement and free radical scavenging [4, 7]. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that Urtica dioica extracts can suppress inflammatory mediators like TNF-α and IL-1β through inhibition of NF-κB activation [4, 10]. Clinical trials have reported symptomatic improvement in rheumatoid and osteoarthritis patients receiving nettle therapy [11]. A 2021 meta-analysis highlighted its ability to lower blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, largely through enhanced insulin secretion and improved peripheral insulin sensitivity [6,9]. 98,7:ROTCAFTCAPMI.SECNEICS LACIDEM ,5202, enuJ,5emuloV gro.srehsilbupcimedaca.www The plant’s antioxidant activity is largely attributed to its flavonoids and chlorophyll, which effectively reduce oxidative stress markers [1, 10, 18]. Additionally, its high iron and vitamin C content supports erythropoiesis, making it useful in managing iron-deficiency anemia[14,19]. Contemporary research has demonstrated nettle’s efficacy in various medical contexts, including:  Type 2diabetes mellitus [6,16,20]  Inflammatory joint disorders [11]  Benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) [5]  Anemia[14,19]  Dermatological and allergic conditions[3, 12] Phytochemicals in nettle have been shown to inhibit lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase enzymes, thereby reducing prostaglandin synthesis and inflammation [1, 4, 10]. Nettle also modulates alpha-glucosidase activity, helping to control postprandial hyperglycemia [6, 20], and boosts expression of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase[7, 10],which are crucial in protecting tissues from chronic oxidativestress. In vitro studies demonstrate that Urtica dioica extracts can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, particularly in prostate, breast, and gastric tissues, through induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest [4, 12, 13]. Its synergistic potential with chemotherapeutic agents has also been suggested [4]. Additionally, nettle exhibits notable antimicrobial activity, effectively suppressing pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Candida albicans, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa [12, 15]. This antimicrobial action is linked to disruptions in bacterial cell walls and inhibition of key enzymatic pathways. Immunologically, nettle enhances both innate and adaptive responses. Studies indicate increased macrophage activity, elevated T-cell and NK-cell function, and enhanced immunoglobulin production—especially IgA and IgG—after nettle administration [8, 9]. Riehemann et al. (1999) further documented its ability to suppress cytokine release and reduce ICAM-1 expression [4]. Topical applications of nettle have proven effective in treating eczema, psoriasis, acne, and seborrhea. Its antibacterial action against Propionibacterium acnes and its inflammation- reducing effect make it valuable in dermatological therapy [10, 17]. Nettle-based cosmetic products—such as shampoos, tonics, and ointments—are used