Pharmacognostical and Pharmacological Review of Urtica dioica L.

Abstract

Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) belonging to family Urticaceae, is obtained from word ‘uro’ to burn or ‘urere’ denotation to sting. It is found in the Himalayas region from Kashmir to Kumaon region (Uttarakhand.). The plant has been used in traditional system of medicines especially uses nasal and menstrual haemorrhage, eczema, rheumatism, nephritis, anaemia, diarrhoea, jaundice and epilepsy. The plant contains bioactive constituents like tannins, fatty acids, flavonoids, sterols, isolectins, proteins, and terpenes. Leaves of Urtica dioica also contain minerals such as (sodium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium) and some vitamins like vitamin B, C and K. The plant has been reported to have antiviral, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, antioxidant, anti-hypercholesterolemia, antiurolithiatic, hepatoprotective, antifungal and anti-helminthic effect. The updated review compiles the published data about the chemical constituents, pharmacognostic evaluation, ethnopharmacological uses and pharmacological activities.

Keywords: Urtica dioica L., Chemical compounds, ethnopharmacological uses, pharmacognostic, pharmacological, pharmacognostic, pharmacological activities, Urtica dioica

Cite this Article

A. Loshali, B.C. Joshi A. Sundriyal. Pharmacognostical and Pharmacological Review of Urtica dioica L. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Pharmacognosy. 2019; 6(2): 23–30p.