Effects of Urtica dioica Seeds on Oxidative/ Nitrosative Stress Levels and Myeloperoxidase Activity in Muscle Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Abstract The purpose of this study is to evaluate the preventive effects of Urtica dioica (UD) on muscle ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. A total of 27 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups as the control group (1), I/R + saline group (2), and I/R+UD group (3). Group 1 did not receive any treatment. Group 2 was administered a total of 2mL/kg saline (1mL/kg before ischemia and 1 mL/kg after reperfusion), and group 3 was given a total of 2mL of UD (1mL/kg before ischemia and 1mL/kg after reperfusion) as treatment. Saline and UD were administered via intraesophageal canula once a day for five days. At the end of five days, all the rats were exposed to muscle ischemia for 60 min followed by 60 min of reperfusion of the bilateral hindlimbs induced using a tourniquet. Muscle tissue histopathologies were evaluated by light microscopy. Furthermore, oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrotyrosine (3-NT), nitric oxide (NO), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) as an inflammatory marker in tissue samples were measured. UD treatment significantly decreased oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarker levels and MPO (p<0.05). We established that UD treatment could alleviate muscle injury induced by muscle I/R in rats by inhibiting the inflammation and oxidative/nitrosative stress

Protective effects of Urtica dioica L. seed extract on liver tissue injury and antioxidant capacity in irradiated rats

Radiotherapy is often used for the treatment of cancer. However, it causes some side effects in patients. This study aimed to determine the hepatoprotective effects of Urtica dioica L. seed-extract (UDSE) in radiation-induced liver injury. Thirty-two male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=8): control(C) group: no action was taken; radiation (R) group: irradiation was administrated at 5Gy single-fraction, radiation with UDSE(R+UDSE) group: irradiation was administrated at 5 Gy single-fraction and animals were fed pellets with 30 mL UDSE/kg; UDSE group: animals were fed pellets with 30 mL UDSE/kg. All of the experiments were performed in all of the groups over 10 days. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced-glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide-dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px), aspartate-transaminase (AST), and alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) activities were determined. Histopathological findings were also evaluated in liver tissues. SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities and GSH levels in the serum and liver were significantly increased, while MDA levels decreased in the R+UDSE group compared with the R group (P<0.05). Moreover, AST and ALT serum activities in the R+UDSE group were lower than those in the R group (P<0.05). In addition, radiation induced degenerative/necrotic changes in the R group were significantly compensated in the R+UDSE group. The results showed that radiation increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacity, as well as degeneration in the liver. However, UDSE attenuated these degenerative changes.

Isolation and Characterisation of Endophytic Strain Paenibacillus polymyxa SR19 from Urtica dioica and the Study of Their Effect against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp Tomato

In an attempt to obtain biological control agents for fusariose wilt, a total of 54 endophytic bacterial strains were isolated from the root of plants Urtica dioica and screened for in vitro antagonist activity against Fusarium oxysporum. Among the 54 bacterial isolates, 27 isolates exhibited more than 60% inhibition of mycelia growth of Fusarium oxysporum. The strain R19 which exhibited the most obvious antagonistic activity was selected for greenhouse studies. The SR19 had no pathogenicity and was identified as Paenibacillus polymyxa based on its phenotypical and biochemical properties as well as its 16S rRNA gene sequence. Growth chamber studies resulted in statistically significant increases in inoculating tomato seedling with the endophytic strain SR19 which in turn resulted in improving plant seedling stand by 32% and increasing fresh weights of root and fresh weight of aerial biomass of plants over the untreated pathogen control by 6.95 g and 7.96 g, respectively. Strain SR19 is a potential biological control agent that may contribute to the protection of tomato plants against fusariose wilt.

Isolation and Biochemical Characterisation of Endophytic Bacillus spp from Urtica dioica and Study of Their Antagonistic Effect against Phytopathogens

Endophytic bacteria have been isolated from the roots of Urtica dioica. A total of 54 endophytic bacteria were isolated from the underground parts using suitable surface sterilisation protocol. Three isolates R45a; R45b; R21a were tested for antagonism effect against Fusarium oxysporum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Rhizoctonia solani, Phytophthora parasitica in dual culture method. Significant inhibitory effects on mecylial radial growth have been revealed with a percentage superior or equal to 75%. These strains were Gram-positive rods. Cultures on nutrient agar showed irregular, entirely cream coloured colonies that are strictly aerobic and capable of forming endospore. They belong probably to the genus of Bacillus spp.

The healing effects of herbal preparations from Sambucus ebulus and Urtica dioica in full-thickness wound models

Objective To investigate the healing effects of two herbal preparations. Methods For this purpose, 106 wistar rats were divided into 9 groups including a control, eucerine, phenytoin, Urtica dioica (U. dioica) (2%), U. dioica (5%), Sambucus ebulus (S. ebulus) (2%), S. ebulus (5%), combination (2%), and combination (5%) groups. The control group remained untreated, the eucerin and phenytoin groups were considered as the negative and positive controls respectively, and the remaining groups received different concentrations of the ointments. Full thickness wounds were made. The healing process of the wounds was investigated on day 7, 14 and 21 of the experiment. Several factors including the number of fibroblasts, new vessel formation (angiogenesis), thickness of the granulomatous tissues (GT), and the overlying epithelium were analyzed. Results Among the studied groups, all of the treatment groups were significantly different from the control, eucerin, and phenytoin groups in a positive manner with regard to all studied factors (P ≤ 0.05). However, the best results were observed with the S. ebulus (2%) and the combination 2% groups (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions Topical ointments prepared from the extracts of U. dioica and S. ebulus and their combination possess strong wound healing properties. It is postulated that a synergistic effect may exist between the two extracts since the combination 2% showed better results than the sole extracts.

The healing effects of herbal preparations from Sambucus ebulus and Urtica dioica in full-thickness wound models

Objective:To investigate the healing effects of two herbal preparations.Methods:For this purpose,106 wistar rats were divided into 9 groups including a control,eucerine,phenytoin,Urtica dioica (U.dioica) (2％),U.dioica (5％),Sambucus ebulus (S.ebulus) (2％),S.ebulus (5％),combination (2％),and combination (5％)groups.The control group remained untreated,the cucerin and phenytoin groups were considered as the negative and positive controls respectively,and the remaining groups received different concentrations of the ointments.Full thic kness wounds were made.The healing process of the wounds was investigated on day 7,14 and 21 of the experiment.Several factors including the number of fibroblasts,new vessel formation (angiogenesis),thickness of the granulomatous tissues (GT),and the overlying epithelium were analyzed.Results:Among the studied groups,all of the treatment groups were significantly different from the control,euccrin,and phenytoin groups in a positive manner with regard to all studied factors (P ≤ 0.05).However,the best results were observed with the S.ebulus (2％) and the combination 2％ groups (P ≤ 0.05).Conclusions:Topical ointments prepared from the extracts of U.dioica and S.ebulus and their combination possess strong wound healing properties.It is postulated that a synergistic effect may exist between the two extracts since the combination 2％ showed better results than the sole extracts.

Effect of nettle (Urtica dioica) extract on gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in male rabbits

To investigate the antioxidant effect of an orally administered ethanol extract of nettle (Urtica dioica) and its protective role in preventing or ameliorating oxidative stress as a major factor in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in male rabbits. Methods: Twenty rabbits were divided into 4 equal groups: (G1) control group, (G2) gentamicin treated group (100 mg/kg), (G3) nettle treated group (100 mg/kg), (G4) combination treated group with both gentamicin (100 mg/kg) and nettle (100 mg/kg) for 10 days. The antioxidant properties of nettle were evaluated using different antioxidant tests, such as determination of glutathione and malondialdehyde levels and total phenolic content analysis. Results: Biochemical and histopathological study revealed that gentamicin caused nephrotoxicity observed clearly in the histopathological section of the kidney in the gentamicin treated group. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were biochemical indicators for nephrotoxicity which increased significantly in gentamicin treated group; other groups have no significant change in these two parameters. Nettle extract protected the rabbits from alteration in the level of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine when given after inducing of gentamicin nephrotoxicity. The nettle treated group showed a great effect as an antioxidant factor by increasing the glutathione level and reducing malondialdehyde level. No significant changes in biochemical parameters and no renal histopathological changes observed in the groups treated with nettle extract, which meant nettle had powerful antioxidant activity. Conclusions: Therefore, it can be assumed that the nephroprotective effect shown by nettle in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity can reserve intracellular levels of biological pathways and supportively enhance excretion of toxic levels of gentamicin.

Study on the Quality Standard of Root of Urtica dioica and Different Harvest Periods / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To study the quality standard of root of Urtica dioica and investigate the sample’s content in different harvest periods. METHODS:TLC was conducted to identify the scopoletin in the root of U. dioica with the developing agent of hexane-dichloromethane- ethyl acetate- formic acid (6∶10∶7∶1.2,V/V/V/V);alcohol-hot dipping was used to determine the con-tent;and the root of U. dioica in different harvest periods were comparatively researched. RESULTS:The lactone thin-layer chro-matogram feature was obvious,alcohol-hot dipping showed the contents of root of u. dioica was relatively high(RSD≤1%),the ex-tract content of root of U. dioica was the highest from late fall to early spring,and the stage was suitable excavation period. CON-CLUSIONS:The established quality standard can be used for accurately qualitative and quantitative,and studying different harvest periods is conducive to effectively control the quality of root of U. dioica.

Estimation of ursolic acid from Urtica dioica L. using validated HPTLC method.

Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae, leaves) is commonly used in traditional systems of medicine for the treatment of a wide range of disorders. The present work emphasizes on a validated HPTLC method for estimation of ursolic acid from U. dioica leaves and its available formulation. Chromatographic separation was achieved on silica gel 60 F254 TLC plate with toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (7:3:0.1, v/v/v) as a mobile phase. Detection of ursolic acid was carried out by derivatizing the plate with Liebermann Burchard reagent at 110°C for 10 min. Camag TLC scanner 4 equipped with winCATS software was used for densitometric scanning at 366 nm. The accuracy of the method was checked by conducting various validation parameters according to ICH guidelines. The method was found applicable to evaluate the impact of regional variation on ursolic acid content in U. dioica leaves. The research also highlights estimation of ursolic acid from a marketed herbal formulation of U. dioica leaves. The described HPTLC method was found useful for quantitation of bioactive marker ursolic acid and can be used as a routine quality control tool for the assessment of botanicals.

The preventive and treatment effect of urtica dioica on astrocyte density in the CA1 and CA3 subfields of hippocampus in STZ induced diabetic rats / Efecto preventivo y del tratamiento de urtica dioica sobre la densidad de astrocitos en los subcampos CA1 y CA3 del hipocampo en ratas con diabetes inducida por STZ

Several animal model studies have shown that Diabetes mellitus can affect on the activity of hippocampus astrocytes, but these studies reported controversial findings. This study was done to evaluate the preventive and treatment effect of Urtica dioica (U. dioica) on astrocytes density in the CA1 and CA3 subfields of hippocampus of streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Twenty-eight male albino Wistar rats were randomly allocated equally into control, diabetic, U. dioica treatment and U. dioica preventive groups. Hyperglycemia was induced by STZ (80 mg/kg/BW). One week after injection of the streptozotocin, animals in treatment group were received hydroalcoholic extract of U. dioica (100 mg/kg/BW /day) for 4 weeks by intraperitoneally. In preventive group, diabetic rats were received 100 mg/kg/BW/ daily hydroalcoholic extract of U. dioica for 5 days before STZ injection. Then, animals were sacrificed and coronal sections were taken from the right dorsal hippocampus, stained with PTAH. The area densities of the astrocytes were measured. The number of astrocytes in CA1 of controls, diabetic treatment and preventive groups was 19.00+/-5.5, 17.14+/-6.4, 21+/-8.1 and 16.48+/-3.2, respectively. The densities of astrocytes in CA3 of controls, diabetic, treatment and preventive groups were 25.45+/-7.60, 21.54+/-7.5, 23.75+/-5.6 and 19.89+/-3.8, respectively. The density of astrocytes in diabetic rats reduced in comparison with controls (P<0.05). In CA1 and CA3, in spite of preventive administration, treatment of diabetic rats with U. dioica significantly increased the astrocytes. This study showed that treatment with U. dioica extract can help compensate for the CA1 and CA3 subfields of hippocampus astrocytes in diabetic rats.

Varios estudios en modelos animales han mostrado que la diabetes mellitus puede afectar la actividad de los astrocitos del hipocampo, pero estos resultados son controvertidos. Este estudio se realizó para evaluar el efecto preventivo y de tratamiento de la Urtica dioica (U. dioica) en la densidad de los astrocitos en los subcampos CA1 y CA3 del hipocampo en ratas diabéticas inducidas por estreptozotocina (STZ). Veintiocho ratas Wistar albinas macho fueron asignadas al azar por igual en grupos control, diabético, con tratamiento U. dioica y preventivo con U.dioica. La hiperglucemia se indujo por STZ (80 mg/kg/peso corporal). Una semana después, los animales del grupo tratamiento recibieron el extracto hidroalcohólico de U. dioica (100 mg/kg/peso corporal/día) durante 4 semanas vía intraperitoneal. El grupo preventivo, recibió 100 mg/kg/peso corporal/día de extracto hidroalcohólico U. dioica durante 5 días antes de la inyección de STZ. Los animales fueron sacrificados, se tomaron secciones coronales del hipocampo dorsal derecho y se tiñeron con PTAH. Fueron medidas las densidades de área de los astrocitos. El número de astrocitos en CA1 de los grupos de ratas control, diabéticas, con tratamiento de U. dioica y preventivo con U. dioica fue 19,00+/-5,5, 17,14+/-6,4, 21+/-8,1 y 16,48+/-3,2, respectivamente. Las densidades de los astrocitos en CA3 de los grupos de ratas control, diabéticas, con tratamiento de U. dioica y preventivo con U. dioica fue 25,45+/-7,60, 21,54+/-7,5, 23,75+/-5,6 y 19,89+/-3,8, respectivamente. La densidad de los astrocitos en las ratas diabéticas se redujo en comparación con los controles (P <0,05). En CA1 y CA3, a pesar de la administración preventiva, sólo el tratamiento de ratas diabéticas con U. dioica aumentó significativamente los astrocitos. Este estudio mostró que el tratamiento con extracto de U. dioica puede ayudar a compensar los astrocitos de los subcampos CA1 y CA3 del hipocampo en ratas diabéticas.

Screening antimicrobial activity of various extracts of Urtica dioica

Urtica dioica or stinging nettle is traditionally used as an herbal medicine in Western Asia. The current study represents the investigation of antimicrobial activity of U. dioica from nine crude extracts that were prepared using different organic solvents, obtained from two extraction methods: the Soxhlet extractor (Method I), which included the use of four solvents with ethyl acetate and hexane, or the sequential partitions (Method II) with a five solvent system (butanol). The antibacterial and antifungal activities of crude extracts were tested against 28 bacteria, three yeast strains and seven fungal isolates by the disc diffusion and broth dilution methods. Amoxicillin was used as positive control for bacteria strains, vancomycin for Streptococcus sp., miconazole nitrate (30µg/mL) as positive control for fungi and yeast, and pure methanol (v/v) as negative control. The disc diffusion assay was used to determine the sensitivity of the samples, whilst the broth dilution method was used for the determination of the minimal inhibition concentration (MIC). The ethyl acetate and hexane extract from extraction method I (EA I and HE I) exhibited highest inhibition against some pathogenic bacteria such as Bacillus cereus, MRSA and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. A selection of extracts that showed some activity was further tested for the MIC and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC). MIC values of Bacillus subtilis and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) using butanol extract of extraction method II (BE II) were 8.33 and 16.33mg/mL, respectively; while the MIC value using ethyl acetate extract of extraction method II (EAE II) for Vibrio parahaemolyticus was 0.13mg/mL. Our study showed that 47.06% of extracts inhibited Gram-negative (8 out of 17), and 63.63% of extracts also inhibited Gram-positive bacteria (7 out of 11); besides, statistically the frequency of antimicrobial activity was 13.45% (35 out of 342) which in this among 21.71% belongs to antimicrobial activity extracts from extraction method I (33 out of 152 of crude extracts) and 6.82% from extraction method II (13 out of 190 of crude extracts). However, crude extracts from method I exhibited better antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria than the Gram-negative bacteria. The positive results on medicinal plants screening for antibacterial activity constitutes primary information for further phytochemical and pharmacological studies. Therefore, the extracts could be suitable as antimicrobial agents in pharmaceutical and food industry.

Urtica dioica u ortiga se utiliza tradicionalmente como medicina herbaria en el oeste de Asia. En esta investigación se estudia la actividad antimicrobiana de nueve extractos crudos de U. dioica, los cuales fueron preparados utilizando diferentes disolventes orgánicos y obtenidos a partir de dos métodos de extracción: el extractor Soxhlet (Método I), que incluía el uso de cuatro disolventes con acetato de etilo y hexano, y las particiones secuenciales (Método II) con un sistema de cinco disolventes (butanol). Las actividades antibacterianas y antifúngicas de extractos crudos fueron ensayados contra 28 bacterias, tres cepas de levadura y siete cepas fúngicas por la difusión en disco y el método de dilución en caldo. La amoxicilina se utilizó como control positivo para cepas de bacterias, vancomicina para Streptococcus sp., nitrato de miconazol (30μg/mL) como control positivo para los hongos y levaduras, y el metanol puro (v / v) como control negativo. El ensayo de difusión en disco se utilizó para determinar la sensibilidad de las muestras, mientras que el método de dilución en caldo se utilizó para la determinación de la concentración de inhibición mínima (CIM). El acetato de etilo y el extracto de hexano del método de extracción I (AE I y EH I) mostraron mayor inhibición contra algunas bacterias patógenas tales como Bacillus cereus, MRSA y Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Una selección de extractos que mostraron algún tipo de actividad se probó para el CIM y las concentraciones mínimas bactericidas (CMB). Los valores de CIM de Bacillus subtilis y de Staphylococcus aureus resistentes a la meticilina (MRSA) usando extracto de butanol mediante el método de extracción II (EB II) fueron: 8.33 y 16.33mg/ mL, respectivamente; mientras que el valor de MIC con el uso del extracto de acetato de etilo por el Método de extracción II (EAE II) para Vibrio parahaemolyticus fue 0.13mg/mL. Nuestro estudio mostró que el 47.06% de los extractos inhibieron bacterias Gram-negativas (8 de 17), y el 63,63% de los extractos también inhibieron bacterias Gram-positivas (7 de 11), además que estadísticamente la frecuencia de la actividad antimicrobiana fue de 13.45% (35 de 342), que de este porcentaje un 21.71% pertenece alos extractos de actividad antimicrobiana con el método de extracción I (33 de 152 de los extractos crudos) y un 6.82% del método de extracción II (13 de 190 de los extractos crudos). Sin embargo, los extractos crudos del método I exhibieron una mejor actividad antimicrobiana contra las bacterias Gram-positivas que las Gram-negativas. Los resultados positivos en la detección de plantas medicinales para la actividad antibacteriana constituye información primaria para la realización de nuevos estudios fitoquímicos y farmacológicos. Por lo tanto, los extractos podrían ser adecuados como agentes antimicrobianos en la industria farmacéutica y de alimentos.

Alteration of dentate gyrus astrocytes in diabetic rats: protective role of urtica dioica / Alteración de los astrocitos del giro dentado en ratas diabéticas: rol protector de urtica dioica

Diabetes mellitus can cause astrocytes alterations in the central nervous system. Urtica dioica (Nettle) is among several species listed for their use against diabetes in folk medicine. Therefore, this study was done to evaluate the protective effect of Urtica dioica on astrocytes density of the dentate gyrus in STZ induced diabetic rats. In this experimental study, 21 male albino Wistar rats were randomly allocated equally into normal, diabetic and protective (nettle treated diabetic) groups. Hyperglycemia was induced by streptozotocin (80 mg/kg) in the animals of diabetic and treatment groups. Before induction of diabetes in animals, animals in protective group received hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica dioica (100 mg/kg/BW /day) for five days intraperitoneally. Four weeks after induction of diabetes, animals were sacrificed and coronal sections were taken from the dorsal hippocampal formation of the right cerebral hemispheres and stained with PTAH stain. The area densities of the astrocytes were measured and compared in the three groups (p < 0.05). The number of astrocytes in DG area of controls was 17.72+/-6.7. The density of astrocytes increased in diabetic (24.26+/-9.5) in comparison with controls. The density in the nettle treated rats (23.17+/-5.8) was lower than diabetic rats. This study showed that the administration of U. dioica extract before induction of diabetes can not significantly help compensate for astrocytes in the dentate gyrus of treated rats.

La diabetes mellitus puede provocar alteraciones de los astrocitos en el sistema nervioso central. La Urtica dioica (ortiga) es una de varias especies incluidas para su uso contra la diabetes en la medicina popular. Este estudio se realizó para evaluar el efecto protector de la Urtica dioica sobre la densidad de los astrocitos en el giro dentado en ratas con diabetes inducida por STZ. En este estudio experimental 21 ratas albinas Wistar fueron asignadas al azar equitativamente en grupos normal, diabético y protegido (diabéticos tratados con ortiga). La hiperglicemia fue inducida por estreptozotocina (80 mg/kg) en los grupos de animales diabéticos y en tratamiento protector. Previo a la inducción diabética, los animales del grupo protegido recibieron, por vía intraperitoneal, extracto hidroalcohólico de Urtica dioica (100 mg/kg/peso corporal/día) durante cinco días . Cuatro semanas después de la inducción de la diabetes, los animales fueron sacrificados y se tomaron secciones coronales de la formación del hipocampo dorsal de los hemisferios cerebrales derechos y se tiñeron con tinción PTAH. La densidad de área de los astrocitos fue medida y comparada en los tres grupos (p<0,05). El número de astrocitos en el área del giro dentado en los controles fue 17,72+/-6,7. La densidad de los astrocitos aumentó con la diabetes (24,26+/-9,5) en comparación con los controles. La densidad en las ratas tratadas con ortiga (23,17+/-5,8) fue menor que las ratas diabéticas. Este estudio demostró que la administración del extracto de U. dioica antes de la inducción diabética no ayuda significativamente a la compensación de los astrocitos en el giro dentados de las ratas tratadas.

Effects of folk medicinal plant extract Ankaferd Blood Stopper® on early bone healing

OBJECTIVE: Several haemostatic agents are available for clinical use. Ankaferd Blood Stopper® (ABS), a mixture of five medicinal plant extracts, has been used historically as a haemostatic agent. The aim of this in vivo study was to investigate the effects of ABS on early bone healing using a rat tibia defect model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen male Wistar rats were randomized into two groups of 8 animals each. After deep anesthesia with ketamine, bone defects (3 mm diameter and 2 mm deep) were created in the right and left tibiae of all animals and either treated with 1 cc of ABS (Group 1) or left untreated (Group 2; control). Surgical areas were closed primarily. The animals were sacrificed on the 7th postoperative day and bone samples were collected from the tibias. The samples were examined histopathologically for infection, necrosis, fibrosis, new bone formation and foreign body reaction. The histomorphometric results were analyzed statistically by the chi square test, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in both groups in terms of inflammation, necrosis and new bone formation (p=0.001, p=0.0001, p=0.001). No foreign body reaction was observed in the experimental group. ABS application decreased fibrosis in the experimental group, but there were no statistically significant differences from the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathologically, it was observed that the application of ABS decreased the occurrence of inflammation and necrosis, while increasing new bone formation in early bone healing period. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary for evaluating the benefits and possible adverse effects of the application of this herbal product on wound healing.

Proliferation of the b -cells of pancreas in diabetic rats treated with Urtica dioica / Proliferación de las células b del páncreas en ratas diabéticas tratadas con Urtica dioica

This investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of the extract of Urtica dioica leaves on hyperglycemia and quantitative changes of b-cells in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Forty male Wistar rats were allocated in groups of normal, diabetic, treatment and protective. Hyperglycemia induced by administrating one dose of 80 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneally. Animals in treatment group received Urtica dioica (100 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks intraperitoneally, one week after injection of STZ. In protective group animals received U. dioica (100 mg/kg/day) for 5 days before inducing diabetes. After five weeks the animals were sacrificed and whole pancreas removed. Pancreas specimens were used for quantitative morphometric analysis after Chromealum hematoxiline - phloxine staining. The mean +/- SE of b-cells in non hyperglycemic animals in protective group was higher than in hyperglycemic animals in the same group (54.33 +/- 2.4 versus 1.25 +/- 0.5, P<0.05). Hyperglycemia was improved in 6 (60 percent) of rats in protective group and 1 (10 percent) rat in treatment group OR=0.07 (CI 95 percent: 0.0-1.1, p=0.06). The logistic regression analysis showed an association between decrease of blood glucose, increase of number of b-cells and administration of Urtica before induction of diabetes. This study showed proliferation of b-cells when of the U. dioica leaves extract (100 mg/kg/day) administrated before induction of diabetes in animal model.

Este estudio evalúa el efecto del extracto de hojas de Urtica dioica sobre la hiperglicemia y de los cambios cuantitativos de células b en ratas diabéticas por estreptozotocina. Cuarenta ratas Wistar macho, fueron distribuidas en grupos normal, diabético, en tratamiento y protector. La hiperglicemia fue inducida, por vía intraperitoneal, a través de la administración de una dosis de 80 mg/kg de estreptozotocina (STZ) . Los animales del grupo en tratamiento recibieron Urtica dioica (100 mg/kg/día) durante 4 semanas por vía intraperitoneal, una semana después de la inyección de STZ. En los animales del grupo de protección recibieron U. dioica (100 mg/kg/día) durante 5 días antes de inducir la diabetes. Después de cinco semanas, los animales fueron sacrificados y se extirpó el páncreas. Muestras de páncreas se utilizaron para el análisis morfométrico cuantitativo después de la tinción hematoxilina/floxina. La media +/- SE de células b en los animales sin hiperglicemia y en el grupo de protección fue mayor que en los animales con hiperglicemia (54,33 +/- 2,4 frente a 1,25 +/- 0,5, p<0,05). La hiperglicemia mejoró en 6 (60 por ciento) de las ratas del grupo de protección y 1 (10 por ciento) de ratas en grupo de tratamiento OR=0,07 (IC 95 por ciento: 0,0-1,1, p=0,06). El análisis de regresión logística mostró una asociación entre la disminución de la glucosa en sangre, aumento del número de células b y la administración de Urtica antes de la inducción de la diabetes. Este estudio mostró una proliferación de las células b cuando el extracto de las hojas de U. dioica (100 mg/kg/día) administrado antes de la inducción de la diabetes en modelos animales.

Effects of Urtica dioica on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of Urtica dioica on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: Thirty adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: sham group (group 1), control group (group 2), and Urtica dioica group (group 3). All the rats were exposed to hepatic ischemia for 60 min, followed by 60 min of reperfusion. In group 2, a total of 2 ml/kg 0.9 percent saline solution was given intraperitoneally. In group 3, a total of 2 ml/kg Urtica dioica was given intraperitoneally. At the end of the procedure, liver tissue and blood samples were taken from all rats. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, ceruloplasmin, catalase, paraoxonase, arylesterase, and lipid hydroperoxide levels were measured. Liver tissue histopathologies were also evaluated by light microscopy. RESULTS: Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase levels were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1, and significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2. Also, group 2 had higher serum lipid hydroperoxides and ceruloplasmin levels but lower catalase, paraoxonase, and arylesterase levels than group 1. In group 3, serum lipid hydroperoxides and ceruloplasmin levels were significantly lower, and catalase, paraoxonase, and arylesterase levels were higher than those in group 2. Histopathological examination showed that liver tissue damage was significantly decreased in group 3 compared with group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Urtica dioica has a protective effect on the liver in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion-injured rats.

Effect of Urtica dioica L extract on quantitative morphometric alterations of liver parenchymal cells in STZ diabetic rats / Efecto del extracto de Urtica dioica sobre alteraciones morfométricas cuantitativas de las células del parénquima hepático en ratas STZ diabéticas

Diabetes is associated with several structural and functional liver abnormalities that affect glycogen and lipid metabolism. In this study, an attempt was made to evaluate the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica dioica leaves on Quantitative morphometric changes in parenchymal cells of the livers in STZ diabetic rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were allocated in 3 groups: normal, diabetic and treatment. Hyperglycemia was induced by 80 mg/kg Streptozotocin intraperitoneally. One week after the injection of STZ, the third group received the hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica dioica at 100 mg/kg/day over four weeks. After five weeks, the animals were sacrificed and whole livers were removed. Liver specimens were used for quantitative morphometric analyze after hematoxylin and eosin staining. All data are shown as means plus standard errors of means and were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA test at P<0.05.The mean area of hepatocytes, nuclei and nucleolus had a decrease in periportal zone and an increase in perivenous zone in the diabetic and treatment groups. The increase of hepatocyte area in perivenous zone and reduce of nucleus area in periportal zone was significant in the diabetic group in comparison with control group (P<0.05), but were not significant between treatment and diabetic group. This study showed that administration of 100 mg/kg/day of Urtica dioica leaves extracts after induction of diabetes can cause a little modulating in the main morphometric indices of liver such as area of hepatocytes, nuclei and nucleolus in periportal and perivenous zones.

La diabetes esta asociada con severas anormalidades en la estructura y funcionamiento del hígado que afectan el metabolismo glicogénico y lipídico. En el presente estudio, se evaluó los efectos del extracto hidroalcohólico de Urtica dioica, observando los cambios morfométricos cuantitativos en las células del parénquima hepático de ratas diabéticas STZ. Se utilizaron 30 ratas Wistar, machos, conformando 3 grupos: normal, diabéticas y con tratamiento. Se indujo una hiperglicemia injectando intraperitonealmente con 80 mg/kg de estreptozotocina. Una semana después de la inyección de STZ, el tercer grupo recibió el extracto hidroalcohólico de Urtica dioica en dosis de 100mg/kg/día por 4 semanas. Después de 5 semanas, los animales fueron sacrificados y sus hígados removidos.Las muestras de hígado fueron usadas para análisis morfométrico cuantitativo y posteriormente teñidos con hematoxilina eosina. Los datos son mostrados como promedios con sus respectivas desviaciones Standard y fueron analizados con un test de ANOVA con un p menor a 0,05. El área promedio de los hepatocitos, núcleos y nucléolos tuvieron una disminución en la zona periportal y un incremento en la zona perivenosa en los grupos diabético y con tratamiento. El incremento del área del hepatocito en la zona perivenosa y la reducción del área nuclear en la zona periportal fue significativa en el grupo diabético en comparación con el grupo control (p menor que 0,05), pero no fue significativo entre las ratas tratadas y el grupo diabético. Este estudio mostró que la administración de 100 mg/kg/día de extracto de Urtica dioica después de la inducción de diabetes puede causar una pequeña modulación en los índices morfométricos principales del hígado, tales como: área de los hepatocitos, núcleos y nucléolos en las zonas periportal y perivascular.