Abstract

THE MEDICINAL HERB URTICA DIOICA: EXPLORING ITS PHARMACOGNOSTICAL PROPERTIES AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS

*Musharraf Ahmad Khan, Sneha S. Kumare, Akash S. Jumble, Mayuri S. Pawar and Dr. Harigopal S. Sawarkar

Abstract

Urtica dioica, commonly known as stinging nettle, is a plant native to many regions and belongs to the Urticaceae family. It contains a variety of beneficial compounds, such as phenols, sterols, fatty acids, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and lignans. These substances have demonstrated multiple health benefits, including antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer properties, as well as supporting kidney and liver health, and reducing inflammation and signs of aging. This review seeks to provide a clearer understanding of its medicinal properties, chemical composition, health benefits, and safety, aiming to guide future research into its clinical potential. Urtica dioica contains important compounds such as kaempferol, isorhamnetin, quercetin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, and rutin, which possess strong antioxidant properties. These compounds hold promise for the development of new drugs to treat a range of diseases.

Keywords: Urtica dioica, Ethanomedicinal, phytochemistry, toxicology.