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

Urticaria due to Urtica dioica in a neonate.

Urticaria is one of the most common dermatoses during the childhood, but it is very rare in the neonates. A 17-day-old infant with a generalized urticaria was admitted to our pediatric emergency unit. The mother of the infant reported having applied water boiled with stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) onto her nipples twice a day (before and after each breastfeeding) for 2 days in order to heal her nipple cracks. Serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and specific IgE levels for stinging nettle were high in the infant and the mother. The rashes began to regress within the first day of the hospitalization and disappeared completely on the second day without treatment. The skin prick test with the water boiled with stinging nettle was positive for the infant with significant induration, but not for the mother. Conclusion Reporting the first urticaria case in newborns due to stinging nettle, the authors suggest that breastfeeding mothers should always consult a physician before using skincare products.

[Associating Serenoa repens, Urtica dioica and Pinus pinaster. Safety and efficacy in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms. Prospective study on 320 patients]. / Associazione di Serenoa repens, Urtica dioica e Pinus pinaster. Sicurezza ed efficacia nel trattamento dei sintomi del basso tratto urinario. Studio prospettico su 320 pazienti.

INTRODUCTION: Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) has been employed for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) for several years. Its mechanism of action is believed to be due to antiandrogenic, antiproliferative and antinflammatory properties. An association of Serenoa with the nettle "Urtica dioica" showing antiproliferative activity and the pine "Pinus pinaster" derivative, showing antinflammatory action, has been proposed in recent years. Such an action is hoped to act not only by reducing LUTS but also by preventing the development of prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the years 2007 and 2008, 320 patients suffering from LUTS were treated with an association of Serenoa repens 320 mg, Urtica dioica 120 mg and Pinus pinaster 5 mg, named IPBTRE. This treatment was administered to all patients for a minimal duration of 30 days to a maximum of a year, either alone or in association with antibiotics or alpha-blockers, if needed. Outcome analysis was based on evaluation of symptoms, prostate volume and maximum flow rate (Qmax). RESULTS: From a careful analysis of the data collected in our database, the following observations can be made: ages varied between 19 and 78 years. The patients were affected by BPH in 46% of cases, chronic prostatitis syndrome in 43%, chronic genital-pelvic pain in 7% and other conditions in 4%, the absolute numbers being 147, 138, 22 and 7 patients, respectively. No untoward side effect was reported in any case. Variations in symptom score could be fully evaluated only in 80 of 320 patients (25%), of whom 68 (85%) reported a significant benefit, with special reference to an improvement of pain, urgency, strangury and nocturia. Data on variations in prostate volume, as measured by digital rectal examination, were available in 84 (26.5%) patients. No significant change was observed. Qmax after treatment was measured in 83 (26%) patients. It did not show significant changes from the initial values. DISCUSSION: The association tested in our study appeared to be safe and well tolerated. No changes in flow rate and prostate volume were observed, but a marked reduction of LUTS was observed in 85% of evaluable cases, especially with regard to pain and irritative symptoms. Whether or not such an association may display a prevention of prostate cancer, may be investigated in additional studies.

Hypoglycaemia related to ingestion of a herbal remedy.

We present the case of a 78-year-old diabetic man who was brought to the emergency department because of an episode of hypoglycaemia after taking a herbal remedy for benign prostatic hypertrophy. Patients with multiple comorbidities may well take nonprescribed medication, including herbal remedies, with deleterious effects. If physicians do not specifically ask patients about alternative and complementary medicines, they may be missed.

Gynaecomastia in a man and hyperoestrogenism in a woman due to ingestion of nettle (Urtica dioica).

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is commonly sold as a herbal tea in Turkey. We report a case of gynaecomastia in a man (in which the only aetiologic factor identified was nettle tea consumption) and a case of galactorrhoea in a woman (in which the only aetiologic factor identified was also nettle tea ingestion).

Stinging nettle dermatitis.

The stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a common weed that can cause a wide range of cutaneous reactions. Contact with the hairs or spines on the stems and leaves of the stinging nettle causes the release of several biologically active substances. The released chemicals act to cause itching, dermatitis, and urticaria within moments of contact. Extracts from the stinging nettle may provide therapeutic value for some inflammatory medical conditions. There is no standard treatment for stinging nettle dermatitis.