DESCRIPTION
Urtica dioica, known as nettle, is a medicinal plant in the temperate regions of the world and has gained special attention due to its pharmaceutical properties.
-The flavonoids of the nettle leaves, as well as the various phenolic compounds, make this plant a natural antioxidant that offers an antioxidant shielding system to the human body protecting cells from the toxic effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and by extension protecting the body against degenerative diseases.
-Nettle leaf extract is reported to exert anti-inflammatory protection, which is related to its inhibitory effect against the activation of NF-kB, which is the main mediator of inflammation.
-The anti-inflammatory effect of nettle seems to contribute to the relief of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis.
-Nettle is considered to be a potential antidiabetic herb, as it is effective against hyperglycemia, which is a feature of type 2 diabetes.
-It seems that nettle extract may cause an increase in insulin secretion and lower blood glucose.
-Nettle exerts an anti-oxidative effect, due to mainly quercetin, an important factor for a disease such as diabetes, because oxidative stress increases the risk of cardiovascular effects.