Comparative analysis of total phenolic content and biological potential of Urtica dioica L. and Urtica kioviensis extracts

Urtica dioica L. (stinging nettle) have been used as a leaf vegetable and in a traditional medicine primarily in the treatment of rheumatod arthritis and as a diuretic [1]. Eventhough belonging to the same genus and having a lot of similarities with the stinging nettle, biological potential of U. kioviensis Rogow. have never been assesed before. Therefore, the aim of this work is to compare the phenolic content, antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase activity of a widely known U. dioica and poorly investigated U. kioviensis. The 80% methanolics extracts were made from herb and root for both species. Total phenolic content was determined with FC reagent, antioxidant capacity in the test of superoxide anion (SOA) radical neutralisation and anti-acetylcholinesterase activity by modified Ellman's method [2]. U. kioviensis herb extract had the twice higher phenolic content and expressed considerably higher capacity to neutralise SOA radicals (IC₅₀= 2.60 µg/mL) compared to the stinging nettle herb extract (IC₅₀= 155.4 µg/mL). Both root and herb extract of U. kioviensis were better inhibitors of the acetylcholinesterase with the inhibition of 92% and 77%, respectfully, compared with the 61% and 60% inhibition by U. dioica herb and root extracts. Form the obtained results it can be concluded that the U. kioviensis has a greater biological potential than its related species U. dioica and therefore, it should be incorporated in a human consumption.

Acknowledgements: This research is funded by Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development research grant Nr. 172058.

References:

[1] Upton R. Stinging nettles leaf (Urtica dioica L.): Extraordinary vegetable medicine. J Herb Med 2013; 3: 9 – 38

[2] Ellman G, Courtney D, Andres V, Featherstone R. A new and rapid colorimetric determination of acetylcholinesterase activity. Biochem Pharmacol 1961; 7: 88 – 95