title: [Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.)--botanical characteristics, biochemical composition and health benefits].
abstract: Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) belongs to the family Urticaceae. It grows in the wild form in Asia, Europe, North America and North Africa. Stinging nettle is also a widespread ruderal plant found in Poland. Urtica dioica L., as a plant rich in biologically active compounds, is considered one of the most important plants used in phytotherapy. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated its antioxidant, antiplatelet, hypoglycaemic and hypocholesterolemic properties. Research conducted in recent years indicates the possibility of using nettle in chemoprevention, diabetes, benign prostatic hyperplasia and urologic diseases.
authors.forename: Karolina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jakubczyk
authors.forename: Katarzyna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Janda
authors.forename: Sylwia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Szkyrpan
authors.forename: Izabela
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gutowska
authors.forename: Jolanta
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wolska
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011044:Poland; D026982:Urtica dioica / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts