Chemical composition, phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Urtica urens L. leaves

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and antioxidant properties of Urtica urens L.(Uu) as well as its anti-inflammatory effect on carrageenan (CARR)-induced paw oedema in rats. Methods: The leaves were extracted using ethanol (EtOH) and water. The extracts were analysed for proximate composition and antioxidant activity using standard chemical analysis methods. Results: The proximate analysis showed that Uu leaves contained appreciable percentages of dry mass, ashes, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, sugars, anthocyanin, carotenoid and fibre. Results showed that EtOH extract contained the highest amount of total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, ortho-diphenols and flavonols. It decreased the paw oedema after CARR administration, and ameliorated the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and the malondialdehyde (MDA). Conclusions: Uu displayed a high potential as a natural source of minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidant properties. EtOH extract exhibited a significant inhibition against CARR-induced inflammation.