Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Institute
2
Faculty Member, Forest and Rangelands Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization
3
amarlou@znu.ac.ir
4
RIFR
5
Payam
6
ewqw
10.22092/ijrfpbgr.2025.367646.1468
Abstract
Background and Objectives
Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) is a dioecious plant that has received significant attention in traditional medicine and pharmacology due to its unique medicinal compounds. Several species of nettle exist, with three species of particular medicinal interest found in Iran. The large nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is recognized as the main medicinal species because its leaves contain medicinal compounds. The ideal time for harvesting and collecting its leaves in the field is from May to September. The most critical phytochemical compounds of this plant are caffeic acid, gallic acid, vanillic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, and synergic acid. This research could enhance the understanding of medicinal and economic values of large nettle and provide strategies for its optimal utilization. This study aimed to investigate, identify, and compare the quality and quantity of the main compounds in large nettle across various habitats.
Materials and Methods
In this research, five distinct habitats were selected in Iran, and the plant samples were taken to investigate the phytochemical compounds in Urtica dioica. During the growth season, at the flowering stage, appropriate shoots from Urtica dioica were collected in five habitats from the provinces of Zanjan (Zanjan 1 and 2), Mazandaran (Amol), Gilan (Lahijan), and Tehran (National Botanical Garden of Iran). Plant samples were taken randomly in three replicates at short intervals during peak sunlight hours to preserve sample quality. To measure the phenolic compounds, a hydroalcoholic extract was prepared using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and analyzed with UV-Vis spectrophotometer and the secondary metabolites were detected using HPLC. The obtained data were subjected to one-way ANOVA for total phenol content and phenolic compounds, and Duncan's multiple range test was employed for comparison between habitats. Statistical analysis was conducted using SAS 9 software and Excel 2016 software.
Results
The highest total phenol content with a value of 0.25 mg/g DW of Caffeic acid was obtained in the National Botanical Garden sample, which significantly differed from other regions, indicating a higher antioxidant capacity of this sample than the other ones in producing phenolic compounds. The result of HPLC analysis showed the highest values of Gallic acid (4.1 mg/g DW) was found in Zanjan 2, Vanillic acid (1.67 mg/g DW) in Lahijan, and Caffeic acid (12 mg/g DW) in Amol. Both Ferulic acid (30 mg/g DW) and Chlorogenic acid (117 mg/g DW) were obtained in the National Botanical Garden sample, which were significantly higher than those for other locations. Also, the higher value of Syringic acid (16.3 mg/g DW) was obtained in the National Botanical Garden sample, but it had no significant differences with the other habitats.
Conclusion
Finally, the results of this study indicate a variation in the production of phytochemical compounds of Urtica dioica in different habitats. This variation in the amount of production can be related to various factors such as environmental conditions, soil type, humidity, temperature, and even harvesting time. Since the amounts of total phenols in the leaf extract of Nettles from the National Botanical Garden of Iran were significantly different from other habitats, it can be said that these samples have higher antioxidant properties than other habitats studied. On the other hand, the high amount of total phenols in this habitat can indicate the cultivation conditions of this plant, including irrigation, fertile soil, pest control, and also sunlight on more days of the year, all of which affect the quality and concentration of phenolic compounds. In any case, to standardize extraction and analysis processes to ensure the quality and efficacy of final pharmaceutical and industrial products, attention to this plant is essential. Moreover, public awareness and training for farmers regarding the cultivation and harvesting of Urtica dioica can enhance the quality and quantity of its production.
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