In-Vitro Assessment of the Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antidiabetic Properties of the Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle) in Organized Chemical and Cell-Based Models

Abstract

Various studies have shown that plants are capable of producing diverse chemical substances that perform vital biological roles, including protection from predators like insects, fungi, and plant-eating mammals. This study evaluated the in-vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities of U. dioica leaf extract. Antioxidant potential was assessed using DPPH, nitric oxide [NO], hydroxyl radical [HO•], and hydrogen peroxide [H₂O₂] scavenging assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined by membrane stabilization, protein denaturation inhibition, and protease inhibitory assays. Antidiabetic potential was evaluated using the glucose uptake inhibition assay. Butylated Hydroxytoluene [BHT], Diclofenac sodium, and Metronidazole were used as standards. The extract exhibited significant, dose-dependent activity in all assays. For antioxidant activity, IC50 values were DPPH = 65.81 µg/mL, NO = 34.18 µg/mL, HO• = 18.13 µg/mL, and H₂O₂ = 42.21 µg/mL. For anti-inflammatory activity, IC50 values were: membrane stabilization = 66.41 µg/mL, protein denaturation = 62.89 µg/mL, and protease inhibition = 52.02 µg/mL. The extract also showed glucose uptake inhibitory activity with an IC50 of 96.83 µg/mL. While the standards showed higher potency, the results indicate that U. dioica possesses broad-spectrum bioactivity, likely due to its flavonoid and phenolic content. The findings validate the traditional use of U. dioica and suggest its potential as a natural source of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic agents for therapeutic development.