Inhibitory effect of stinging nettle ( L.) extract on body weight gain in rats on a high-fat diet.

INTRODUCTION

The leaves and seeds of (UD) are used in folk treatments for many diseases. Anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiallergenic properties of UD have been reported.

AIM

To uncover the effects of nettle seed (; UD) extract on body weight gain in rats on a high-fat diet (HFD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Male Wistar albino rats ( = 32) were divided into 4 groups, comprising a control group, a group that received a HFD (HFD group), a group that received UD extracts (UD group), and a group that received a HFD as well as UD extracts (HFD + UD group). UD extracts were given a daily dose of 300 mg/kg of body weight orally for 75 days.

RESULTS

The HFD led to weight gain that was partially moderated by the UD extract. Histopathological findings in the HFD + UD group were uniformly significantly lower than those in the HFD group. Serum alanine transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels were significantly higher in the HFD group than in the HFD + UD group, and the HDL levels were lower in the HFD group than in the control group and the HFD + UD group.

CONCLUSIONS

The cholesterol levels were discovered to be highest in the HFD + UD group. Therefore, it was concluded that the UD extract did not completely protect the rats against body weight gain.