Healing capacities of nettles: Dendrocnide, Girardinia, Laportea, and Urtica

Abstract

Introduction: Dendrocnide, Girardinia, Laportea, and Urtica are members of the stinging nettle family (Urticaceae) that have fine stinging needles on their aerial parts. Particular members of the first three genera are endemic to Indonesia and known as itchy leaves (local name: daun gatal or jelatang). However, Urtica is not endemic and widespread in many countries. This review aims to decipher the bioactive compounds and healing capacity properties of Dendrocnide, Laportea, and Girardinia compared with Urtica. Methods: Scientific articles were searched and screened from PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and the scientific repository collection of several Indonesian Universities. Results: Dendrocnide is the only reported genus that produced pain-causing peptides, namely moroidin and gympietides. In addition, Urtica ferox also produces pain-causing peptides, namely Δ-Uf1a and β/δ-Uf2a. These peptides determine the pain level of the contacted tissue. All genera possess various phenolic acids and flavonoids, with Urtica being the most reported. Limited reports on alkaloids, steroids, saponin, and fatty acids are available for Laportea and Urtica. The healing capacity properties of the four genera include antidiabetic, antiulcer, antibacterial, cardiovascular-related activities, brain disorder, allergic rhinitis-related activities, and anticancer activities. Conclusion/discussion: Learning from Urtica, three endemic species of Dendrocnide, Laportea, and Girardinia are excellent herbal materials that may mimic the healing capacity of Urtica.

Keywords

• Bedor
• Daun gatal
• Jelatang
• Kemaduh
• Pain-causing peptide