Abstract: (10248 Views)
Background and purpose: Medicinal plants have gained much interest in today’s world because they have fewer adverse effects compared to chemical drugs. Urtica dioica L could be used in treatment of some chronic diseases. This study aimed at investigating its treatment properties in vitro.
Materials and methods: Different parts of the plant were collected and the extract was prepared using maceration and percolation. The antibacterial effects of the plant were identified using disk diffusion method. The MIC and MBC values were determined using dilution method against Listeria Monocytogenes (PTCC 1294), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Proteus vulgaris (ATCC 13315), Kellebsiella pneumoniae (PTCC 1053), and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231). The major components in the extract were identified by Gas Chromatography (GC). The extract consisted of 20 different combinations, including Neophytadiene (21.25%), Phthaleic acid (15.8%), phthalate Dibutyl (37.7%), maleate Bis (2-ethyl hexyl 32.6%), and 1,2 - Benzenedicarboxylic acid (62.7%). The amount of these compounds were higher in leaves.
Results: The aqueous extract obtained from different organs of Urtica dioica L was found to have more antibacterial effect (the leaf and root at dilution of 5 mg /ml) compared to those of the alcoholic extract. In different dilutions, it also exhibited more antifungal effect on Candida albicans.
Conclusion: According to this study, Urtica dioica has antibacterial and antifungal properties, therefore, it could be used against a broad spectrum of microorganisms.