Abstract
Assessment of Urtica pilulifera extracts on humeral immune response and hormones
Author(s): Ahlam H.Mahmoud, Mahmoud El Sherbiny, Abeer Y.EbrahimUrtica pilulifera L. (U. pilulifera) is an annual herb that is distributed widely in theMediterranean region. This study is an attempt to clarify the further potential biological activity of petroleumether and water methanol extract of different plant parts (herb, root and seeds) on the immunoglobulin G andMand hormones in rats. Study recorded increased levels of IgG and M in serum experimental groups with all extracts compared to controls. Themost effective extract on all parameters studied was aqueousmethanol extract (AME). The immunoglobulin G was increased by 36%and 33.9% using herb and rootsAME respectively. The production of immunoglobulin Mwas increased by 22.1 and 20.3%using herb and rootsAME respectively. Seed extract was less effective. Aqueous methanol extract of all plant parts record reduction in cortisol and increased in thyroid hormones. It showed different effects according to the plant parts and sex of the experimental animals. In conclusion, aqueous methanol extract of nettle has a positive effect on the immune system and hormones in addition to the effect of the extract as gonadotrophic hormones in rats.
