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

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

Aim
This study sought to uncover the effects of nettle seed (Urtica dioica; UD) extract on body weight gain in rats on a high-fat diet (HFD).

Material and methods
Male Wistar albino rats (n = 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.