Work

Comparative study of different stinging nettle preparations regarding to their immunomodulating effect on primary human T-lymphocytes

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Urtica dioica L. ( U. dioica ) has shown anti-inflammatory effects and is regarded as a potential natural agent for treating chronic inflammatory conditions. The differential effects of U. dioica preparations have not yet been investigated. The influence of nine different U. dioica preparations (teas, extracts, juice and tincture) on proliferation, apoptosis/necrosis and viability of primary human T cells were analyzed with standard methods. The effect on T lymphocytes was evaluated via cluster of differentiation (CD) 25/CD69 marker expression, degranulation assays and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Using Jurkat reporter cell lines, an influence on transcription factors was analyzed. U. dioica preparations selectively modulate T cell activation by downregulating the key activation markers CD25 and CD69. In addition, they reduce the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-2, inhibit T cell degranulation and suppress nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT)-dependent transcription. The results highlight the potential of U. dioica as a natural agent, capable to modulate T cell-mediated immune responses. The immunomodulating effect differs between the extracts and preparations due to extraction methods and used plant material. • Different U. dioica preparations selectively modulate T cell activation by downregulating CD25 and CD69. • Various U. dioica preparations showed an IL-2 suppression by inhibiting NFAT-mediated signaling. • The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects vary significantly among the different preparations, highlighting the importance of the extraction method and plant material.

Source: Fitoterapia

DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2025.107081

Authors: Adrian Wilmers, Olivier Potterat, Roman Huber, Stefanie Kowarschik

Institutions: University of Freiburg, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Basel

Language: English

Topic: Medicinal plant effects and applications

Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,950