Roman Nettle

Urtica pilulifera · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Roman Nettle, scientifically known as Urtica pilulifera, is a distinctive member of the Urticaceae family. Characterized by its fine, stinging hairs, this plant is valued in traditional herbalism for its bioactive properties. It serves as a fascinating subject for studying natural defense mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications.

Family
Urticaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Roman Nettle
Scientific synonyms
Urtica Pilulifera F. Balearica · Urtica Chesneyana · 9 more

Names

Common Names

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Urtica balearica
  • Ortiga romana
  • Ortiga pildorera
  • Urtica pilulifera var. genuina
  • Ortiga macho
  • Ortiga de pelotillos
  • Urtica pilulifera f. balearica
  • Urtica pilulifera var. balearica
  • Ortiga romana

German:

  • Pillen-Brennnessel
  • Pillen-Brennessel
  • Pillenbrennnessel
  • Römische Nessel
  • Pillenbrennessel
  • Pillen-Brennnessel

French:

  • Ortie à pilules
  • Ortie romaine
  • Ortie a pilules
  • Ortie à pilules

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Urtica pilulifera

Synonyms

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Rosales, it is classified under the family Urticaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Urtica.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Rosales WCVP
Family Urticaceae WCVP
Genus Urtica WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across various regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be documented within the borders of Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, the species is found inhabiting territories such as Belgium and Germany. The distribution extends further south to Southwestern Europe, where it grows in the Baleares. Additionally, this medicinal plant is also located in the island region of Corse.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe Corse WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Sardegna WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Albania WCVP

Activities

Urtica pilulifera has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antitumor.

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Consensus
Antioxidant Pharmaceutical biology (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Antitumor Pharmaceutical biology (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆