Urtica urens

Urtica urens, commonly known as the stinging nettle, is a perennial herb renowned for its potent medicinal properties. Characterized by fine, stinging hairs, it contains bioactive compounds used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation, allergies, and urinary tract issues. This resilient plant offers significant therapeutic potential in holistic healing.

  • Scientific name: Urtica urens
  • Family: Urticaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Rosales, falling into the family Urticaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by 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 specific distribution across various regions of Northern Europe. Its presence is documented in the coastal areas of Denmark and throughout the landscape of Finland. It can also be found growing within the Faroe Islands and across much of Great Britain. Furthermore, its geographical range extends to the unique environment of Iceland. These locations highlight the plant's affinity for the northernmost territories of the continent.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Føroyar WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Iceland WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP

Chemicals

Urtica urens has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Polyphenol, flavonoid, polyphenols, tannin.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Polyphenol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
polyphenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tannin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Urtica urens has 3 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Urtica urens has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include anxiolytic.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
anxiolytic 1 ★☆☆☆☆