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PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES - TOXICOLOGY - DRUG INTERACTIONS

Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle)

Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1523), renowned astronomer, used Herba Urticae Dioicae as a remedy
for symptoms of renal colic and hematuria (Popowska-Drojecka et al., 2011). In recent years,
many therapeutic effects such as diuretic, natriuretic, hypotensive, anti-rheumatic, anti-prostatic,
and in vitro anti-oxidant effects of Herba Urticae Dioicae have been determined (Cetinus et al.,
2005). Clinical data supports the use of Radix Urticae Dioicae in the symptomatic treatment
of lower urinary tract disorders such as nocturia, polyuria, and urinary retention (WHO, 2004).

Toxicity for Radix Urticae Dioicae has not been documented in dogs and cats when administered orally in
therapeutic doses. However, there is a reported incidence of hunting dogs in the United States that were
poisoned and died after massive exposure to the stings of the Urtica species of nettle (Bassett et al., 1977).
Other reports have indicated that the effects experienced by hunting dogs appear to represent a condition other
TOXICOLOGY than contact urticaria and may be due to another plant commonly labelled as nettle, possibly Urtica 50

chamaedryoides, indicated in some literature as the “guilty” plant (Edom, 2002). In rats the oral LD of Radix
Urticae Dioicae was suggested to be >30g/kg of body weight and intraperitoneal LD to be >3 g/kg of body
50
weight (EMEA, 2011).

Equivalent toxic dose in 20 kg dog: >600 g PO of Radix Urticae Dioicae.
Equivalent toxic dose in 5 kg cat: >150 g PO of Radix Urticae Dioicae.

DRUG Validated interactions studies do not exist for Radix Urticae Dioicae preparations. Clinical
INTERACTIONS interactions with other drugs have not been reported. However, Folium Urticae Dioicae extract
significantly lowers cytochrome P450 enzymes (Ozen & Korkmaz, 2003) and can affect the
intracellular concentration of drugs metabolized by this enzyme.

Zea mays (Corn Silk)

Stigmata Maydis Zeae is the silky tassel inside the corn husk, not often considered a food, but it is
highly regarded in herbology as a valuable support for the urinary system. Stigmata Maydis Zeae
is an effective diuretic and it has been used to treat acute and chronic bladder infection, cystitis,
urethritis, and urolithiasis. Stigmata Maydis Zeae also helps to ease oedema and swelling
caused by many inflammatory conditions. In animal models, extracts of Stigmata Maydis Zeae
modify glomerular function and potassium urinary excretion (Velazquez et al., 2005).

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