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Wild Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) Extract Suppresses Visceral Adipose Aromatase Levels and Improves Lipid Profile in Male Obese Rats Zaenudin, Zaenudin; Tyas, Jurnalis Gempaning; Tangkari, Kabir Ardiansyah; Sutiani, Harni; Farmawati, Arta; Prasetyastuti, Prasetyastuti
Journal of Food and Culinary Vol. 8 No. 1 [Juni 2025]
Publisher : Universitas Ahmad Dahlan

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.12928/jfc.v8i1.13860

Abstract

Obesity can elevate estrogen levels through increased aromatase activity, adversely affecting male fertility. Although aromatase inhibitors are commonly used, they can disrupt lipid profiles and raise cardiovascular risks. This experimental study analyzed the effects of wild stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) extract on visceral adipose aromatase levels and serum lipid profiles in obese male rats. Twenty-five 7–8-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: normal control, obesity control, and three obesity groups receiving U. dioica extract at 125, 250, or 500 mg/kg body weight. After a 4-week intervention, blood samples were collected to measure lipid profiles, and visceral adipose tissue was harvested to assess aromatase levels. The U. dioica extract significantly reduced visceral adipose aromatase levels (p < 0.01) and improved lipid profiles in obese rats. Specifically, treated rats showed dose-dependent decreases in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol, along with an increase in HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that U. dioica extract can suppress adipose aromatase levels and ameliorate lipid disturbances in obesity.
Modulation of Caspase-3 Expression and Spermatogenic Cells by Urtica dioica Extract in Obesity-Induced Male Rats Tangkari, Kabir Ardiansyah; Tyas, Jurnalis Gempaning; Sutiani, Harni; Zaenudin; Rizal, Dicky Mochammad; Setyawan, Jajar
Indonesian Journal of Biomedicine and Clinical Sciences Vol 58 No 1 (2026)
Publisher : Published by Universitas Gadjah Mada

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.22146/inajbcs.v58i1.24429

Abstract

Obesity is associated with impaired steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis through mechanisms involving hypogonadism, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) contribute to apoptotic signaling pathways, including caspase-3 activation, leading to germ cellloss. Urtica dioica contains bioactive compounds with reported antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of U. dioica extract on TNF-α and caspase-3 mRNA expression as well as spermatogenic cell counts of the testes of obese male Sprague Dawley rats. This experimental study employed a post-test-only control group design using 25 rats divided into five groups: healthy control (C1), obese control induced by a high-fat and fructose diet (C2), and three intervention groups receiving U. dioica extract at doses of 125 mg/kg (D1), 250 mg/kg (D2), and 500 mg/kg (D3) for four weeks. The results showed no significant differences in TNF-α mRNA expression were observed between the intervention groups and the obese control. In contrast, caspase-3 mRNA expression was significantly reduced in all U. dioica–treated groups comparedwith the obese control. No significant differences were observed in the number of primary or secondary spermatocytes among groups. However, spermatid counts were significantly higher in D2 and D3 groups compared with the obese control. In conclusion, U. dioica extract demonstrated potential anti-apoptoticeffects and was associated with improved post-meiotic spermatogenic outcomes in obese rats.
Anti-Hyperglycemic Activity of Urtica dioica Extract in Obese Male Sprague Dawley Rats: Evaluation of HOMA-IR and HOMA-β Zaenudin, Zaenudin; Tyas, Jurnalis Gempaning; Tangkari, Kabir Ardiansyah; Sutiani, Harni; Farmawati, Arta; Prasetyastuti
Qanun Medika - Jurnal Kedokteran FK UMSurabaya Vol 10 No 01 (2026): Qanun Medika Vol 10 No 01 January 2026
Publisher : Universitas Muhammadiyah Surabaya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.30651/jqm.v10i01.28178

Abstract

Obesity is characterized by adipocyte accumulation that impairs glucose uptake, leading to insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and an increased risk of diabetes mellitus. Given the limitations and adverse effects of pharmacological therapies for diabetes, alternative agents are needed. Urtica dioica contains flavonoids with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may improve glucose homeostasis. This experimental study employed a pre-test and post-test control group design using 25 male Sprague Dawley rats divided into five groups: healthy control (K1), obese control (K2), and three obese groups receiving Urtica dioica extract at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kgBW (D1–D3) for four weeks. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and paired t-test. Administration of Urtica dioica extract at 500 mg/kgBW (D3) significantly reduced blood glucose (79.90 ± 2.51 vs. 177.92 ± 3.30; p<0.05), increased insulin levels (16.20 ± 0.29 vs. 12.82 ± 0.28; p<0.05), decreased HOMA-IR (3.19 ± 0.07 vs. 5.63 ± 0.14; p<0.05), and enhanced HOMA-β (351.20 ± 58.77 vs. 40.21 ± 1.63; p<0.05) compared with untreated obese controls. In conclusion, four-week administration of Urtica dioica extract effectively improved insulin resistance and β-cell function in obese rats, with the most pronounced effect observed at a dose of 500 mg/kgBW.