the influence of extracts from the seeds of the common nettle (urtica dioica l.) on the activity of antioxidative enzymes in macrophages incubated with sodium fluoride

Chronic exposure to the fluoride ion (f), even at low concentrations, can lead to its accumulation in the human body and the development of various conditions associated with increased oxidative stress and changes in enzyme activity. the properties of the nettle have been known since ancient times and are used in folk medicine. the healing plants are used for the treatment of many diseases associated with the production of free radicals, which contribute to the development of inflammatory conditions. based on the conducted studies, it can be concluded that an extract from the leaves and roots of the nettle is not toxic. however, there is an insufficient data about the effect of the seeds of the nettle on the human body. the aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of nettle seeds on the activity of antioxidant enzymes in macrophages treated with sodium fluoride. the results demonstrate that f can increase reactive oxygen species generation in cells and lead to changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. the nettle seeds extracts had a protective effect against the f-induced toxicity.