Relevance of Urtica Dioica: An Ethno-Medicinal Resource from theGarhwal Himalayas in Healthcare Applications: Looking Toward theFuture

Traditional food in Uttarakhand, particularly from the Garhwal Himalayas, is deeply rooted in an ancient healing system where food and medicine often share common origins. Historical records indicate that the Garhwali people have never experienced deaths from food scarcity, underscoring the importance of their traditional dietary practices. A prominent ethnofood used during the monsoon season in this region is Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), a perennial herb belonging to the Urticaceae family. Rich in phytochemicals such as flavonoids, lignans, sterols, fatty acids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, U. dioica possesses a wide range of pharmacological properties. These include antidiabetic, antidiuretic, antiviral, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antihelmintic, anti-benign prostatic hyperplasia, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-allergic, detoxification, anti-endometriosis, and anti-aging activities. Experimental studies highlight the therapeutic potential of its components and extracts, which offer benefits through multiple molecular pathways. The documentation and continuous updating of knowledge regarding these ethnomedicinal foods are crucial for advancing research into their pharmacological potential. This could also promote local economic growth through initiatives like "Vocal for Local" in Uttarakhand's Garhwal region. This review focuses on offering a detailed examination of the medicinal properties, chemical composition, pharmacological activities, safety profile, and prospective applications of U. dioica.