Characterization of the Urtica Dioica Leaf Extracts and Studies Its Effects on DNA and Sperm in Rats

This study was carried out to test the activity of the methanol-water (20:80 V/V) extract of the leaves of Urtica dioica L. on the DNA and sperms in Rat. The antioxidant activity of the extract was tested using two systems: the β- carotene spray method and measuring the coupled oxidation of β-carotene and linoleic acid. The rats were treated with the extract at 100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight, and the extracted DNA from white blood cells. The results showed the presence of good antioxidant activity in the extract through the appearance of 3 positive bands (Rf= 0.4, 0.94, 0.96) that kept the yellow color of β-carotene. This activity was also confirmed from the ability of the extract to keep the of absorbance (at 470 nm) stable, relatively high, and close to the positive control curve for BHT that shows antioxidant activity when using the coupled oxidation of β-carotene and linoleic acid. Treating the rats with the extract at concentrations of 100 and 500 mg/kg did not have the effect on the DNA, while the third concentration (1000 mg/kg) caused DNA destruction. This was clear from the appearance of DNA smear with a molecular size approximately 0.3-20.5 Kbps. The study of the effect of the extract on rat sperm, the result shows different abnormalities in sperm, especially in high dose.