Study on morpho-anatomical and histo-chemical charaterisation of stinging nettle, Urtica dioica L in Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L., Urticaceae) is a ubiquitous herb grown in large part of the world mainly in temperate and tropical wasteland areas used as medicinal herb, fabric dye, textiles, food. The present study aims for investigation of Urtica dioica (nettle leaf) on the basis of morpho- anatomical and histochemical characterization on samples collected from Uttarakhand. The collected plant samples showed marked variation in morphological characters. The ridges and furrows were more prominent in sample A as compare to sample B and C. Medullary rays in sample B and C were more distinct and consist of about 23-30 rows of cells as compare with sample A. Raphid shaped calcium oxalate crystals were observed in all the samples. These studies revealed that present studies were significant for the characterization and identification of plants and altitudinal effects on distribution of phyto-constituents on various plant parts.