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Nettle (Urtica cannabina L.) polysaccharides as a novel dietary supplement: enhancing systemic antioxidant status via modulation of the gut–liver axis

Summary

This study found that nettle polysaccharides, especially at lower doses, act as a natural supplement that boosts the body’s antioxidant defenses. The supplement works by promoting beneficial bacteria in the gut, which produce helpful metabolites that signal to the liver to enhance protective antioxidant enzymes. These findings suggest nettle polysaccharides could be a promising natural ingredient for health-conscious food products aimed at maintaining metabolic wellness.

Background

Nettle (Urtica cannabina L.) is a traditional food source with established ethnomedicinal uses, rich in phytochemical compounds. While phenolics and flavonoids have been extensively studied, polysaccharides—the most abundant macromolecular component—remain poorly characterized for their bioactive potential as functional food ingredients.

Objective

This study evaluated the effects of Urtica cannabina polysaccharides (UP) on gut microbiota modulation and systemic antioxidant activity in healthy mice. The research aimed to explore whether UP consumption beneficially affects metabolic health through the gut-liver axis.

Results

Low-dose UP supplementation significantly improved growth performance, reduced serum lipids (TC, TG, LDL-C), and enhanced hepatic and serum antioxidant capacity by reducing MDA and increasing SOD, GSH-PX, CAT, and T-AOC activities. UP enriched beneficial gut microbiota (Parabacteroides, Dubosiella), increased SCFA production, and elevated secondary bile acids (deoxycholic and taurocholic acid) in serum metabolomics.

Conclusion

UP acts as a potent metabolic modulator and safe functional dietary supplement, enhancing antioxidant function through gut-liver axis signaling via selective enrichment of beneficial microbes and increased SCFA/bile acid production. These findings support UP development as a high-value functional food ingredient for maintaining metabolic homeostasis.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Pharmacology,
  • Study Type:Animal Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41347153, DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1692189
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