Authors: Tia Dudley, Ty Erickson
Mentors: Matthew Weeg, Mary Jo Tufte
Insitution: Southern Utah University
The pharmacological investigation of plant essential oils has been expanding due to their suspected health implications. Research supports that plant essential oils have cardiovascular benefits, including reducing blood pressure and managing hypertension. Our research centers on stinging nettle and its effect on the vasculature in frogs. Existing evidence shows that stinging nettle can be used to treat hypertension, a disease intensified by vasoconstriction. Our study aims to investigate if stinging nettle causes a relaxation in smooth muscle and vasodilation. We administered stinging nettle on the vasculature in frogs and measured the diameter of the blood vessels before, during, and after the application. Results show that the application of stinging nettle has a vasodilating effect on some of the smaller blood vessels. The vasodilation is a potential mechanism for the anti-hypertensive effects of stinging nettle. These findings illustrate a probable avenue in cardiovascular medicine and highlight the potential of plant oils in reshaping the landscape of modern health.