The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) powder and dried nettle (Urtica dioica) seed powder was studied. In addition, the affect of the following parameters in the ORAC analysis were investigated: 1) extraction solvent (acetone/water, ethanol and acidic methanol), 2) extract dilution, and 3) addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt hydrat...

When brushed against, needles on the leaves of nettles inject a noxious toxin into the skin. However, grasping the nettle firmly bends the needles away from the skin, rendering it is less painful. The expression “to grasp the nettle” is to boldly confront an issue in order to seek its resolution. The advice warns us against half measures and is timely as we gather scientific evidence to assess ...

The transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel is one of the most well-characterized pain-inducing receptors. The purpose of this study was to predict human eye stinging of 19 baby bath and shampoo formulations by studying TRPV1 activity, as measured by increase in intracellular free Ca(2+). The NociOcular test, a novel recombinant neuronal in vitro model with high expression...