Fatty acids and carotenoids from Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.)

Several parts (leaves at different maturity stages, stems, roots and seeds) of an edible wild vegetable, Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) were analysed for fatty acids by GLC and carotenoids by reversed-phase HPLC and gradient elution. α-linolenic acid was the pre-dominant fatty acid in leaves, while seeds were richer in linoleic acid. Nine carotenoids were identified in the leaves. For all leaf maturity levels, lutein, lutein isomers, β-carotene and β-carotene isomers were the major carotenoids. Neoxanthin, violaxanthin and lycopene were also important contributors in specific leaf maturity stages.