Comprehensive review on nutritional values of Urtica simensis Hochst. ex A. Rich

Abstract Introduction: Urtica simensis is an endemic Ethiopian nettle species. It has been used in traditional medicine to cure various ailments. U. simensis has received increasing attention for its nutritional properties as a food ingredient and fodder. This review aimed to provide up-to-date information about the nutritional profiles of U. simensis . Methods: A systematic review was conducted through electronic databases such as PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Science Direct to retrieve pertinent articles. Data were extracted from May 2024 to December 2024. Studies that did not report the outcome of interest or were irrelevant to this review excluded. Results: The U. simensis leaves contained alpha-linolenic, linoleic, and palmitic acids as the predominant fatty acids. Proximate analysis of U. simensis leaf revealed carbohydrates as the most abundant nutrient, followed by crude protein, ash, crude fiber, and crude fat. Its phytochemical screening showed high total phenol content, along with flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and oxalates. The leaves of U. simensis were rich in vitamins A, C, and E (α-tocopherol), thiamine, and various carotenoids. The plant leaves also contained essential minerals, including calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus. The addition of U. simensis leaf flour to flat bread and noodles improved their nutritional values and sensory attributes. The inclusion of U. simensis in animal diets increased feed intake, weight gain, carcass yield, and milk output in cows, goats and chickens. Conclusion: This review provides thorough information about the nutritional composition, food additive properties, and fodder values of U. simensis .