Does stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) have an effect on bone formation in the expanded inter-premaxillary suture?

•This study is the first to report effects of Stinging nettle (SN) extract on new bone formation in the midpalatal suture in rats.•Systemic administration of SN may accelerate bone formation at the expanded suture.•Systemic administration of SN may reduce the inflammation during the maxillary expansion procedure.•It may also be beneficial in preventing relapse after the expansion procedure.