Stinging Nettle Root (Urtica dioica (root)): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does stinging nettle root work for prostate health?

Stinging nettle root works through multiple mechanisms to support prostate health. Its active compounds, including lignans and beta-sitosterol, may inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to prostate enlargement. Additionally, lectins in the root may modulate immune function and reduce inflammation. The root also contains compounds that can bind to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), potentially affecting hormone availability. These combined actions help explain its traditional use for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms. Evidence Level: B.

Does stinging nettle root interact with BPH medications?

Stinging nettle root may interact with medications used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, including finasteride, dutasteride, and tamsulosin. Combining nettle root with these medications could potentially enhance effects or increase side effects such as dizziness or low blood pressure. Due to its mild diuretic properties, nettle root may also amplify the effects of diuretic drugs and antihypertensives. Patients taking prescription BPH or blood pressure medications should consult a healthcare provider before using nettle root supplements. Evidence Level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for stinging nettle root extract?

The standard adult dosage for stinging nettle root is 300-600mg of standardized extract daily, typically divided into two doses. This dosage is supported by the German Commission E monograph for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms. Standardized extracts ensure consistent levels of active compounds such as lignans and beta-sitosterol. For best absorption, take nettle root with meals. Dosage may vary based on product concentration and formulation, so always follow manufacturer guidelines and consult a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations. Evidence Level: B.

Is stinging nettle root safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Stinging nettle root is considered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The root contains compounds that may stimulate uterine contractions and affect hormone levels, potentially posing risks to fetal development or pregnancy maintenance. Additionally, its diuretic effects could alter fluid balance during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should avoid nettle root supplements entirely. Note that nettle leaf preparations are sometimes recommended during pregnancy, but the root has different properties and safety considerations. Evidence Level: D.

Can stinging nettle root help with enlarged prostate symptoms?

Yes, stinging nettle root is clinically studied for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptom relief. Research suggests it may improve urinary flow, reduce nighttime urination frequency, and decrease residual urine volume. The German Commission E has approved nettle root for BPH treatment. Studies indicate it works best for mild to moderate symptoms and may be combined with saw palmetto for enhanced effects. However, nettle root does not significantly reduce prostate size and should not replace prescribed BPH medications without medical supervision. Evidence Level: B.

What are the side effects of taking stinging nettle root?

Stinging nettle root is generally well-tolerated, but some side effects may occur. Common side effects include mild gastrointestinal upset, such as stomach discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea. Some users report increased sweating. Rare allergic reactions, including skin rash or itching, have been documented. Because nettle root has mild diuretic properties, it may increase urination frequency. Side effects are typically mild and often resolve with continued use or by taking supplements with food. Discontinue use if severe reactions occur and consult a healthcare provider. Evidence Level: C.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) is an herbaceous perennial plant used primarily for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) [PMID:31163183, PMID:12522584].

Contexte

Urtica dioica is a perennial plant native to Eurasia and widely distributed across temperate regions [PMID:39861633]. While often considered a weed, it is cultivated for its medicinal applications, particularly the roots [PMID:39861633].

Usages traditionnels

It has a long history of use as a medicinal plant, as well as a food source in soups or curries [PMID:31163183].

Composés actifs

Nettle roots contain phytochemicals including phytosterols (such as $\beta$-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol), lignans (including secoisolariciresinol and 3,4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran), coumarins, sugars, lectins (Urtica dioica agglutinin), and pentacyclic triterpenoids (such as $\beta$-amyrin acetate) [PMID:39861633, PMID:36478201, PMID:31852737, PMID:7702715, PMID:7510891].

Mécanisme d'action

The anti-prostatic effects may involve the modulation of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), aromatase, epidermal growth factor, and prostate steroid membrane receptors [PMID:17509841]. Specifically, 3,4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran binds to human SHBG [PMID:31852737]. Steroidal components have been shown to inhibit membrane Na+,K+-ATPase activity in BPH tissue [PMID:7510891].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve BBenign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) / Benign Prostatic Syndrome (BPS)

A 12-month RCT showed a statistically significant decrease in International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) compared to placebo [PMID:15045190]. Another RCT reported an intermediate effect on IPSS over 12 weeks [PMID:32981268]. A combination of Urtica dioica root and Pygeum africanum bark significantly reduced urine flow, residual urine, and nycturia [PMID:7509261].

Preuve BAllergic Rhinitis

A randomized double-blind clinical trial observed a significant difference in post-treatment changes of mean IFN $\gamma$ levels between the study group (150-mg Urtica dioica) and placebo, though clinical symptom improvement was observed in both groups [PMID:29844782].

Preuve DProstate Cell Proliferation

A 20% methanolic extract demonstrated a concentration-dependent antiproliferative effect on human prostatic epithelial (LNCaP) cells in vitro [PMID:10705733].

Preuve DCognitive Dysfunction (Rat Model)

Nettle root extract significantly normalized scopolamine-induced memory deficits and improved levels of cortical and hippocampal monoamines (DA, NE, 5-HT) in rats [PMID:33405105].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Treatment with stinging nettle root extract (Bazoton uno) was considered safe, with fewer adverse events and urinary infections compared to placebo [PMID:15045190]. In a combination study with Pygeum africanum, five patients reported adverse effects, but no patients discontinued treatment due to side effects [PMID:7509261].

Synthèse des preuves

There is moderate clinical evidence (RCTs) supporting the use of stinging nettle root for improving symptoms of BPH. There is limited evidence for allergic rhinitis and significant preclinical/in vitro evidence regarding antiproliferative and neuroprotective effects.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 34885733 (2021) — Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Natural Drugs. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 39861633 (2025) — Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) Roots: The Power Underground-A Review. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 35900970 (2022) — Aqueous extracts of Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) leaf contain a P2-purinoceptor antagonist-Implications for male fertility. · PloS one
4.PMID: 31163183 (2020) — Screening of pharmacological uses of Urtica dioica and others benefits. · Progress in biophysics and molecular biology
5.PMID: 29844782 (2017) — Efficacy of Supportive Therapy of Allergic Rhinitis by Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) root extract: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- Controlled, Clinical Trial. · Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research : IJPR

Stinging Nettle Root

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Stinging Nettle Root

Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto Berry

Tribulus

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Stinging Nettle Root

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Stinging Nettle Root

Plantes associées

Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto Berry

Tribulus

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales