Urtica dioica

Related Terms

3-4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran, Bazoton?, big string nettle, Brennessel (German), bull nettle, chichicaste, common nettle, dog nettle, extract of Radicis Urticae (ERU), Fragdor?, garden nettle, gerrais, grand ortie (French), grande ortie, great stinging nettle, great nettle, greater nettle, gross d'ortie, Hostid?, isirgan, kazink, Kleer?, nabat al nar, nessel (German), nettle, nettles, ortiga (Spanish), ortie, ortic (Italian), pokrywa grosse brenessel, Prostaforton?, Prostagalen?, racine d'ortie small nettle (Urtica urens), stingers, urtica, Urtica dioica, Urtica dioica agglutinin (UDA), Urtica herba/folium (dried leaves or aerial parts of U. dioica and U. urens), Urtica major, Urtica radix (root), Urticaceae, urtiga, zwyczajna (Polish).
Selected combination products: Phytalgic? (fish oil, vitamin E, and Urtica dioica), Pluvio? (avocado, soya oil, and Urtica dioica) Prostagutt forte? (saw palmetto and nettle), Prostatonin Pharmaton? (pygeum and nettle)

Background

The genus name Urtica comes from the Latin verb urere meaning, "to burn," because of its urticate (stinging) hairs that cover the stem and underside of the leaves. The species name dioica means "two houses" because the plant usually has male or female flowers.
The most common uses for stinging nettle are treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, enlarged prostate), arthritis, allergies, cough, pain, tuberculosis, urinary tract disorders, and externally as a hair and scalp remedy for oily hair and dandruff. It is also frequently used as a diuretic to increase the flow of urine, as an astringent, and to loosen mucus in lungs.
Nettle is generally regarded as safe because the plant is also used as a green, leafy vegetable. Other than urticaria ("hives") from the stinging hairs, stomach discomfort is the only reported adverse effect.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


For many years, a freeze-dried preparation of Urtica dioica has been prescribed by physicians and sold over-the-counter for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. However, additional study is needed to support the use of nettle in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

 C


For many years, a freeze-dried preparation of Urtica dioica has been prescribed by physicians and sold over-the-counter for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. However, additional study is needed to support the use of nettle in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

 C


Nettle is widely used as a folk remedy to treat arthritic and rheumatic conditions throughout Europe and in Australia. Early evidence suggests that certain constituents in the nettle plant have anti-inflammatory and/or immunomodulatory activity. More study is needed to confirm these findings.

 C


Nettle is widely used as a folk remedy to treat arthritic and rheumatic conditions throughout Europe and in Australia. Early evidence suggests that certain constituents in the nettle plant have anti-inflammatory and/or immunomodulatory activity. More study is needed to confirm these findings.

 C


In Anatolia, an herbal mixture called Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS), made up of Thymus vulgaris, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitis vinifera, Alpinia officinarum, and Urtica dioica, is used for bleeding. ABS has become an alternative agent in Turkey for hard to control bleeding that is resistant to the usual anti-bleeding agents. The effect of Urtica dioica alone is unclear. Further studies are needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


In Anatolia, an herbal mixture called Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS), made up of Thymus vulgaris, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitis vinifera, Alpinia officinarum, and Urtica dioica, is used for bleeding. ABS has become an alternative agent in Turkey for hard to control bleeding that is resistant to the usual anti-bleeding agents. The effect of Urtica dioica alone is unclear. Further studies are needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


According to a human study, a combination of amica and stinging nettle liquid and gel treated grade two burns faster than placebo. The effect of stinging nettle alone is unclear. Further studies are needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


According to a human study, a combination of amica and stinging nettle liquid and gel treated grade two burns faster than placebo. The effect of stinging nettle alone is unclear. Further studies are needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


According to one human study, stinging nettle lacked a significant difference compared to placebo in insulin sensitivity, body mass index (BMI), or waist size. Further studies are needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


According to one human study, stinging nettle lacked a significant difference compared to placebo in insulin sensitivity, body mass index (BMI), or waist size. Further studies are needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


Stinging nettle is used rather frequently in Europe in the treatment of symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). Early evidence suggests an improvement in symptoms, such as the alleviation of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with stage I or II BPH, as a result of nettle therapy. Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


Stinging nettle is used rather frequently in Europe in the treatment of symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). Early evidence suggests an improvement in symptoms, such as the alleviation of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with stage I or II BPH, as a result of nettle therapy. Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


One study has examined the effect of a mouthwash containing nettle on plaque and gum disease in healthy adults, and did not find any benefit. Further studies are required before a strong recommendation can be made.

 C


One study has examined the effect of a mouthwash containing nettle on plaque and gum disease in healthy adults, and did not find any benefit. Further studies are required before a strong recommendation can be made.

 C


According to one human study, stinging nettle had a significant difference compared to placebo in lowering inflammatory markers; however, further studies are needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


According to one human study, stinging nettle had a significant difference compared to placebo in lowering inflammatory markers; however, further studies are needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


Early studies have examined the effect of a combination product containing nettle applied on the skin. Early results do not appear to confirm nettle as an effective therapy for itching caused by insect bites. Additional study is warranted in this area.

C


Early studies have examined the effect of a combination product containing nettle applied on the skin. Early results do not appear to confirm nettle as an effective therapy for itching caused by insect bites. Additional study is warranted in this area.

C


Nettle has historically been used in several different forms to treat pain of varying origins. However, there is a lack of available scientific evidence to confirm this use and additional study is needed.

 C


Nettle has historically been used in several different forms to treat pain of varying origins. However, there is a lack of available scientific evidence to confirm this use and additional study is needed.

 C


According to a human study, Urtica dioica in combination with Serenoa repens, curcumin, and quercitin prevented recurrence of chronic bacterial prostate inflammation. The effect of Urtica dioica alone is unclear. Further research is needed before conclusions can be made

 C


According to a human study, Urtica dioica in combination with Serenoa repens, curcumin, and quercitin prevented recurrence of chronic bacterial prostate inflammation. The effect of Urtica dioica alone is unclear. Further research is needed before conclusions can be made

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older):
For allergies, 600 milligrams of freeze dried nettle capsules have been taken by mouth at the onset of symptoms for one week.
For arthritis, 50 milligrams of stewed nettle leaves have been taken in combination with 50 milligrams of diclofenac by mouth daily for 14 days.
For enlarged prostate, 1-2 capsules of Bazoton? containing 300 milligrams extract of Radix urticae (ERU) has been taken by mouth twice daily for up to six months. 459 milligrams dry extract Bazoton? uno has been taken for one year, and Bazoton? Liquidum has also been studied in doses of three milliliters by mouth twice daily for three months. 30-150 of nettle extract drops have been taken by mouth daily for six months. 120 milligrams of Urtica dioica root extract has been taken by mouth three times daily with meals for six months.
For diabetes, 100 milligrams per kilogram of stinging nettle extract (45% ethanol, 55% water, and 2.7 grams dry matter per liter) has been dissolved in a glass of water and taken by mouth in three portions daily for eight weeks.
For inflammation, 100 milligrams per kilogram of stinging nettle extract (45% ethanol, 55% water, and 2.7 grams of dry matter per liter) has been dissolved in a glass of water and taken by mouth in three portions daily for eight weeks.
For osteoarthritis, the underside of a leaf cut from fresh nettle plant has been applied to the skin to the painful area with gentle pressure for 10-30 seconds, moving the leaf twice, and applied twice daily for one week. A stinging nettle cream has been applied to the skin twice daily for two weeks, which was contained 13.33% by weight of stinging nettle extract (Liquid Phyto-Caps Nettle Leaf?) in a Lipobase? oil-in-water emulsion.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Stinging nettle may have an effect on blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Stinging nettle may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Although not well studied in humans, stinging nettle may have effects on blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that affect blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary
Many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol, and may cause nausea or vomiting when taken with metronidazole (Flagyl?) or disulfiram (Antabuse?).
Stinging nettle may also interact with 5-?-reductase inhibitors, abortion agents, agents for arthritis, agents for cancer, agents for gout, agents for inflammation, agents for pain, agents for skin disorders, agents for stomach and intestine disorders, agents that affect breathing, agents that affect the blood, agents that affect the nervous system, agents that affect the width of blood vessels, agents that affect the urinary system and kidneys, agents that promote labor contractions, agents that promote urination, alpha-1-adrenergic blockers, antibiotics, antifungals, antihistamines, antiretrovirals, finasteride, sedatives.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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