Organic Stinging Nettle Seed Extract
Also known as: Stinging Nettle, Nettle, Common Nettle, Urtica dioica
Overview
Stinging nettle (*Urtica dioica*) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Renowned for its sting, which comes from tiny hair-like structures on its leaves and stems, this plant is rich in vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenes, and phenolic acids. Traditionally, it has been used for a variety of health conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), diabetes, allergies, and arthritis. Stinging nettle can be consumed cooked or taken as an extract, offering anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antioxidant effects. While research on its benefits is moderately developed, quality varies, with high-quality studies mostly focused on its impact on BPH.
Benefits
Stinging nettle is primarily recognized for its significant benefits for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A meta-analysis involving 1128 patients showed a substantial improvement in urinary symptoms with an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) reduction by SMD of -10.47, indicating strong evidence for its use in male patients with BPH. Additionally, stinging nettle has demonstrated potential in diabetes management, showing reductions in fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c values in randomized controlled trials. Secondary benefits include anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis, although clinical evidence remains limited. Overall, males with BPH and patients with type 2 diabetes stand to benefit the most from stinging nettle extracts.
How it works
The main action of stinging nettle extract is derived from its anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting NF-κB and ensuing inflammatory gene expression. It also exhibits diuretic properties, which aid urinary flow in BPH patients. Additionally, it may modulate blood sugar levels through mechanisms like insulin secretagogue activity, PPARγ agonism, and α-glucosidase inhibition, thereby benefiting diabetic patients. These biological pathways illustrate how stinging nettle interacts with both the endocrine and urinary systems, highlighting its comprehensive health effects.
Side effects
Overall, stinging nettle is considered safe for oral use in the short term. Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, constipation, and upset stomach, experienced by more than 5% of users. Uncommon reactions, occurring in 1-5% of individuals, could include skin irritation or allergic reactions upon contact with the plant. Rare side effects (<1%) have not been extensively documented, as the extract is generally well-tolerated. Caution is advised for individuals on diabetes medications due to potential blood sugar-lowering effects, as well as those on warfarin, lithium, or diuretics due to possible drug interactions affecting potassium levels. Pregnant women should avoid stinging nettle due to risks of uterine contractions and potential miscarriage.
Dosage
The effective dosage of stinging nettle varies by condition; for BPH, a common dosage is 459 mg of dry extract per day, as demonstrated in clinical trials. For diabetes management, doses have ranged from 100 mg/kg daily to 500 mg every 8 hours. As there is no established maximum safe dose, caution should be practiced above 1 gram per day. Dosing timing is not firmly established but is typically administered with meals to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort. The extract forms include both leaf and root, the former more studied for diabetes and the latter primarily for BPH. The absorption of the extract types may differ, with lipophilic extracts potentially being absorbed more efficiently than aqueous or alcohol extracts.
FAQs
Is stinging nettle safe to use?
Stinging nettle is generally safe for short-term use but may interact with medications and is contraindicated during pregnancy.
How should I take stinging nettle?
There is no standardized timing for taking it; it's usually recommended to ingest it with meals to help reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
What results can I expect?
Patients may see improvements in BPH symptoms and blood glucose control, but the degree and timing of these effects can vary.
Research Sources
- https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/11/4/483 – This systematic review provides strong evidence supporting the efficacy of stinging nettle for treating BPH, reporting significant improvements in urinary symptoms as indicated by the IPSS.
- https://www.bioline.org.br/pdf?tc16040 – The randomized controlled trial highlighted beneficial effects of stinging nettle extracts in managing diabetes, documenting significant reductions in fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-664/stinging-nettle – This source outlines various health applications of stinging nettle, summarizing its safety profile, dosage recommendations, and potential side effects.
