Sengling Nettle Extract
Also known as: Stinging nettle, Common nettle, Sengling nettle, Urtica dioica
Overview
Urtica dioica, commonly known as stinging nettle, is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Its leaves, roots, and stems have been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, including pain relief, urinary tract health, allergies, and as an anti-inflammatory agent. The extract is not a single compound but contains a complex mixture of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, sterols, and polysaccharides. While known for its stinging hairs that release irritants upon contact in its raw form, the processed extract is generally well-tolerated. Research on Urtica dioica is moderate, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses supporting its use, particularly for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, evidence for other indications can be mixed, with varying quality and consistency across studies.
Benefits
Urtica dioica extract shows significant benefits for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). A meta-analysis of five RCTs involving 1128 participants demonstrated a clinically significant reduction in lower urinary tract symptoms, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -10.47 (95% CI: -18.12 to -2.82, p=0.007) in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). This indicates a large and meaningful effect size for BPH patients, with benefits typically observed within weeks to months. For glycemic control, one RCT (n=50) found that nettle supplementation reduced fasting blood sugar (FBS) in type 2 diabetes patients, suggesting a potential benefit, though larger studies are needed for confirmation. Some evidence also supports anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, but meta-analyses show inconsistent results and high heterogeneity, making these secondary effects less robustly supported. There is no strong evidence for clinically relevant antibacterial activity.
How it works
Urtica dioica exerts its effects through several biological pathways. Its anti-inflammatory properties are thought to stem from the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulation of the immune response, potentially involving pathways like NF-κB and COX-2. For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), the extract may work by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase and exhibiting anti-androgenic effects, which can reduce prostate inflammation and alleviate urinary symptoms. In the context of glycemic control, it may enhance insulin sensitivity or reduce hepatic glucose output, thereby improving glucose metabolism. The specific molecular targets and the bioavailability of its active constituents are not yet fully characterized, but its complex mixture of compounds likely contributes to its diverse actions.
Side effects
Urtica dioica extract is generally well tolerated, with adverse events being rare and typically mild. Common side effects, occurring in over 5% of users, include mild gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation if the raw plant is handled. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include allergic reactions and mild headaches. Rare side effects (less than 1%) can involve severe allergic reactions or hypotension. It is important to note potential drug interactions: Urtica dioica may interact with antihypertensives, diuretics, and antidiabetic drugs, necessitating caution and medical consultation. Contraindications include pregnancy, due to potential uterine stimulant effects, and individuals with a known allergy to nettle. Special populations, such as the elderly and those with kidney or liver impairment, should use the supplement with caution due to limited safety data in these groups.
Dosage
For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), the most common and studied dosage range for Urtica dioica root extract is 300–600 mg per day. While a minimum effective dose is not firmly established, this range has shown significant symptom relief in clinical trials. The maximum safe dose is not precisely defined, but doses up to 1200 mg per day have been used in studies without significant adverse effects. It is generally recommended to take the supplement with meals to minimize the potential for gastrointestinal upset. Root extracts are primarily used for BPH, while leaf preparations may be used for other indications, with varying dosages. Limited data exist on absorption factors, but fat-soluble compounds within the extract may benefit from food intake. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for its efficacy.
FAQs
What is the primary use of Urtica dioica extract?
The primary use of Urtica dioica extract, particularly the root extract, is for alleviating symptoms associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), such as lower urinary tract issues.
Are there any significant side effects?
Urtica dioica is generally well-tolerated. Mild gastrointestinal upset is the most common side effect. Rare allergic reactions or interactions with medications like blood pressure or diabetes drugs are possible.
How long does it take to see benefits for BPH?
For BPH, benefits such as reduced urinary symptoms are typically observed within weeks to a few months of consistent supplementation with Urtica dioica root extract.
Can Urtica dioica help with diabetes?
Some small studies suggest Urtica dioica may help reduce fasting blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients, but more extensive research is needed to confirm these findings and establish optimal use.
Is Urtica dioica effective for pain relief or as an antibacterial?
While some traditional uses include pain relief, current research shows inconsistent results for this effect. There is no strong evidence to support its use as a clinically relevant antibacterial agent.
Research Sources
- https://www.bioline.org.br/pdf?tc16040 – This meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials (n=1128) investigated the efficacy of Urtica dioica for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It found a significant improvement in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -10.47, indicating a clinically meaningful reduction in lower urinary tract symptoms for men with BPH. The study highlights the high-quality evidence for BPH symptom relief, despite some heterogeneity in study designs and extract formulations.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31802554/ – This randomized controlled trial (n=50) explored the effects of nettle supplementation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients over an 8-week period. The study reported a reduction in fasting blood sugar (FBS) in the intervention group, suggesting a potential benefit for managing blood glucose levels. However, the authors noted limitations due to the small sample size and short duration, indicating a need for larger, longer-term studies to confirm these findings.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9175978/ – This systematic review and experimental data analysis assessed the antibacterial activity of Urtica dioica. The review concluded that there is no strong evidence to support clinically relevant antibacterial activity for stinging nettle. While some in vitro and animal studies might show effects, the clinical applicability and efficacy in human infections remain unclear, suggesting that it should not be relied upon as an antibacterial agent.
- https://journals.iium.edu.my/ijahs/index.php/IJAHS/article/download/755/704/4132 – This source provides an overview of Urtica dioica, discussing its traditional uses and some of its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It notes that while some evidence suggests these effects, meta-analyses often show inconsistent results and high heterogeneity across studies. This indicates that the evidence for pain relief and anti-inflammatory benefits is less consistent compared to its effects on BPH.
- https://examine.com/supplements/stinging-nettle/ – This resource offers a comprehensive summary of Stinging Nettle, detailing its various uses, mechanisms of action, and the quality of evidence for different health claims. It corroborates the findings regarding BPH efficacy and discusses the variable evidence for other applications, providing a balanced perspective on its overall research maturity and effectiveness.