Stinging Nettle Root Extract is also used for urinary tract infections, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), or in compresses or creams for treating joint pain, sprains and strains, tendonitis, and insect bites.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract is most commonly used for diabetes and osteoarthritis.
In modern herbal medicine, the unique benefits of Stinging Nettle Root Extract are used to support prostate health.
EC Number: 297-654-1
CAS Number: 84012-40-8
Molecular Formula: Not applicable (complex plant extract)
SYNONYMS:
Urtica dioica Root Extract, Nettle Root Extract, Nettle Extract, Stinging Nettle Extract, Urtica Root Extract, Stinging Nettle Root, Common Nettle Root Extract, Urtica dioica Extract, Urtica dioica Root Extract, Nettle Root Extract, Urtica Extract, Stinging Nettle Root, Nettle Extract, Urtica dioica Extract, Great Nettle Root Extract, Stinging Nettle Root Powder
Stinging Nettle Root Extract has many active ingredients that may be responsible for its benefits.
These include flavonoids, tannins, fatty acids, isolectins, sterols, terpenes, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and carotenoids.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract (Urtica dioica and the closely related Urtica urens) has a long medicinal history.
In medieval Europe, Stinging Nettle Root Extract was used as a diuretic (to rid the body of excess water) and to treat joint pain.
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a plant with pointed leaves and white to yellowish flowers.
The root and above ground parts are used for diabetes.
The stinging nettle plant is typically 2-4 meters tall.
It contains ingredients that might decrease swelling and increase urination.
The leaves are sometimes eaten as a cooked vegetable.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract has fine hairs on the leaves and stems that contain irritating chemicals, which are released when the plant comes in contact with the skin.
The hairs, or spines, of the Stinging Nettle Root Extract, are normally very painful to the touch.
When they come into contact with a painful area of the body, however, they can actually decrease the original pain.
Scientists think nettle does this by reducing levels of inflammatory chemicals in the body, and by interfering with the way the body transmits pain signals.
Stinging nettle is a plant that grows in North America, Europe, and Africa.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract has been used as an herbal remedy for thousands of years.
The name comes from the stinging sensation that you get when you brush against the plant's hairy stem and leaves.
Stinging nettle is a medicinal herb plant known for its stinging leaves.
It has tiny stinging hairs covering its surface.
Contact with the plant produces a stinging, itchy, or burning rash on your skin.
It also causes swelling and redness at the site of contact.
This reaction is due to histamine from the plant that’s released when the hairs pierce your skin.
There are several species of stinging nettle.
These include Urtica dioica, Urtica urens, and Urtica pilulifera.
Nettle grows wild in temperate regions.
It can reach 2 to 3 feet in height.
Nettle has a long reputation in folk medicine.
It’s used to treat asthma.
It’s also used as an expectorant, astringent, tonic, antispasmodic, and diuretic.
Stinging Nettle, or Urtica dioica, is a small plant found growing all over the world, particularly in abandoned areas with poor quality or contaminated soil.
It is able to survive and thrive in some of the harshest growing conditions possible.
Although the plant is painful to touch, ingesting an extract orally is known to have a potent anti-inflammatory effect, thanks to its high nutritional value and antioxidant compounds.
Studies have shown that Stinging Nettle Root Extract is particularly effective in relieving Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and other issues related to the prostate and urinary tract, through its effects on the male hormones.
As well as containing an impressive variety of vitamins and minerals, Stinging Nettle Root Extract also holds anti-allergy compounds, so it’s an ideal supplement for anyone suffering from hayfever and other environmental related allergies.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract, a weedy plant from the nettle family, is being studied for potential benefits in treating conditions such as allergies, arthritis, enlarged prostate, and heart problems.
While results are promising, more research is needed to confirm its effects.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
When choosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
USES and APPLICATIONS of STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
Stinging Nettle Root Extract has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia.
Today, many people use Stinging Nettle Root Extract to treat urinary problems during the early stages of an enlarged prostate (called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH).
Stinging Nettle Root Extract is also used for urinary tract infections, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), or in compresses or creams for treating joint pain, sprains and strains, tendonitis, and insect bites.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract is most commonly used for diabetes and osteoarthritis.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract is also sometimes used for urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, enlarged prostate, hay fever, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
In modern herbal medicine, the unique benefits of Stinging Nettle Root Extract are used to support prostate health.
Other Stinging Nettle Root Extract benefits also include helping to maintain joint functions and manage seasonal conditions.
Support for Seasonal Conditions: Stinging Nettle Root Extract may reduce the symptoms of seasonal conditions such as itching and sneezing.
Bleeding Management uses of Stinging Nettle Root Extract: Stinging Nettle Root Extract may help to manage ulcers and other bleeding conditions in the digestive tract.
Rich in compounds like histamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin, Stinging Nettle Root Extract may help alleviate symptoms of seasonal conditions, support joint health, and manage bleeding in the digestive tract from ulcers or hemorrhoids.
-Prostate Health
Stinging Nettle Root Extract Benefits & Background
The common nettle is a flowering herbaceous plant known scientifically as Urtica dioica.
It is found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, primarily in temperate climates.
This plant is also known as the stinging nettle because it is covered with specialized hollow hairs called trichomes, which inject chemicals into objects that come into contact with them.
Nettle root has a long history of use for a variety of purposes, including food and herbal medicine.
Nettles are perennials that can grow to a height of seven feet in the summer before dying down to the ground in winter.
They have rhizomes and runners that spread widely over the ground.
The leaves on the wiry stems can grow to six inches in length and have serrated margins.
The small green or brown flowers grow in dense clusters known as inflorescences.
The concentration of trichomes depends on the particular subspecies.
The tips of the nettle’s trichomes break off when they are touched, allowing the chemicals to be injected.
Histamine is the primary chemical in this mixture, but it also includes acetylcholine, moroidin, leukotrienes, and serotonin.
The injection causes a painful sting that raises a welt on the skin, thus the common name of stinging nettle.
The deliberate application of nettles is known medically as urtication, which is often used as a folk remedy for relieving discomfort caused by rheumatism.
-Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) uses of Stinging Nettle Root Extract:
Stinging Nettle Root Extract is used widely in Europe to treat BPH.
Studies in people suggest that Stinging Nettle Root Extract, in combination with other herbs (especially saw palmetto), may be effective at relieving symptoms such as reduced urinary flow, incomplete emptying of the bladder, post urination dripping, and the constant urge to urinate.
These symptoms are caused by the enlarged prostate gland pressing on the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder).
Some studies suggest that Stinging Nettle Root Extract is comparable to finasteride (a medication commonly prescribed for BPH) in slowing the growth of certain prostate cells.
However, unlike finasteride, the herb does not decrease prostate size.
Scientists aren't sure why nettle root reduces symptoms.
It may be because Stinging Nettle Root Extract contains chemicals that affect hormones (including testosterone and estrogen), or because it acts directly on prostate cells.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract is important to work with a doctor to treat BPH, and to make sure you have a proper diagnosis to rule out prostate cancer.
-Osteoarthritis uses of Stinging Nettle Root Extract:
The leaves and stems of nettle have been used historically to treat arthritis and relieve sore muscles.
While studies have been small, they suggest that some people find relief from joint pain by applying nettle leaf topically to the painful area.
Other studies show that taking an oral Stinging Nettle Root Extract, along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), helps people reduce their NSAID dose.
-Hay fever uses of Stinging Nettle Root Extract:
One preliminary human study suggested that nettle capsules helped reduce sneezing and itching in people with hay fever.
In another study, 57% of patients rated nettles as effective in relieving allergies, and 48% said that nettles were more effective than allergy medications they had used previously.
Researchers think that may be due to nettle's ability to reduce the amount of histamine the body produces in response to an allergen.
More studies are needed to confirm nettle's antihistamine properties.
Some doctors recommend taking a freeze-dried preparation of stinging nettle well before hay fever season starts.
-Stinging Nettle Root Extract may get in the way of inflammation.
Inflammation is a major cause of pain and joint damage due to arthritis.
But there’s little evidence to support how well this herb works for this condition.
More research is needed.
Nettle may help manage:
*Rheumatism
*Asthma
*Gout
*Hay fever
*High blood pressure
*Irritable bladder
*Nosebleeds
*Premenstrual syndrome
*Scurvy
*Stings and venomous bites
-Medically valid uses of Stinging Nettle Root Extract:
Nettle is used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).
Stinging Nettle Root Extract’s used with other treatments.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract may help BPH by binding to sites on sex hormone binding globulin.
This lessens testosterone's effect on the prostate.
But studies conflict on how well Stinging Nettle Root Extract works.
More research is needed.
-Joint Health Support uses of Stinging Nettle Root Extract:
Oral supplements of Stinging Nettle Root Extract may help to reduce the discomfort of joint conditions.
Topical applications of Stinging Nettle Root Extract may also be used for this purpose.
-Prostate Health Support uses of Stinging Nettle Root Extract:
Stinging Nettle Root Extract may help to manage the symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland.
These symptoms primarily deal with urination, including uncomfortable urination, bladder irritation, and overly frequent urination.
-Uses of Stinging Nettle
While more extensive research is necessary regarding effectiveness, people generally use Stinging Nettle Root Extract to treat various health conditions.
Research is most robust for the following:
*Allergies
*Arthritis
*Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate
*Heart failure and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
*Heart health
16 BENEFITS OF STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
Nutrient-rich and good for overall health
The high nutritional content of nettle accounts for many of its advantages.
It includes vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and folate, and other B vitamins, as well as calcium and iron that are easily absorbed.
Magnesium, potassium, protein, beta-carotene, and chlorophyll are among the other nutrients.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract includes polyphenols and has a high antioxidant value.
Antioxidants aid in the body's defense against free radicals, which can cause aging, some forms of cancer, and other disorders.
Research suggests that polyphenol help prevent and manage inflammatory disorders, such as some forms of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Several minerals and vitamins in nettle can be beneficial for individuals recuperating from illness or stress.
Plants seldom contain vitamins D or K2, which makes nettle unique.
It contains approximately three times your daily intake of vitamin A in only one cup.
Iron and vitamin C improve iron-deficiency anemia.
*Allergies
Stinging Nettle Root Extract may have anti-inflammatory and antiallergy qualities, notably in the case of hay fever.
These substances work against the body's natural reaction to pollen and other allergens by causing nasal congestion and watery eyes.
*Gout
People with high uric acid levels may benefit from Stinging Nettle Root Extract.
Gout occurs when uric acid accumulates and crystallizes in and around the joints, producing inflammation and agonizing pain.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract can help eliminate excess uric acid and alleviate certain symptoms of the condition.
Brewing a cup of Stinging Nettle Root Extract tea is the most typical technique to relieve gout-inflamed joints.
*Urinary tract infections
Along with vitamin C and cranberries, drinking Stinging Nettle Root Extract tea can help cure a bladder infection by reducing inflammation in the bladder or urethra.
Nettle tea encourages urine to flush out infection-causing germs.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract may help treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Studies suggest that Stinging Nettle Root Extract helps reduce the enlargement of the prostate in persons with BPH by changing hormone levels or interacting with prostate cells and alleviating other symptoms.
*Fingernails
Because nettles include silica and other minerals required for nail production, drinking a cup of nettle tea every day may encourage healthy nail growth.
*Skin and hair
Stinging Nettle Root Extract is a natural skin and hair beautifier due to its nourishing and anti-inflammatory effects.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract has been proved to help clean up acne and eczema, as well as stimulate thicker, shinier hair, and new hair development.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract boosts scalp blood circulation that promotes hair growth.
*Benefits women’s health
Stinging Nettle Root Extract's minerals and chemicals are especially useful to women at all stages of life.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract can improve the general health of the female reproductive system and is frequently included in postmenstrual syndrome, fertility, and menopause blends.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract can aid with exhaustion caused by iron deficiency due to a heavy menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract can help breastfeeding mothers enhance their breast milk by providing extra nutrients during pregnancy and lactation.
*Blood pressure
They offer several nutritional properties that are beneficial to the cardiovascular system.
They have been utilized in orthodox and alternative medicine to reduce inflammation and enhance cardiovascular health factors including blood pressure and cholesterol.
More human studies are needed to evaluate the use of Stinging Nettle Root Extract for blood pressure reduction, including improved blood lipid indicators in people with and without diabetes.
*Blood sugar control
Stinging Nettle Root Extract is known to enhance insulin release by the pancreatic islets of Langerhans.
Researchers think that the processes are linked to flavonoids in Stinging Nettle Root Extract, which include tannins and carotenoids with antioxidant capabilities.
*Anticancer properties
Stinging Nettle Root Extract includes anticancer substances (such as lectins) and flavonoids (quercetin and beta-sitosterol).
Stinging Nettle Root Extract helps reduce inflammatory indicators, which are anti-cancer qualities.
*Autoimmune disease
Nettles and Stinging Nettle Root Extract are often used in topical treatments to treat autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, due to their possible anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities.
According to research, Stinging Nettle Root Extract may be an effective and safe supplementary therapy for various inflammatory autoimmune illnesses.
*Supports eye health
Beta-carotene and vitamin A have been proved to preserve eye health.
The beta-carotene content of nettle leaves is 10 times that of wheat and barley flour.
This vitamin is essential to maintaining a healthy retina and ensuring an adequate response to light.
*Reduces risk of infection
According to research, Stinging Nettle Root Extract possesses antimicrobial, antiulcer, and antibacterial characteristics that may help prevent infection.
Researchers discovered that Stinging Nettle Root Extract was useful to avoid alcohol-related ulcers.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract efficiently inhibited certain bacteria known to cause human health issues.
*Protects heart health
Stinging Nettle Root Extract, according to researchers, may help protect from cardiovascular illness, such as blood clots and high blood pressure.
According to research, Stinging Nettle Root Extract includes phenolic chemicals that help prevent heart disease.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract may have reduced blood pressure, which decreases the burden on the heart.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract's anti-inflammatory effects help reduce inflammation in the arteries and blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and prevent heart disease.
*Kidney and gallbladder health
Stinging Nettle Root Extract is an excellent diuretic and may lower the risk of kidney and gallbladder stones.
Additionally, being a diuretic, Stinging Nettle Root Extract helps eliminate harmful substances, including pathogens, rapidly and guards against bladder infections.
SIGNS YOU MAY NEED STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
An enlarged prostate is one of the most significant signs that you may need Stinging Nettle Root Extract.
These signs typically include swelling of the prostate and uncomfortable urination.
Uncomfortable joint conditions may also mean that you could benefit from nettle extract, especially if you are older.
Seasonal conditions are another common indication that you may need these nettle supplements.
Additional conditions that may mean you should take nettle include ulcers and hemorrhoids.
6 EVIDENCE-BASED BENEFITS OF STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
Stinging Nettle Root Extract is a nutritious plant popular in Western herbal medicine.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract may reduce inflammation, hay fever symptoms, blood pressure and blood sugar levels — among other benefits.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract has been a staple in herbal medicine since ancient times.
Ancient Egyptians used Stinging Nettle Root Extract to treat arthritis and lower back pain, while Roman troops rubbed it on themselves to help stay warm.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract's scientific name, Urtica dioica, comes from the Latin word uro, which means “to burn,” because its leaves can cause a temporary burning sensation upon contact.
The leaves have hair-like structures that sting and also produce itching, redness and swelling.
However, once it is processed into a supplement, dried, freeze-dried or cooked, stinging nettle can be safely consumed.
Studies link it to a number of potential health benefits.
Here are 6 evidence-based benefits of stinging nettle.
1. Contains Many Nutrients
Stinging nettle’s leaves and root provide a wide variety of nutrients, including:
Vitamins: Vitamins A, C
and K, as well as several B vitamins
Minerals: Calcium, iron,
magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium
Fats: Linoleic acid,
linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid
Amino acids: All of the essential amino acids
Polyphenols: Kaempferol,
quercetin, caffeic acid, coumarins and other flavonoids
Pigments: Beta-carotene, lutein,
luteoxanthin and other carotenoids
What’s more, many of these nutrients act as antioxidants inside your body.
Antioxidants are molecules that help defend your cells against damage from free radicals.
Damage caused by free radicals is linked to aging, as well as cancer and other harmful diseases.
Studies indicate that Stinging Nettle Root Extract can raise blood antioxidant levels.
However, it is unlikely that the amount of Stinging Nettle Root Extract in herbal supplements would provide significant amounts of most of these compounds.
Summary Stinging
Stinging Nettle Root Extract offers a variety of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids,
polyphenols and pigments — many of which also act as antioxidants inside your body.
2. May Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is your body’s way of healing itself and fighting infections.
However, chronic inflammation can inflict significant harm.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract harbors a variety of compounds that may reduce inflammation.
In human studies, applying a Stinging Nettle Root Extract cream or consuming stinging nettle products appears to relieve inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis.
For instance, in one 27-person study, applying a Stinging Nettle Root Extract cream onto arthritis-affected areas significantly reduced pain, compared to a placebo treatment.
In another study, taking a supplement that contained Stinging Nettle Root Extract significantly reduced arthritis pain.
Additionally, participants felt they could reduce their dose of anti-inflammatory pain relievers because of this capsule.
That said, research is insufficient to recommend Stinging Nettle Root Extract as an anti-inflammatory treatment.
Summary Stinging
Stinging Nettle Root Extract may help suppress inflammation, which in turn could aid inflammatory
conditions, including arthritis, but more research is needed.
3. May Treat Enlarged Prostate Symptoms
Up to 50% of men aged 51 and older have an enlarged prostate gland.
An enlarged prostate is commonly called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Interestingly, a few studies suggest that Stinging Nettle Root Extract may help treat BPH.
Stopping this conversion can help reduce prostate size.
Studies in people with BPH demonstrate that Stinging Nettle Root Extract helps treat short- and long-term urination problems — without side effects.
However, it’s unclear how effective Stinging Nettle Root Extract is compared to conventional treatments.
Summary Stinging
Stinging Nettle Root Extract may help reduce prostate size and treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate
gland in men with BPH.
4. May Treat Hay Fever
Hay fever is an allergy that involves inflammation in the lining of your nose.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract is viewed as a promising natural treatment for hay fever.
Test-tube research shows that Stinging Nettle Root Extract can inhibit inflammation that can trigger seasonal allergies.
This includes blocking histamine receptors and stopping immune cells from releasing chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms.
However, human studies note that Stinging Nettle Root Extract is equal to or only slightly better at treating hay fever than a placebo.
While this plant may prove a promising natural remedy for hay fever symptoms, more long-term human studies are needed.
Summary Stinging
Stinging Nettle Root Extract may reduce hay fever symptoms.
Yet, some research indicates that Stinging Nettle Root Extract may not be much more effective than a placebo.
More studies are needed on Stinging Nettle Root Extract’s effects on hay fever.
5. May Lower Blood Pressure
Nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is a serious health concern because it puts you at risk of heart disease and strokes, which are among the leading causes of death worldwide.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract was traditionally used to treat high blood pressure.
For one, it may stimulate nitric oxide production, which acts as a vasodilator.
Vasodilators relax the muscles of your blood vessels, helping them widen.
In addition, Stinging Nettle Root Extract has compounds that may act as calcium channel blockers, which relax your heart by reducing the force of contractions.
However, Stinging Nettle Root Extract’s effects on blood pressure in humans are still unclear.
Summary Stinging
Stinging Nettle Root Extract may help lower blood pressure by allowing your blood vessels to relax and reducing the force of your heart’s contractions.
6. May Aid Blood Sugar Control
In fact, this plant contains compounds that may mimic the effects of insulin.
In a three-month study in 46 people, taking 500 mg of Stinging Nettle Root Extract three times daily significantly lowered blood sugar levels compared to a placebo.
Despite promising findings, there are still far too few human studies on Stinging Nettle Root Extract and blood sugar control.
More research is necessary.
Summary While
Stinging Nettle Root Extract may help lower blood sugar levels, more human studies are crucial before recommendations can be made.
OTHER POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
Stinging Nettle Root Extract may offer other potential health benefits, including:
*Reduced bleeding:
Medicines containing Stinging Nettle Root Extract have been found to reduce excessive bleeding, especially after surgery.
*Liver health:
Nettle’s antioxidant properties may protect your liver against damage by toxins, heavy metals and inflammation.
*Natural diuretic:
This plant may help your body shed excess salt and water, which in turn could lower blood pressure temporarily.
*Wound and burn healing: Applying
Stinging Nettle Root Extract creams may support wound healing, including burn wounds.
Summary Stinging
Stinging Nettle Root Extract’s other potential health benefits include lessened bleeding, boosted liver health and wound healing.
BENEFITS OF STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
Stinging Nettle Root Extract features sharp hairs on its leaves.
These hairs contain chemicals, such as formic acid and histamine, which can irritate the skin and cause stinging, itching, and redness.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract hairs also contain a range of other chemicals that can affect humans, including acetylcholine and serotonin.
*Relieving arthritis
People have been using Stinging Nettle Root Extract to treat various ailments for centuries, and the remedy is still in use as a medicinal aid today.
Some individuals claim the nettle can help with:
*inflammation
*osteoarthritis pain
*gout
An older test-tube study suggested that Stinging Nettle Root Extract may have anti-inflammatory properties and could assist in treating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
However, further human studies are necessary to fully assess the efficacy of Stinging Nettle Root Extract for relieving arthritis symptoms.
*Reducing seasonal allergies
Stinging Nettle Root Extract is a popular treatment for seasonal allergies, which occur when a substance, such as pollen, triggers the body to produce histamine.
Histamine causes characteristic symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as inflammation, itching, and hives.
The current evidence for how effective Stinging Nettle Root Extract is for relieving allergies is mixed.
Older studies suggest Stinging Nettle Root Extract may disrupt the allergy process by inhibiting the body’s histamine production and related inflammation.
However, in a 2017 study, researchers found that Stinging Nettle Root Extract was no better at reducing allergy symptoms than a placebo.
The National Centers for Complementary and Integrative Health indicates that there is currently insufficient evidence to suggest Stinging Nettle Root Extract can help treat allergies.
Treating benign prostatic hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous growth of the prostate gland in males.
The condition can cause a range of symptoms, mostly involving urinary processes.
A review suggests that, in combination with other medications, Stinging Nettle Root Extract may be beneficial in treating BPH symptoms.
And while other studies support these claims, it is clear that more research is necessary to fully assess the benefits of the herb in treating BPH symptoms.
A person should seek emergency assistance if they develop symptoms of BPH, so a doctor can rule out or treat any serious issues.
*Managing diabetes
There is some evidence suggesting that Stinging Nettle Root Extract could also help treat diabetes.
Two review studies have found evidence that sting nettle supplementation may help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.
However, researchers in both studies concluded that more research was necessary to determine whether Stinging Nettle Root Extract could be a useful addition to traditional diabetes treatments.
At the time of writing their study, they did not recommend it for use.
As a result, anyone wishing to start taking Stinging Nettle Root Extract products to manage their diabetes should speak with their doctor first and monitor their blood sugar levels regularly if possible.
BENEFITS OF STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
Stinging Nettle Root Extract has been used as a natural medicine for over 2,000 years.
The plant's leaves and roots contain therapeutic compounds, such as polyphenols like kaempferol and quercetin, and carotenoids like beta-carotene and lutein, all of which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
When taken as a supplement, Stinging Nettle Root Extract may be helpful for certain conditions.
However, human research on Stinging Nettle Root Extract's potential health benefits is currently limited.
Plus, many studies investigating the effects of Stinging Nettle Root Extract on human health have used products containing a combination of ingredients, not just stinging nettle.
*Stinging Nettle Root Extract May be Helpful for Arthritis Symptoms:
Stinging Nettle Root Extract has been used for hundreds of years as a natural treatment for inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
Some evidence suggests that Stinging Nettle Root Extract may help reduce certain symptoms of osteoarthritis, an inflammatory disease that affects joints like the knees, hips, and wrists.
A 2009 study that included 81 people with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip found that treatment with a supplement called Phytalgic, which contains fish oil, Stinging Nettle Root Extract, zinc, and vitamin E, for three months significantly reduced the use of pain medication and significantly reduced symptoms like stiffness and pain compared to a placebo treatment.
Even though these results are promising, the study was funded by Laboratoires Phythea, which is the company that manufactures Phytalgic, which could have influenced the study results.
Older research suggests that topical treatment with Stinging Nettle Root Extract may be helpful for arthritis-related pain of the fingers and cell studies suggest that extracts of stinging nettle leaves, roots, and stems contain powerful compounds that may be used to treat inflammatory disorders in the future.
*Stinging Nettle Root Extract May Help Reduce BPH Symptoms:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a medical condition that causes a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate.
Commonly referred to as enlarged prostate, BPH is common amongst men over the age of 60.
BPH causes urinary symptoms like urinary retention, a weak urine stream, and incomplete emptying of the bladder.
A few studies have found that Stinging Nettle Root Extract may benefit people who have BPH by helping reduce BPH-associated symptoms.
A 2013 study in 100 men with BPH found that the men treated with 1,200 mg of Stinging Nettle Root Extract for eight weeks reported a greater improvement in BPH symptoms compared to the men treated with a placebo.
A more recent 2020 study in 60 men with BPH found that treatment with 450 mg of Stinging Nettle Root Extract per day for twelve weeks significantly improved BPH symptoms compared to a placebo.
The researchers also found that the Stinging Nettle Root Extract treatment reduced inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and malondialdehyde (MDA).
Older studies have also shown similar results.
Although these results are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of Stinging Nettle Root Extract supplements on BPH symptoms.
*Stinging Nettle Root Extract May Benefit People with Type 2 Diabetes:
Certain phenolic compounds concentrated in Stinging Nettle Root Extract may have the ability to inhibit enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion, which may benefit people with diabetes.
A 2020 review of eight studies that included 401 people found that Stinging Nettle Root Extract supplements were effective for reducing fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
A 2016 study in 50 women with type 2 diabetes found that participants who supplemented with Stinging Nettle Root Extract three times per day after meals for eight weeks experienced significant reductions in fasting blood sugar, triglyceride levels, and liver enzyme levels compared to a placebo treatment.
The participants also experienced significant increases in protective HDL cholesterol and the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), which helps protect cells against oxidative damage.
HOW TO USE STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
Stinging Nettle Root Extract is most commonly taken in capsule form, but it can also be taken as a liquid or consumed as a tea.
Supplements often combine Stinging Nettle Root Extract with other herbs and ingredients such as saw palmetto and quercetin, so it’s important to read supplement labels before purchasing stinging nettle products.
Studies investigating the effects of Stinging Nettle Root Extract in humans often used divided doses of stinging nettle given at different times of day, such as after meals.
Most supplement labels instruct users to take Stinging Nettle Root Extract multiple times per day, between meals.
Keep in mind that supplements can contain extracts from different parts of the stinging nettle plant, such as leaf or root extracts.
The leaves, roots, and stems all contain medicinal compounds, but it's unclear how different parts of the stinging nettle plant impact health.
16 BENEFITS OF STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
Stinging Nettle Root Extract has been used medicinally for millennia.
Nettles can help strengthen the immune system, making them a beneficial herb for several ailments.
If you want to give Stinging Nettle Root Extract to your child, talk to your pediatrician to know the proper dose that can be safely administered.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women and those with underlying health conditions must also consult their doctor before taking Stinging Nettle Root Extract as a preventive or therapeutic substance.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract, long recognized for its antihistamine properties, can help alleviate the discomfort of seasonal allergies.
The leaves are nutrient-dense and contain:
*Vitamins
*B vitamins
*Vitamin C
*Vitamin K
*Carotenoids
*Minerals
*Iron
*Calcium
*Potassium
*Sodium
*Selenium
*Manganese
*Sulfur
*Silica
*Phytonutrients
*Chlorophyll
*Polyphenols
*Lignans
*Sitosterol
KEY BENEFITS OF STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
• Fights Inflammation & Oxidative Damage
• Contributes to BPH Relief
• Supports Prostate Health
• Supports Urinary Tract Health
• Relieves Symptoms of Hayfever
• Potent Source of Vitamins & Minerals
HEALTH BENEFITS OF STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
People take Stinging Nettle Root Extract to try to treat health problems, including:
*Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):
Stinging Nettle Root Extract is a common treatment in Europe for symptoms of BPH.
This is a noncancerous condition that causes the prostate gland to enlarge, making urination difficult.
Some research shows that Stinging Nettle Root Extract may be helpful in treating this problem.
Experts are not sure which components in the plant may have an effect on BPH, if any.
More research is needed to show that the treatment is indeed effective.
Don’t try it without talking to your doctor first.
*Allergies:
Stinging nettle leaf may be useful in reducing the symptoms of hay fever by acting as an anti-inflammatory.
Some research has linked treatment with stinging nettle leaf to relief of symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
But more well-designed studies are needed to confirm this effect.
*Joint pain:
Research has found some evidence that rubbing stinging nettle leaves on painful joints can provide pain relief.
One small study also found that eating stewed nettle leaves was a helpful addition to the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac.
*Diabetes:
There’s some evidence that Stinging Nettle Root Extract can help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes The research is mixed, however.
Other studies have found Stinging Nettle Root Extract can raise blood sugar.
You should check your blood sugar levels regularly if you have diabetes and take Stinging Nettle Root Extract.
*High blood pressure:
Doctors need to do more research to know if it works in people.
People have also used Stinging Nettle Root Extract as a diuretic -- a treatment used for high blood pressure that causes the body to shed more water in the urine.
PLANT DESCRIPTION OF STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
Stinging nettle is the name given to common nettle, garden nettle, and hybrids of these plants.
Originally from the colder regions of northern Europe and Asia, this herbaceous shrub grows all over the world today.
Stinging nettle grows well in nitrogen-rich soil, blooms between June and September, and usually reaches 2 to 4 feet high.
Stems are upright and rigid.
Leaves are heart shaped, finely toothed, and tapered at the ends, and flowers are yellow or pink.
The entire plant is covered with tiny stiff hairs, mostly on the underside of the leaves and stem, that release stinging chemicals when touched.
WHAT IS STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT MADE OF?
Stinging nettle products are usually made from the leaves and stems, and sometimes the roots.
Root preparations are used to relieve symptoms of BPH.
AVAILABLE FORMS OF STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
Stinging nettle is available as dried leaf, freeze-dried leaf, extract, capsules, tablets, and as root tincture (a solution of the herb in alcohol), juice, or tea.
It also comes in the form of an ointment or cream that can be applied to the skin.
The root appears to have different pharmacological effects than the leaves.
HOW TO TAKE STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
*Pediatric
Although Stinging Nettle Root Extract is available in many combination formulas to treat colds, asthma, and allergies in children, a specific safe and effective dose for children has not yet been established.
Talk to your doctor before giving Stinging Nettle Root Extract to a child, so the doctor can determine the proper dose.
*Adult
Stinging Nettle Root Extract is used in many forms, including as teas, tinctures, fluid extracts, and creams.
PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
Scientific Name: Urtica dioica
Common Name: Stinging Nettle
Plant Part Used: Root
Physical and Chemical Properties:
Molecular Formula: Not specifically defined (as this is an extract containing various compounds)
Appearance: Light brown to yellow-brown powder
Odor: Mild, characteristic herbaceous scent
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol
pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
Moisture Content: ≤ 5%
Ash Content: ≤ 5%
EC Number: 297-654-1
CAS Number: 84012-40-8
Molecular Formula: Not applicable (complex plant extract)
Appearance: Brownish-yellow to greenish powder
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol
Melting Point: Not applicable (plant extract)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Density: Varies depending on extraction method
pH: Typically between 4.0 and 7.0
Flash Point: Not applicable
Main Active Components: Polysaccharides, lectins, and sterols
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Flammability: Not considered flammable
FIRST AID MEASURES of STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
-Description of first-aid measures
*General advice:
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation:
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact:
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
Rinse skin with
water/ shower.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact:
Rinse out with plenty of water.
Call in ophthalmologist.
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing:
Immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most).
Consult a physician.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.
No data available
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains.
Collect, bind, and pump off spills.
Observe possible material restrictions.
Take up dry.
Dispose of properly.
Clean up affected area.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Foam
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.
EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection.
Safety glasses
*Body Protection:
protective clothing
*Respiratory protection:
Recommended Filter type: Filter A
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.
HANDLING and STORAGE of STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed.
Dry.
STABILITY and REACTIVITY of STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature) .
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available