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Stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica, radix)

Plant extract, supplement. In EU – traditional herbal medicinal product per EMA HMPC monograph 2010 for BPH symptoms; AEMPS does not register as monomedicine

ATC code: A11JA-URTICA-ROOT

Brand names – supplements: Now Stinging Nettle Root, Solgar Nettle Root, Nature's Way Nettle Root Supplements are not tested in clinical trials and are not registered as medications.

Updated · Methodology

Indications

C

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Adjunct

Nettle root is an over-the-counter herbal remedy used for BPH in Germany for decades. The double-blind RCT by Sokeland (BJU Int 2000) in 543 men compared a combination of nettle root and saw palmetto extract with finasteride 5 mg/day: at 48 weeks IPSS and urinary flow improvements were comparable in both groups, with better tolerability of the combination, but the study lacked placebo control and was sponsored. The Safarinejad RCT (2005) in 620 men using nettle root alone 120 mg twice daily for 6 months showed modest IPSS reduction (-3.4 vs -0.8 with placebo) and improved quality of life. HMPC 2012 recognises nettle root as a traditional-use medicinal product for BPH symptoms, based on 30 years of use rather than RCTs. EAU 2024, AUA 2023 and AEU 2022 recommend alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors for moderate-severe BPH; herbal products are mentioned as an option for mild symptoms or as add-on. If nettle root is being considered, discuss with a urologist and have a PSA test. Check the label for Urtica dioica radix (not folium).

Sources

  1. EMA HMPC: Community herbal monograph on Urtica dioica L., radix (2010)
  2. Phytomedicine: Stinging nettle root extract (Bazoton-uno) in long-term treatment of benign prostatic syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study (2004)
  3. BJU Int (Sokeland): Combined sabal and urtica extract compared with finasteride in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (2000)
  4. J Herb Pharmacother (Safarinejad): Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study (2005)
  5. AUA: Management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – AUA guideline (2023)
  6. EAU: EAU Guidelines on Management of Non-Neurogenic Male LUTS (2024)

ICD-10: N40 · ICD-11: GA90

Marketing claims without evidence base

The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.

D

Androgenetic alopecia

Not recommended

Stinging nettle root appears in supplements and hair products that promise to slow hair loss in androgenetic alopecia. It has not shown convincing benefit for this use, and there are no good quality clinical trials of nettle root in male or female pattern hair loss. For androgenetic alopecia, other options with documented effect help, such as topical minoxidil and oral finasteride in men, both chosen together with a doctor. Do not use nettle root in place of such treatment, since this can mean losing the window when a proven therapy works best.

Sources

  1. AAD: Guidelines of care for the management of androgenetic alopecia (2024)
  2. EMA HMPC: Community herbal monograph on Urtica dioica L., radix (2010)

ICD-10: L64 · ICD-11: ED70.0

D

Anti-aging and longevity

Not recommended

Nettle root (Urtica dioica, radix) is a herbal material promoted for anti-aging and longevity. No convincing benefit has been shown for this use: there is no evidence base supporting an effect on lifespan or aging. The substance is harmless in this role, but an anti-aging effect should not be expected. For healthy aging, the approaches that actually work are well known: sun protection, sleep, physical activity, a sensible diet, and managing risk factors with a doctor.

Sources

  1. EFSA: Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to various foods/food constituents – no anti-aging claim approved (2010)
D

Body detoxification and cleansing

Not recommended

Stinging nettle root is a plant remedy promoted for "detox" and "cleansing" the body. There is no convincing evidence for this use: the idea of flushing out "toxins" with nettle has no supporting data. The body clears itself through the liver and kidneys, and when these work normally, extra "detox" products are not needed. The plant is harmless in this role, but do not take it instead of treatment with proven benefit, so you do not miss the care you actually need.

Sources

  1. EMA HMPC: Community herbal monograph on Urtica dioica L., radix (2010)
  2. EFSA NDA Panel: Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to Urtica dioica L. (2011)
  3. Endocrine Society: Testosterone Therapy in Men with Hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline (2018)
How to read tiers A–F
  • AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
  • BRecommended in selected cases
  • CStudy data contradict each other
  • DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
  • FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit

Mechanism of action

Stinging nettle root differs in composition and activity from nettle leaf (used for rheumatic pain and allergic rhinitis). The root contains lignans (secoisolariciresinol, neoisosecoisolariciresinol, isolariciresinol), polysaccharides, phytosterols and lectins (UDA – Urtica dioica agglutinin). Lignans compete in vitro with dihydrotestosterone for SHBG binding and weakly inhibit 5-alpha-reductase and aromatase. UDA lectins inhibit epidermal growth factor binding to prostate tissue receptors. In BPH RCTs nettle root extract 600–1200 mg/day showed moderate IPSS reduction. HMPC 2010 recognised Urticae radix as a traditional herbal medicinal product for relief of stage I-II BPH symptoms.

Safety

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and lactation
  • Children and adolescents under 18
  • Hypersensitivity to nettle family
  • Unconfirmed BPH diagnosis (prostate cancer must be excluded before initiation)
  • Severe hepatic and renal impairment

Serious adverse effects

  • Allergic reactions up to anaphylaxis (rare)
  • Prostate cancer symptom masking with delayed PSA workup
  • Potential influence on hormonal regulation with long-term use

Common adverse effects

  • Gastrointestinal discomfort
  • Nausea
  • Allergic skin reactions
  • Diarrhoea at high doses

Pregnancy: can you take Stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica, radix)?

No RCT data in pregnancy. EMA HMPC 2010 lists pregnancy as contraindication for Urticae radix (theoretical antiandrogenic and phytoestrogenic activity, influence on hormonal pregnancy regulation). AEMPS does not register as medicine.

Breastfeeding: can you take Stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica, radix)?

No data on milk transfer. EMA HMPC 2010 lists lactation as contraindication.

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Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.

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Frequently asked

What is Stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica, radix) used for?

Stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica, radix) is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (evidence tier C), Body detoxification and cleansing (evidence tier D), Anti-aging and longevity (evidence tier D). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica, radix)?

Common side effects of Stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica, radix) (≥ 1 in 100): Gastrointestinal discomfort, Nausea, Allergic skin reactions, Diarrhoea at high doses. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Is Stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica, radix) safe during pregnancy?

No RCT data in pregnancy. EMA HMPC 2010 lists pregnancy as contraindication for Urticae radix (theoretical antiandrogenic and phytoestrogenic activity, influence on hormonal pregnancy regulation). AEMPS does not register as medicine.

Is Stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica, radix) compatible with breastfeeding?

No data on milk transfer. EMA HMPC 2010 lists lactation as contraindication.

Who should not take Stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica, radix)?

Stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica, radix) is contraindicated in: Pregnancy and lactation; Children and adolescents under 18; Hypersensitivity to nettle family; Unconfirmed BPH diagnosis (prostate cancer must be excluded before initiation); Severe hepatic and renal impairment. Full list in the Safety section.

Other drugs in this group

Cholecalciferol + menaquinone-7 (D3+K2 combo), Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry, monk's pepper), Zeaxanthin, Alpha-tocopherol, L-threonine + pyridoxine (Biotredin), Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera, oligomeric proanthocyanidins), Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), Rhodiola rosea (golden root)