Stinging Nettle - NutraPedia

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Stinging Nettle Overview

1) Conditions Studied

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has been studied for various conditions, including:

  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
  • Osteoarthritis and joint pain
  • Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
  • High blood pressure
  • Blood sugar control in diabetes
  • Urinary tract health

2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions

Research on stinging nettle's effectiveness for these conditions has yielded mixed results:

  • Some studies suggest it may help reduce symptoms of an enlarged prostate and hay fever.
  • Its efficacy for osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, and blood sugar control is less clear, with more research needed.

3) Health Benefits

Stinging nettle is associated with several potential health benefits:

  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Diuretic effects
  • Natural antihistamine
  • Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium

4) Downsides

While stinging nettle is generally considered safe, it does have potential downsides:

  • Raw stinging nettle can cause a painful rash upon contact with skin.
  • Possible side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, hives, or rashes when taken internally.
  • It may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, blood pressure drugs, diuretics, and diabetes medication.
  • Pregnant women should avoid it due to potential effects on the menstrual cycle and risk of miscarriage.

5) Genetic Variations and Stinging Nettle

There is limited research on the relationship between genetic variations and the effects of stinging nettle. Some points to consider include:

  • Individuals with genetic variations that affect the metabolism of certain medications might experience altered interactions with stinging nettle.
  • Genetic differences in immune system function could influence how one responds to the anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties of stinging nettle.
  • More research is needed to understand the full implications of genetic variations on the benefits and risks of stinging nettle consumption.

Research Summary on Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Interactions with Sex Hormone Binding Globulin

Research has found that compounds in stinging nettle roots, particularly lignans, have the ability to bind to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). One lignan, (-)-3,4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran, showed especially high affinity for SHBG, indicating potential benefits for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatment.

Aqueous Extracts and Prostate Health

An aqueous extract of stinging nettle roots inhibited the binding of SHBG to its receptor in human prostate membranes, suggesting a role in the treatment of BPH through SHBG interaction.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) Treatment

Stinging nettle is among the alternative treatments examined for CRS, with the goal of reducing inflammation and improving tissue integrity.

Arthritis Pain Relief

A study showed that stinging nettle leaf significantly reduced pain and disability in patients with arthritis pain at the base of the thumb or index finger.

Plant-Based Treatment for LUTS

Phytotherapeutic treatment including stinging nettle extract significantly improved quality of life for patients with LUTS associated with BPH without causing adverse side effects.

Effects on 5 Alpha-Dihydrotestosterone Binding

Lignans from stinging nettle, notably (-)-3,4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran, can reduce the binding of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to SHBG in humans.

Stinging Nettle Dermatitis

While stinging nettle can cause immediate skin irritation upon contact, its extracts may have therapeutic benefits for certain inflammatory conditions.

Nettle's Inhibitory Impact on Na+,K(+)-ATPase

Extracts from stinging nettle roots were found to inhibit Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity in prostate tissue, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for BPH.

Reducing Allergic and Inflammatory Responses

Nettle extract demonstrated the ability to inhibit inflammatory processes related to allergic rhinitis by acting against key inflammatory mediators.

Natural Treatments for Allergic Rhinitis

Stinging nettle is cited as a potential natural treatment for allergic rhinitis, aiming to reduce the negative impact of the condition on health.

Aromatase Inhibition

Compounds in stinging nettle root extracts, such as secoisolariciresinol and 14-octacosanol, showed the ability to inhibit the enzyme aromatase.

Combination Treatment for LUTS in BPH

A combination of sabal fruit and nettle root extracts was effective in alleviating LUTS due to BPH in elderly men.

Impact on Cytokine Secretion

Nettle leaf extract reduced the secretion of certain inflammatory cytokines in response to immune stimuli without affecting basal cytokine levels in healthy individuals.

Treatment of BPH with Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle extracts and compounds, specifically β-sitosterol and scopoletin, showed potential as effective treatments for BPH.

Nettle Sting Therapy for Joint Pain

Nettle sting therapy was reported as helpful by patients for treating joint pain, suggesting further research is warranted.

SHBG Binding Inhibition

Certain compounds in stinging nettle root were identified to decrease the binding activity of SHBG, potentially impacting hormone-related conditions.

References:


  1. Lignans from the roots of Urtica dioica and their metabolites bind to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)
  2. The effect of extracts of the roots of the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on the interaction of SHBG with its receptor on human prostatic membranes
  3. Natural treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis
  4. Randomized controlled trial of nettle sting for treatment of base-of-thumb pain
  5. Analysis of the results obtained with a new phytotherapeutic association for LUTS versus control. [corrected]
  6. Lignans interfering with 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone binding to human sex hormone-binding globulin
  7. Stinging nettle dermatitis
  8. Urtica dioica; Urtica urens (nettle). Monograph
  9. Stinging nettle cream for osteoarthritis
  10. [Effect of radix urticae extract and its several secondary extracts on blood SHBG in benign prostate hyperplasia]
  11. Complementary and alternative interventions in asthma, allergy, and immunology
  12. Mechanism of action of stinging nettles
  13. Randomized, double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis
  14. Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study
  15. Effects of stinging nettle root extracts and their steroidal components on the Na+,K(+)-ATPase of the benign prostatic hyperplasia
  16. Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis
  17. Natural treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis
  18. Aromatase inhibitors from Urtica dioica roots
  19. Long-term efficacy and safety of a combination of sabal and urtica extract for lower urinary tract symptoms--a placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial
  20. [Combined extract of Sabal palm and nettle in the treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms in double blind, placebo-controlled trial]
  21. Efficacy and safety of a combination of Sabal and Urtica extract in lower urinary tract symptoms--long-term follow-up of a placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial
  22. Phytalgic, a food supplement, vs placebo in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
  23. Long-term efficacy and safety of PRO 160/120 (a combination of sabal and urtica extract) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)
  24. Analytical procedure for the in-vial derivatization--extraction of phenolic acids and flavonoids in methanolic and aqueous plant extracts followed by gas chromatography with mass-selective detection
  25. The effect of hydro alcoholic Nettle (Urtica dioica) extracts on insulin sensitivity and some inflammatory indicators in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized double-blind control trial
  26. Phenolic compounds analysis of root, stalk, and leaves of nettle
  27. Nettle sting for chronic knee pain: a randomised controlled pilot study
  28. [Cytokine secretion in whole blood of healthy subjects following oral administration of Urtica dioica L. plant extract]
  29. Ameliorative effects of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in rats
  30. Nettle sting of Urtica dioica for joint pain--an exploratory study of this complementary therapy
  31. Plant constituents interfering with human sex hormone-binding globulin. Evaluation of a test method and its application to Urtica dioica root extracts


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