Nettle Root
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Nettle Root (Urtica dioica radix) is a dietary supplement with 7 published peer-reviewed studies involving 620 participants, researched for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Hormonal Health (SHBG Binding), Anti-inflammatory and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
ModerateHormonal Health (SHBG Binding)
ModerateAnti-inflammatory
ModerateUrinary Tract Support
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Urtica dioica root extract in symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Urtica dioica root extract in symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Dose
120 mg Urtica dioica root extract twice daily
Participants
620 patients with BPH
Duration
6 months
Results
Nettle root extract significantly improved IPSS scores, increased peak urinary flow rate, and reduced post-void residual urine compared to placebo. Prostate size did not significantly change.
How They Measured It
IPSS, peak urinary flow rate, post-void residual volume, prostate size
To summarise pharmacological and clinical evidence for stinging nettle root (urticae radix) in BPH.
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To summarise pharmacological and clinical evidence for stinging nettle root (urticae radix) in BPH.
Dose
Various (120–300 mg extract)
Participants
Systematic review
Duration
Various
Results
Clinical and pharmacological evidence supports the use of nettle root for BPH-associated complaints. Risk for adverse events is very low. Further confirmatory studies recommended before inclusion in BPH treatment guidelines.
How They Measured It
Review of clinical trials, pharmacological studies, safety data
Hormonal Health (SHBG Binding)
To investigate whether extracts of Urtica dioica root inhibit binding of SHBG to its receptor on human prostatic membranes.
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To investigate whether extracts of Urtica dioica root inhibit binding of SHBG to its receptor on human prostatic membranes.
Dose
Aqueous and alcoholic root extracts, various concentrations
Participants
In vitro (human prostatic membrane preparations)
Duration
N/A
Results
Aqueous extract of nettle root inhibited the binding of SHBG to its receptor on human prostatic membranes, suggesting a potential mechanism for reducing free androgen activity at the prostate.
How They Measured It
Radioligand binding assay using 125I-SHBG on human prostatic membrane
To test the affinity of lignans from Urtica dioica roots and their metabolites to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).
Study Type
In vitro binding study
Purpose
To test the affinity of lignans from Urtica dioica roots and their metabolites to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).
Dose
In vitro concentrations of isolated lignans
Participants
In vitro
Duration
N/A
Results
Several lignans from nettle root, including secoisolariciresinol and divanillyltetrahydrofuran, showed significant binding affinity to SHBG, suggesting they may modulate free testosterone availability.
How They Measured It
Competitive binding assay with human SHBG
Anti-inflammatory
To investigate whether plant extracts from stinging nettle inhibit the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-κB.
Study Type
In vitro mechanistic study
Purpose
To investigate whether plant extracts from stinging nettle inhibit the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-κB.
Dose
Nettle extract various concentrations
Participants
In vitro (human cell lines)
Duration
N/A
Results
Stinging nettle extracts significantly inhibited NF-κB activation and reduced expression of proinflammatory gene products including cytokines, suggesting a strong anti-inflammatory mechanism.
How They Measured It
NF-κB reporter assays, cytokine production measurements
To investigate ameliorative effects of stinging nettle on testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in rats.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate ameliorative effects of stinging nettle on testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in rats.
Dose
Urtica dioica extract 50, 100, 200 mg/kg
Participants
Male Wistar rats with testosterone-induced BPH
Duration
28 days
Results
Nettle extract significantly reduced prostate weight, inhibited 5α-reductase activity, and improved histological parameters. Results suggest nettle root as an effective natural approach to BPH management.
How They Measured It
Prostate weight, histology, 5α-reductase activity, PSA
Urinary Tract Support
To assess long-term efficacy and safety of Urtica dioica root extract in patients with BPH-related lower urinary tract symptoms.
Study Type
Open-label, multicentre observational study
Purpose
To assess long-term efficacy and safety of Urtica dioica root extract in patients with BPH-related lower urinary tract symptoms.
Dose
459 mg Urtica dioica root extract daily
Participants
257 patients with BPH
Duration
24 weeks
Results
IPSS scores improved significantly from baseline in the majority of patients. Peak urinary flow rate increased and residual urine decreased. Treatment was well tolerated with minimal adverse events.
How They Measured It
IPSS, Qmax, residual urine volume, safety monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Nettle Root research
There are currently 9 peer-reviewed studies on Nettle Root (Urtica dioica radix), involving 620 total participants. Research covers Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Hormonal health (SHBG binding), Anti-inflammatory and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (7 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Nettle Root has been researched for: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Hormonal health (SHBG binding), Anti-inflammatory, Urinary tract support. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 7 out of 9 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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