Stinging Nettle Leaf
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Stinging Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica folium) is a dietary supplement with 6 published peer-reviewed studies involving 490 participants, researched for Anti-inflammatory, Allergic Rhinitis, Joint Health and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Anti-inflammatory
ModerateAllergic Rhinitis
ModerateJoint Health
ModerateAntioxidant
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.
Anti-inflammatory
To investigate whether stinging nettle leaf extracts inhibit the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-κB.
Study Type
In vitro mechanistic study
Purpose
To investigate whether stinging nettle leaf extracts inhibit the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-κB.
Dose
Urtica dioica leaf extract various concentrations
Participants
Human cell lines (in vitro)
Duration
N/A
Results
Stinging nettle leaf extracts potently inhibited NF-κB activation and reduced expression of inflammatory gene products. Results provide molecular basis for anti-inflammatory applications in rheumatoid arthritis.
How They Measured It
NF-κB reporter assay, inflammatory gene expression, cytokine production
To assess anti-inflammatory activity and non-cytotoxicity of lipophilic stinging nettle extracts from roots, stems and leaves.
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To assess anti-inflammatory activity and non-cytotoxicity of lipophilic stinging nettle extracts from roots, stems and leaves.
Dose
Various lipophilic nettle extracts
Participants
In vitro
Duration
N/A
Results
Lipophilic stinging nettle leaf extracts demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activity including COX and 5-LOX inhibition, and were not cytotoxic. Lipophilic extracts outperformed water-based tinctures in anti-inflammatory activity.
How They Measured It
COX-1, COX-2, 5-LOX inhibition; cytotoxicity assay; NF-κB inhibition
Allergic Rhinitis
To evaluate freeze-dried Urtica dioica as a treatment for allergic rhinitis.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study
Purpose
To evaluate freeze-dried Urtica dioica as a treatment for allergic rhinitis.
Dose
600 mg freeze-dried U. dioica twice daily
Participants
69 patients with allergic rhinitis
Duration
1 week
Results
Patients rated freeze-dried nettle moderately effective for allergic rhinitis, and it was rated slightly more effective than placebo. Nettle was well tolerated. Longer studies needed to confirm benefit.
How They Measured It
Patient-reported global response, symptom diary, adverse event monitoring
Joint Health
To evaluate stinging nettle leaf as an adjuvant therapy in patients with osteoarthritic pain at the base of the thumb.
Study Type
Randomised, crossover study
Purpose
To evaluate stinging nettle leaf as an adjuvant therapy in patients with osteoarthritic pain at the base of the thumb.
Dose
Topical application of fresh stinging nettle leaves for 30 seconds daily
Participants
27 patients with painful osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb
Duration
1 week per arm (crossover)
Results
Stinging nettle leaf significantly reduced pain (VAS) and disability (HAQ) scores compared to dead nettle placebo. 63% of patients preferred nettle treatment. Results support urtication (stinging) for osteoarthritic pain relief.
How They Measured It
VAS pain score, HAQ disability score
To compare stinging nettle leaf extract with an anti-inflammatory drug (diclofenac) in treating acute arthritis.
Study Type
Randomised, controlled
Purpose
To compare stinging nettle leaf extract with an anti-inflammatory drug (diclofenac) in treating acute arthritis.
Dose
IDS-30 stinging nettle extract 50 g/day
Participants
40 patients with acute arthritis
Duration
2 weeks
Results
Nettle extract combined with half-dose diclofenac was as effective as full-dose diclofenac in reducing arthritis pain. Pain scores and physician ratings were equivalent between groups.
How They Measured It
Joint pain VAS, physician global assessment, NSAID dose reduction
Antioxidant
To review the nutritional composition and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle including antioxidant properties of leaf extracts.
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To review the nutritional composition and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle including antioxidant properties of leaf extracts.
Dose
Various
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Stinging nettle leaves are rich in antioxidant compounds including flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamins C and E, carotenoids, and chlorophyll. Leaf extracts demonstrated significant free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities.
How They Measured It
Review of phytochemical and antioxidant studies
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Stinging Nettle Leaf research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Stinging Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica folium), involving 490 total participants. Research covers Anti-inflammatory, Allergic rhinitis, Joint health and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (6 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Stinging Nettle Leaf has been researched for: Anti-inflammatory, Allergic rhinitis, Joint health, Antioxidant. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 6 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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