Stinging Nettle Root
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Stinging Nettle Root (Urtica dioica L. (Root / Radix Extract)) is a dietary supplement with 5 published peer-reviewed studies involving 860 participants, researched for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Anti-inflammatory Activity, Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
StrongAnti-inflammatory Activity
WeakLower Urinary Tract Symptoms
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 beneficial effects of Urtica dioica root in the treatment of symptomatic BPH.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover
Purpose
To evaluate the beneficial effects of Urtica dioica root in the treatment of symptomatic BPH.
Dose
300 mg Urtica dioica root extract twice daily (600 mg/day)
Participants
620 men with symptomatic BPH
Duration
6 months
Results
Urtica dioica root significantly reduced IPSS and improved maximum urinary flow vs placebo. Residual urine volume decreased. QoL improved significantly. 81% of patients reported symptomatic improvement.
How They Measured It
IPSS, maximum urinary flow rate, residual urine volume, quality of life
To assess the efficacy of Urtica dioica in 100 patients with BPH.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind
Purpose
To assess the efficacy of Urtica dioica in 100 patients with BPH.
Dose
Standardised Urtica dioica root extract
Participants
100 men with BPH
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Stinging nettle significantly improved IPSS total score and subscores. Maximum urinary flow (Q-max) increased significantly. PSA remained stable. Well tolerated.
How They Measured It
IPSS, Q-max, PSA, post-void residual volume
To evaluate the comprehensive evidence for urticae radix (nettle root) in BPH management.
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To evaluate the comprehensive evidence for urticae radix (nettle root) in BPH management.
Dose
Various
Participants
Systematic review
Duration
Various
Results
Nettle root is recommended for BPH-associated complaints. Clinical evidence supports significant IPSS improvement and urinary flow enhancement. Mechanisms include anti-proliferative effects on prostate stromal cells and SHBG inhibition.
How They Measured It
Review of clinical outcomes from relevant RCTs
Anti-inflammatory Activity
To investigate the inhibiting effects of Urtica dioica root extracts on experimentally induced prostatic hyperplasia in mice.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate the inhibiting effects of Urtica dioica root extracts on experimentally induced prostatic hyperplasia in mice.
Dose
U. dioica root extract (various concentrations)
Participants
Mouse model
Duration
4 weeks
Results
U. dioica root extract significantly inhibited experimentally induced prostatic hyperplasia. Active compounds modulated inflammation via PGE2 inhibition and aromatase inhibition.
How They Measured It
Prostate weight, histological assessment, PSA levels
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
To evaluate the effect of nettle root extract on urinary problems in older men with BPH.
Study Type
Randomised clinical trial
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of nettle root extract on urinary problems in older men with BPH.
Dose
Standardised nettle root extract
Participants
Older men with BPH and LUTS
Duration
12 months
Results
Urtica dioica improved IPSS at follow-ups up to 12 months vs controls. Results were consistent with meta-analytical evidence for clinically meaningful LUTS improvement.
How They Measured It
IPSS, urinary flow, quality of life measures
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Stinging Nettle Root research
There are currently 9 peer-reviewed studies on Stinging Nettle Root (Urtica dioica L. (Root / Radix Extract)), involving 860 total participants. Research covers Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Lower urinary tract symptoms, Anti-inflammatory activity 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 (4 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Stinging Nettle Root has been researched for: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Lower urinary tract symptoms, Anti-inflammatory activity, Blood sugar support. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 4 out of 9 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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