Nettle Root
The root, not the leaf, has repeated randomized trials for prostate symptoms. Effects on urinary symptom scores are real but modest, and most of the strongest data come from a saw palmetto combination.
Where to buy
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What the science says
- Lower urinary tract symptoms in BPH Moderate evidence
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of Urtica dioica root in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia reported improved symptom scores versus placebo. Effect sizes were modest and the trial was single-center.
- Combination with saw palmetto Moderate evidence
A large placebo-controlled multicenter trial of a sabal (saw palmetto) plus urtica extract found improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms sustained over long-term follow-up. Because the product is a combination, the contribution of nettle root alone cannot be separated out.
- DHT and hormone levels Limited evidence
A randomized trial of nettle root extract in BPH also examined biochemical parameters; claims that it meaningfully lowers dihydrotestosterone in men rest largely on in vitro binding studies rather than clinical measurements.
Dosage & safety
How to take it
Interactions
With medications
- blood pressure medication
Additive lowering of blood pressure. monitor your readings when starting
- insulin and other diabetes medication
Additive lowering of blood glucose. monitor glucose more closely at first
- lithium
Its diuretic action can reduce lithium clearance and raise blood levels. do not combine without medical supervision and level monitoring
Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.
Frequently asked questions
Does nettle root help enlarged prostate symptoms?
Yes, modestly: randomized placebo-controlled trials of nettle root in benign prostatic hyperplasia reported improved urinary symptom scores, a moderate-grade finding. Much of the strongest data come from a nettle root plus saw palmetto combination.
Does nettle root lower DHT?
The claim that nettle root meaningfully lowers DHT rests largely on test-tube binding studies rather than clinical measurements in men. The evidence for this effect is limited.
How much nettle root should I take for BPH?
Trials used 300-600 mg of nettle root extract daily, or 120 mg of nettle root plus 160 mg of saw palmetto twice daily in combination studies. Give it at least six months, the shortest period the trials measured.
Is nettle root safe with other medications?
Nettle root may add to the effect of blood pressure and diabetes medication, and its diuretic action can raise lithium levels, so do not combine it with lithium without medical supervision. Have urinary symptoms assessed first, because prostate cancer can present the same way.
Scientific references
- Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study
- 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
- Urtica Dioica Root Extract on Clinical and Biochemical Parameters in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Randomized Controlled Trial
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