Benefits of Stinging Nettle Root

Evidence-Based Benefits

• SHBG binding — in vitro and animal studies show that nettle root lignans bind to sex hormone-binding globulin, potentially displacing testosterone and increasing the free (bioavailable) fraction; Schottner et al. (1997) identified the specific lignan compounds responsible for SHBG binding
• BPH symptom relief — Safarinejad (2005) conducted a 6-month double-blind RCT in 620 men with BPH and found that 600mg nettle root extract daily significantly improved IPSS scores, urinary flow rate, and post-void residual volume compared to placebo
• Prostate 5-alpha-reductase inhibition — nettle root contains beta-sitosterol and other phytosterols that inhibit 5-alpha-reductase in prostate tissue, reducing local DHT production
• Anti-inflammatory properties — the extract inhibits aromatase and reduces inflammatory mediators in prostate tissue, including prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4
• Combination therapy — Lopatkin et al. (2005) demonstrated that a fixed combination of saw palmetto 160mg + nettle root 120mg (PRO 160/120) was as effective as finasteride for BPH symptoms over 48 weeks

What the Research Says

Stinging nettle root is a well-documented treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in European phytotherapy. It has been approved as such in Germany and Austria, as outlined in the Commission E monograph. A pivotal study by Safarinejad et al. (2005) involved a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial with 620 men diagnosed with BPH. Participants received either 600mg of nettle root extract or placebo daily for six months. The nettle group demonstrated significant improvements in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate, and post-void residual volume compared to the placebo group (P < 0.001).

Lopatkin et al. (2005) conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 257 men over 48 weeks, evaluating a fixed combination of saw palmetto (160mg) and nettle root (120mg), known as PRO 160/120. The study found this combination to be comparable to finasteride 5mg in improving IPSS scores, while reporting fewer sexual side effects.

The mechanism underlying nettle root's efficacy was elucidated by Schottner et al. (1997). They identified specific lignans, including secoisolariciresinol and its derivatives, which bind to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in vitro, competing with testosterone for SHBG binding sites. This mechanism contributes to nettle root's ability to alleviate symptoms associated with BPH.

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