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Stinging Nettle Root Side Effects & Safety

Evidence:Moderate
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Generally Safe

Potential Side Effects

  • Mild GI discomfort (upset stomach, diarrhea) — uncommon at standard doses
  • Sweating (occasionally reported)
  • Allergic skin reaction in individuals sensitive to nettle (rare with root extract)
  • Well-tolerated in clinical trials — side effect incidence comparable to placebo

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • Blood pressure medications — nettle may have mild diuretic and hypotensive effects; monitor blood pressure
  • Diabetes medications — may have mild hypoglycemic effects; monitor blood sugar
  • Blood thinners (warfarin) — nettle leaf (not root) contains vitamin K; root extract is less concerning but inform physician
  • Finasteride/dutasteride — potential additive 5-alpha-reductase inhibition; may be beneficial but discuss with urologist

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: 1200mg daily has been used in studies; standard therapeutic dose is 600mg

Full Stinging Nettle Root Guide

References

  1. RCTSafarinejad MR (2005). Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy. DOI PubMed
  2. RCTLopatkin N, Sivkov A, Walther C, et al. (2005). 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. World Journal of Urology. DOI PubMed
  3. In-vitroSchottner M, Gansser D, Spiteller G (1997). Lignans from the roots of Urtica dioica and their metabolites bind to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Planta Medica. DOI PubMed