Stinging Nettle

Urtica: The ancient herbal pharmacy

Overview

Stinging Nettle, or nettle, displays beautiful bright pink flowers in summer. But the stem is covered with many tiny “hairs” that release stinging chemicals upon touch. Also called Urtica dioica, this plant is a wild perennial herb that is found growing throughout the world. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine as a diuretic, to treat painful joints and sore muscles, and urinary problems.

Key Benefits

• Promotes prostate health
• Helps relieve hay fever
• Supports healthy blood pressure
• Supports healthy blood glucose metabolism
• Provides anti-inflammatory relief for rheumatoid arthritis

History of Usage

Stinging nettles is a medicinal plant that has been used since ancient times for ailments ranging from gangrenous wounds to asthma and mouth sores. Today, it is one of the most studied plants in the world. It is well documented and recognized, especially in Europe, to relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) , including urinary bladder capacity, urinary outflow, and residual urine flow. It is also used for hypertension, and as an anti-inflammatory for rheumatoid arthritis.

The plant is also used in the dye industry, veterinary medicine, the textile industry, cosmeceutics for hair loss lotions, and anti-dandruff products.

Biochemistry

Studies have shown that stinging nettle extracts possess various pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic,, cardiovascular, anti-ulcer, analgesic, immuno-modulator, anti-mutagenic, anti-asthmatic, diuretic, depurative, anti-cancer properties.

Stinging nettle’s medicinal properties are linked to its anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, astringent, depurative, galactagogue, diuretic, nutritive, and stimulating effects. The powered leaf’s extract has been used as an anti-haemorrhagic agent to reduce excessive menstrual flow and nose bleeds. 

The root appears to have different pharmacological effects than the leaves. The roots are used for BHP, the leaves for urinary tract disorders and rheumatic conditions, while fresh freeze-dried leaves are used to treat allergies.

Several studies have also reported its analgesic potential and its role as an anti-aggregating factor, as well as describing its favorable effects on cardiovascular and smooth-muscle activity as a hypotensive agent .

Stinging nettle contains vitamins A and C, calcium; iron; sodium; and the essential fatty acids linoleic and α-linolenic acid; phenol compounds; and such ferulic acid and polyphenols as naringin, ellagic acid, myricetin, and rutin. The roots also contain lignans, phytosterols (β-sitosterol), polysaccharides, isolectins, agglutinine, coumarins, simple phenols, triterpenoic acids, and monoterpendiols.

Stinging nettle leaves are eaten, both raw and blanched, gently fried or steamed in many foodstuffs such as pesto, quiches, soups, purées, sauces, cookies, gelatines, and jams.

Recent Trends

Stinging nettle is available as dried leaf, freeze-dried leaf, extract, capsules, tablets, and as root tincture (a solution of the herb in alcohol), juice, and tea. It also comes in the form of an ointment or cream that can be applied to the skin. 

Formulations from fresh plant material include homeopathic products, juice, and liquid extracts. 

Precautions

• Pregnant women should not take stinging nettle because it can cause miscarriage.
• Stinging nettle can have a diuretic effect, lower blood pressure, and either lower or raise blood sugar. 
• Individuals who take antiplatelet and anticoagulants drugs, drugs for high blood pressure, diuretics, drugs for diabetes, lithium, and NSAIDS, should not take stinging nettle.
• An allergic reaction can cause hives.
• Exposure to the leaves or juice can result in burning, itching, and rash.

References

1. Dhouibi R, Affes H, Ben Salem M, Hammami S, Sahnoun Z, Zeghal KM, Ksouda K. Screening of pharmacological uses of Urtica dioica and other benefits. Prog Biophys Mol Biol. 2020 Jan;150:67-77.
2. Kavalali G.M. Urtica Therapeutic and Nutritional Aspects of Stinging Nettles. Volume 37 Taylor & Francis; London, UK: 2003.
3. Upton R. Stinging nettles leaf (Urtica dioica L.): Extraordinary vegetable medicine. J. Herb. Med. 2013;3:9–38.
4. Esposito S, Bianco A, Russo R, Di Maro A, Isernia C, Pedone PV. Therapeutic Perspectives of Molecules from Urtica dioica Extracts for Cancer Treatment. Molecules. 2019;24(15):2753. Published 2019 Jul 29.
5. Chrubasik J.E., Roufogalis B.D., Wagner H., Chrubasik S.A. A comprehensive review on nettle effect and efficacy profiles, Part I: Herba urticae. Phytomedicine. 2007;14:423–435.
6. Chrubasik J.E., Roufogalis B.D., Wagner H., Chrubasik S. A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles. Part II: Urticae radix. Phytomedicine. 2007;14:568–579.
7. El Haouari M., Rosado J.A. Phytochemical, Anti-diabetic and Cardiovascular Properties of Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae): A Review. Mini Rev. Med. Chem. 2019;19:63–71.
8.  Riehemann K., Behnke B., Schulze-Osthoff K. Plant extracts from stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), an antirheumatic remedy, inhibit the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB. FEBS Lett. 1999;442:89–94.
9. Dhouibi R, Affes H, Ben Salem M, Hammami S, Sahnoun Z, Zeghal KM, Ksouda K. Screening of pharmacological uses of Urtica dioica and other benefits. Prog Biophys Mol Biol. 2020 Jan;150:67-77.

El Haouari M, Rosado JA. Phytochemical, Anti-diabetic and Cardiovascular Properties of Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae): A Review. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2019;19(1):63-71.