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Snr5.5
Stinging Nettle Root Research
Likely helps
36 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Likely helps
Stinging Nettle Root appears to help in 7 of 7 studies with measurable effects — the evidence leans clearly favourable.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2005–2026 with a typical study size of 72 participants.
Based on 36 studies · 3 meta-analyses · 18 RCTs · 4,684 total participants
Confidence
High confidence
What the studies found
7helped· 29 more without graded effect data
By outcome
BPH & lower urinary tract symptoms
Likely helps26 studies
Glucose & metabolic
Mostly mechanism / observational10 studies
InflammationInhibits COX and LOX inflammatory pathways · 4-8 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational7 studies
Women's healthMay help manage menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes · 4-8 weeks · Supports healthy estrogen metabolism and hormonal equilibrium · 4-8 weeks
17 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2022
200520152026
1Fasting blood sugar (FBS) reductionMeta-AnalysisCited 21×n=401 · medium study2020
However, further studies are needed to confirm the veracity of these results.
Ziaei R et al. · Phytotherapy research : PTR (2020)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Likely real
The results of the meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in FBS concentrations (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -18.01 mg/dl, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -30.04 to -5.97, p < .001, I2 = 94.6%) following nettle supplementation.
The findings of the present study suggest that nettle supplementation may be effective in controlling FBS for T2DM patients.
However, further studies are needed to confirm the veracity of these results.
However, efficacy and safety of the most plants used in the treatment of diabetes are not sufficient.
Rashidi AA et al. · Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS (2013)
The quality of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) assessed by using the Jadad scale.
Among the RCTs studies, the best results in glycemic control was found in Aloe vera, Citrullus colocynthus, Plantago ovata, Silybum marianum, Rheum ribes and Urtica dioica.
The majority of plants that have been studied for antidiabetic activity showed promising results.
UD consumption may result in an improvement in levels of FBS, HbA1c, CRP, triglycerides, and SBP, but did not affect levels of insulin, total-, LDL-, and HDL-cholesterol, BMI, and DBP in patients with T2DM.
Tabrizi R et al. · Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry (2022)
UD consumption may result in an improvement in levels of FBS, HbA1c, CRP, triglycerides, and SBP, but did not affect levels of insulin, total-, LDL-, and HDL-cholesterol, BMI, and DBP in patients with T2DM.
4Kidney stone prevention and managementMeta-AnalysisCited 108×2018
Further investigations are required to confirm the safety and efficacy of these compounds.
Nirumand MC et al. · International journal of molecular sciences (2018)
The main underlying mechanisms of these dietary plants and their isolated phytonutrients in the management of urolithiasis include diuretic, antispasmodic, and antioxidant activity, as well as an inhibitory effect on crystallization, nucleation, and aggregation of crystals.
The results as presented in this review demonstrate the promising role of dietary plants and phytophenols in the prevention and management of kidney stones.
Further investigations are required to confirm the safety and efficacy of these compounds.
In conclusion, it is advisable to conduct further studies with more homogeneous population and larger number of subjects by avoiding the heterogeneity of the herbal preparations considered.
Di Lorenzo C et al. · Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2013)
The bibliographic search found no paper regarding the anti-inflammatory effects of Calendula officinalis L. and Symphytum officinalis L. by oral use.
In spite of the long-term traditional use for inflammatory disorders, Curcuma longa L. and Harpagophytum procumbens L. warrant further investigation, whereas the efficacy of Urtica dioica L, even if the available data on hard endpoints are promising, requires other trials.
Boswellia serrata Roxb. was found to be the most promising, since it shows the best efficacy for the treatment of pain/inflammatory conditions.
6Systematic ReviewCited 25×n=12 · very small study2018
Although just few plants have been proven to be effective for treatment of menstrual irregularities, the results and the classification in present study can be used as an outline for future studies and treatment.
Moini Jazani A et al. · BioMed research international (2018)
High-quality future research, such as human large-scale trials, would be emphasized; improvement in the clinical validity of a drug might come from improved study design, better selection of potentially usable biomarkers, and enhanced safety profiles to guarantee efficacy with lessened risks.
Roy D, Ghosh M, Rangra NK. · Phytotherapy research : PTR (2025)
Great emphasis is laid on the integration of multi-omics technologies such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics in the discovery of bioactive compounds.
The nature of the technologies can evaluate the intrinsic complexities of herbal pharmacology and even identify therapeutic candidates.
Finally, the review refers to the meagre clinical trials on the efficiency of these compounds in the metabolism of humans.
This study aimed to collect all available knowledge about this plant, its chemical composition, and biological activity and to summarize this knowledge with particular attention to polyphenolic compounds and the activity and mechanisms of their actions.
Đurović S, Kojić I, Radić D, Smyatskaya YA, Bazarnova JG, Filip S, Tosti T. · International journal of molecular sciences (2024)
Previously conducted studies found phenolic acids and polyphenolic compounds in root, stalk, and stinging nettle leaves.
Different extraction techniques were usually used to isolate them from the leaves.
Obtained extracts were used to investigate biological activity further or formulate different functional food products.
We present a critical assessment of the results obtained from in vitro and in vivo studies as well as clinical trials to highlight the gaps that require further exploration for future prospective studies.
Abi Sleiman M, Younes M, Hajj R, Salameh T, Abi Rached S, Abi Younes R, Daoud L, Doumiati JL, Frem F, Ishak R, Medawar C, Naim HY, Rizk S. · International journal of molecular sciences (2024)
We further highlight the systemic protective effects of UD on the liver, reproductive, excretory, cardiovascular, nervous, and digestive systems.
We present a critical assessment of the results obtained from in vitro and in vivo studies as well as clinical trials to highlight the gaps that require further exploration for future prospective studies.
10Nocturnal voiding frequencyRCTCited 9×n=922 · large study2014
PRO 160/120 significantly improved nocturnal voiding frequency compared to placebo and similar to tamsulosin or finasteride.
Oelke M et al. · World journal of urology (2014)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Likely real
In the pooled analysis of placebo-controlled trials, nocturnal voids improved by 0.8 (29 %) with PRO 160/120 compared to 0.6 (18 %) with placebo (p = 0.015, Wilcoxon test, one-tailed).
The 69 % responder rate to PRO 160/120 was significantly superior to the placebo response (52 %; p = 0.003, χ (2)-test, two-tailed).
PRO 160/120 significantly improved nocturnal voiding frequency compared to placebo and similar to tamsulosin or finasteride.
Considering the effectiveness of cumin and nettle drops in increasing milk and the availability of these native plants in Iran, it is suggested that they, especially cumin, be used postpartum to increase breast milk production.
Farshad F et al. · Sultan Qaboos University medical journal (2024)
At the beginning of the trial, no statistically significant differences were observed between the 3 groups for infant weight (P = 0.891), breastfeeding frequency (P = 0.921), number of wet diapers (P = 0.783), diaper weight (P = 0.841) and frequency of infant defecation (P = 0.898).
Considering the effectiveness of cumin and nettle drops in increasing milk and the availability of these native plants in Iran, it is suggested that they, especially cumin, be used postpartum to increase breast milk production.
A 3-month treatment with Neurotec capsules in addition to patient education is of benefit for managing symptoms in patients with chronic tinnitus.
Khosravi MH et al. · Clinical otolaryngology : official journal of ENT-UK ; official journal of Netherlands Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology & Cervico-Facial Surgery (2023)
A 3-month treatment with Neurotec capsules in addition to patient education is of benefit for managing symptoms in patients with chronic tinnitus.
Nettle may safely improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients needing insulin therapy.
Kianbakht S et al. · Clinical laboratory (2013)
At the endpoint, the extract lowered the blood levels of fasting glucose, 2 hours postprandial glucose, and HbA1c significantly (p < 0.001, p = 0.009, and p = 0.006, respectively) without any significant effects on the other parameters (p > 0.05) compared with placebo.
Nettle may safely improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients needing insulin therapy.
14Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) increaseRCTCited 26×n=27 · very small study2012
The findings showed that the hydro alcoholic extract of nettle has increasing effects on TAC and SOD in patients with type 2 diabetes without no changes in Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Glutathione Peroxides (GPX) after eight weeks intervention.
Namazi N et al. · Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS (2012)
Borderline
After 8 weeks, Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) and Superoxidant Dismutase (SOD) showed a significant increase in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05).
At the baseline and end of 8th weeks of intervention blood levels of oxidative stress markers were measured.
Data was analyzed by SPSS version 18, p < 0.05 was considered significant for all variables.
16Fasting blood glucoseRCTCited 26×n=60 · small study2017
The study showed a potential antihyperglycemic and triglyceride lowering effect of the herbal formulation, while it did not have any significant cholesterol or blood pressure lowering effect.
Khalili N et al. · Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine (2017)
The aim of this study was to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effects of these herbs in an herbal formulation in patients with type II diabetes mellitus.
The mean serum fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and triglyceride in the herbal drug group were significantly less than placebo group's values after 3 months of the intervention.
The study showed a potential antihyperglycemic and triglyceride lowering effect of the herbal formulation, while it did not have any significant cholesterol or blood pressure lowering effect.
This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02909686).
Younger J et al. · International journal of environmental research and public health (2021)
GWI symptom severity was unchanged from placebo in the reishi lower-dose condition (p = 0.603), and was higher in the higher-dose condition (p = 0.012).
Symptom severity was not decreased from placebo with lower-dose stinging nettle (p = 0.604), but was significantly decreased with higher-dose stinging nettle (p = 0.048).
Epimedium showed no significant decreases of GWI symptoms in the lower (p = 0.936) or higher (p = 0.183) dose conditions.
19Lower urinary tract symptoms improvementCrossoverCited 29×n=620 · large study2005
In the present study, Urtica dioica have beneficial effects in the treatment of symptomatic BPH.
Safarinejad MR · Journal of herbal pharmacotherapy (2005)
Huge benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Likely real
558 patients (90%) completed the study (287/305, 91% in the Urtica dioica group, and 271/315, 86% in the placebo group).
By intention- to-treat analysis, at the end of 6-month trial, 232 (81%) of 287 patients in the Urtica dioica group reported improved LUTS compared with 43 (16%) of 271 patients in the placebo group (P < 0.001).
The IPSS went from 19.8 down to 11.8 with Urtica dioica and from 19.2 to 17.7 with placebo (P = 0.002).
20Glycemic control improvementRCTCited 11×n=150 · medium study2021
The results suggest that traditional herbal combination may safely improve glycemic control in type II diabetic patients with no significant adverse effect. [Formula: see text].
Mehrzadi S et al. · Journal of dietary supplements (2021)
Large benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Results showed that after three months, the fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c and cholesterol levels in herbal combination were decreased significantly as compared to placebo group (20% and 12% respectively) and also compared to base line (25% and 15% respectively).
The results suggest that traditional herbal combination may safely improve glycemic control in type II diabetic patients with no significant adverse effect. [Formula: see text].