Condition
    Moderate Evidence
    Effectiveness 3/5

    Nettle Root for BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)

    Nettle root may modestly improve urinary symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia, but trials are limited.

    Overview

    Nettle root may modestly improve urinary symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia, but trials are limited.

    Verdict

    Mixed evidence

    How It Works

    Nettle root lignans may bind sex hormone-binding globulin and inhibit aromatase and 5-alpha-reductase, with additional anti-proliferative effects on prostate tissue.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    120-300mg standardized extract 2x daily
    Expected timeframe
    8-12 weeks, full effect by 6 months

    Protocol

    form
    Standardised Urtica dioica root extract - root, not leaf; the leaf has no BPH data
    duration
    3-6 months, tracking an IPSS score at baseline and end
    co factor
    Take with meals. Evidence is mixed: symptom scores improve modestly in several trials, but prostate volume and flow rate change little.
    titration
    Up to 600 mg twice daily; many trials combined 160 mg saw palmetto with 120 mg nettle root twice daily
    starting dose
    300 mg nettle root extract twice daily with food

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    A randomised placebo-controlled trial reported improved IPSS scores and urinary flow with nettle root extract, and combination products with saw palmetto show benefit. Independent replication with standardised extracts is sparse.

    Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study

    Score: 7/10
    2005
    crossover
    n=620

    Safarinejad MR

    Nettle root improved IPSS scores and peak urinary flow versus placebo without changing prostate size or PSA.

    View source

    The effect of nettle root extract on urinary problems in older men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a randomized clinical trial

    Score: 5/10
    2022
    rct
    n=100

    Khalafi-Kheydani A, Mahmoodi H, Sadat Z +1 more

    Nettle root extract improved urinary symptom scores and nocturia in older men.

    View source

    Efficacy and safety of a combination of sabal and urtica extract in lower urinary tract symptoms: a randomized, double-blind study versus tamsulosin

    Score: 6/10
    2006
    rct
    n=140

    Engelmann U, Walther C, Bondarenko B

    A saw palmetto plus nettle root combination was non-inferior to tamsulosin for IPSS improvement with fewer adverse effects.

    View source

    Serenoa repens for benign prostatic hyperplasia

    Score: 9/10
    2012
    meta_analysis
    n=5666

    Tacklind J, Macdonald R, Rutks I +2 more

    Higher-quality trials of plant-based BPH therapies show no benefit over placebo for urinary symptoms or flow rate.

    View source

    Safety

    Caveats

    Have a prostate assessment including PSA before self-treating - urinary symptoms can mask prostate cancer, and unlike finasteride nettle root does not distort PSA. Acute urinary retention is an emergency. Mild gastrointestinal upset and rash are the usual side effects. It may add to the effect of antihypertensives, diuretics, lithium and anticoagulants. Not applicable in pregnancy. Nettle root does not shrink the prostate or prevent progression the way 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors do.

    Less likely to help if

    Men with large-volume prostates or severe obstruction, who need alpha-blocker, 5-ARI or surgical treatment.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.