| Dietary sources | |
| The nettle genus is made up approximately 30 species of plant found worldwide. In addition to its use as a medicinal plant, it is also used for culinary purpose, especially in spring. The young shoots are processed into nettle spinach and eaten as a – soup or in salad. In organic farming, nettle is used as supplementary feed for pigs, cows and chicks due to its high content of valuable vitamins and minerals. | |
| Physiological effects | |
| Fluid balance |
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| Stinging nettle in benign prostatic hyperplasia |
| In Central European folk medicine nettle extract is used as a diuretic and for joint diseases. Studies have shown diuretic effects for the leaves and seeds, while root extracts are used to relieve micturition problems in the early stages of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and have also been approved by Commission E in Germany (1). In various BPH models, increased urine flow, growth inhibition, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects could be demonstrated. The effects and active ingredients with regard to prostatotropic effects have not yet been fully clarified. The reduced binding capacity of SHBG for testosterone and dihydrotestosterone at the prostate membrane receptors is regarded as a mechanism of action. In addition, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and its metabolite androstenedione are formed by inhibition of 5-α-reductase. These are essential hormonal factors in the development of prostate hyperplasia. Anabolic strengthening of the bladder muscles is also suspected by inhibition of aromatase, which catalyzes the conversion of testosterone into 17-b-oestradiol (2).
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| Nettle to protect the kidneys and bladder |
| Diuretic plant substances - so-called diuretics - help to increase excretion via the renal/urea/bladder system. At the same time, bioactive ingredients of these plants act against bacteria that are responsible for inflammation. Large amounts of urine reduce the osmolarity of harmful urinary substances and protect the urothelium from defects that lead to increased bacterial adherence and infections which cause discomfort and bladder pain (3). If the kidneys, urinary tract and bladder are not flushed sufficiently, bacteria can colonize and multiply. This also promoted the formation of granules and stoned. |
| Effect | Indication | Dosage |
| Physiological effects at a low intake |
For prevention of urinary tract infections and recurrent microbial colonization of the urogenital tract | 200 mg /d |
| For adjuvant nutritive therapy for irritable bladder in men and women | 200 mg /d | |
| In the initial stages of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP) | 200 mg /d | |
| For prevention and treatment of stone diseases and renal gravel | 200 mg /d |
| General mode of administration | |
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Nettle extract should be taken between meals |
| Side effects | |
| No side effects are known to date. | |
| Contraindications | |
| Do not us in cases of renal insufficiency, heart failure of pregnancy due to the dehydrating effect. | |
| Drug or nutrient interactions | |
| None | No interactions are known to date. |
| References |
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1) Kompek, A. 2007. Bei Beschwerden der Blase und Prostata Brennesselwurzel, Goldrutenkraut und Birkenblatt. Phyto Therapie Nr.2. 2) Wagner, H., Wiesenauer, M. 2003. Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und pflanzliche Homöopathika. 3) Eberhard, J. 2007. Phytotherapie bei Harnwegsinfektion und urogynäkologischen Beschwerden. Phytotherapie Nr.1.
References Interactions: Stargrove, M. B. et al. Herb, Nutrient and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies, 1. Auflage. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Health Sciences, 2008. Gröber, U. Mikronährstoffe: Metabolic Tuning –Prävention –Therapie, 3. Auflage. Stuttgart: WVG Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Stuttgart, 2011. Gröber, U. Arzneimittel und Mikronährstoffe: Medikationsorientierte Supplementierung, 3. aktualisierte und erweiterte Auflage. Stuttgart: WVG Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Stuttgart, 2014.
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