Last verified: 58 days ago
Nettle
Also known as: Stinging Nettle, Urtica dioica, Urtica dioica L., UDE, Hox Alpha
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Herbal plant with early evidence for prostate symptoms, joint pain, and lactation support.
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What it does
Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a flowering plant used in traditional medicine and increasingly studied for modern health applications. Root extracts have shown clinically meaningful improvements in...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
450 mg/day (root extract for BPH); topical 5% cream (vaginal atrophy); No established oral dose for other uses
What the Science Says
Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a flowering plant used in traditional medicine and increasingly studied for modern health applications. Root extracts have shown clinically meaningful improvements in urinary symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and a dry leaf extract (Hox Alpha) showed favorable pain relief and fewer side effects compared to OTC NSAIDs in osteoarthritis patients in a real-world registry study. Early clinical evidence also suggests nettle oral drops may support breast milk production in new mothers, and a topical nettle cream reduced vaginal dryness and discomfort in postmenopausal women.
What It Doesn't Do
Not a proven testosterone booster — no clinical evidence from these studies supports that claim. Won't replace prescription medications for BPH or menopause. No evidence it burns fat or builds muscle. The osteoarthritis registry data is retrospective and not a controlled trial — results should be treated as preliminary. Antimicrobial effects shown in lab and food-safety studies don't translate to human infection treatment.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Root extract reduces urinary symptom scores in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 450 mg/day
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Dry leaf extract (Hox Alpha) reduced osteoarthritis pain with fewer side effects than OTC NSAIDs.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose from provided studies
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Nettle-containing herbal preparations may increase breast milk production in new and preterm mothers.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 15 drops 3x/day (oral drops); herbal tea mixture (1 week)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Topical 5% nettle cream reduced vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort in postmenopausal women.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 5% vaginal cream applied for 8 weeks
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no pharmacokinetic data provided in the available studies. Topical and oral forms have been tested separately with different outcomes.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most human studies are small (under 100 participants) and conducted in single regions — results may not generalize broadly.
- The osteoarthritis registry study is retrospective and observational, not a randomized controlled trial — treat those findings as hypothesis-generating only.
- Nettle is found in over 1,000 registered supplement products (NIH DSLD), but product quality and extract standardization vary widely — root vs. leaf vs. whole plant extracts are not interchangeable.
- Phytoestrogenic compounds in nettle may interact with hormone-sensitive conditions or medications — consult a doctor before use if you have hormone-related health issues.
- Lactation studies used nettle as part of multi-herb blends, making it hard to isolate nettle's specific contribution.
Products Containing Nettle
See how Nettle is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Nettle do?
Herbal plant with early evidence for prostate symptoms, joint pain, and lactation support.
What is the effective dose of Nettle?
450 mg/day (root extract for BPH); topical 5% cream (vaginal atrophy); No established oral dose for other uses
Is Nettle safe?
Most human studies are small (under 100 participants) and conducted in single regions — results may not generalize broadly.
What doesn't Nettle do?
Not a proven testosterone booster — no clinical evidence from these studies supports that claim.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25