What is stinging nettle

In a randomized controlled trial RCT from , researchers gave 81 people with OA either a supplement that contained fish oil , vitamin E, and stinging nettle or a placebo. Over a period of 3 months, people who took the supplement reported fewer symptoms and less frequent use of their anti-inflammatory medications than those in the placebo group. However, there is a need for more recent studies in humans. The results of a mouse study suggested that a herbal gel containing Urtica dioica had pain-relieving and anti-edema effects without irritating the skin.

People who use stinging nettles either take capsules or apply a cream that contains stinging nettles to their affected joints. Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, which have let to its current uses in conditions such as arthritis and allergies, researchers hope that stinging nettle could also have uses in other inflammatory conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Stinging nettle is a popular treatment for seasonal allergies. Scientists are not yet sure how it has this effect, though some suggest it is because the nettle can reduce allergy-related inflammation in the body. Seasonal allergies occur when a substance such as pollen triggers the body to produce histamine. Histamine is what causes the characteristic symptoms of allergies, such as inflammation, itching, and hives.

However, in an RCT from , researchers found that stinging nettle extract and a placebo pill both reduced symptom severity. The authors concluded that more research is needed. The NCCIH also report that other home remedies for allergies, such as capsaicin, quercetin, spirulina, and French maritime pine bark extract, do not have enough solid evidence behind them to prove their effectiveness.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH is a noncancerous growth of the prostate gland in men. The condition can cause a range of symptoms, mostly involving urinary processes. Stinging nettle may help slow the growth of the prostate in people with BPH by affecting hormone levels or interacting with cells in the prostate. Some studies have found that stinging nettle can reduce the symptoms of BPH. For example, in one RCT from , researchers gave people either stinging nettles or a placebo for 8 weeks.

They found a significant reduction in symptoms for people taking stinging nettles but not those taking the placebo. However, there is not currently enough research in humans to determine whether stinging nettle can help treat the symptoms of BPH. That said, future studies may uncover other ways to use it. A person should see a doctor if they suspect prostate problems, so the doctor can rule out or treat any serious issues.

There is some early evidence to suggest that stinging nettle could also help with the treatment of diabetes. However, much of this research is limited to animals. In another RCT from , people with type 2 diabetes took milligram mg capsules of stinging nettle extract or a placebo every 8 hours along with their usual treatment. After 3 months, the stinging nettle extract had a positive effect on blood glucose levels. In fact, when added to diet, they have proven to be effective in a dose dependent manner in stimulating their immune system and improving growth performances Harikrishnan et al.

According to Reverter et al. However, U. Such an emerging feature, together with cost-effectiveness, adequate availability, and easy processing, could make this herb an excellent, inexpensive and widely used dietary supplement on intensive farms. Unfortunately, despite its great potentials as multi-purpose crop under a low input cultivation, U. Furthermore, the literature concerning its use in fishes is still fragmentary, which could limit the effort for studying the application of this plant in aquaculture.

Urtica dioica stinging nettle , is a perennial plant belonging to the genus Urtica of the family Urticaceae Ahmed and Parasuraman, The stem is erect and green, quadrangular, with lacunar collenchyma at each corner. Fibrovascular bundles could be 12—20 Corsi and Masini, The leaves are dark-green above and paler beneath, oblong or ovate, opposite, cordate at the base, finely toothed Testai et al.

Stinging trichomes cover both stems and leaves, and contain a fluid enriched in histamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin Tuberville et al. The small dioecious flowers are either male or female in separate inflorescences, brown to greenish in color, occurring as racemes in the axils of the upper leaves and flowering from May to September every year Corsi and Masini, ; Ahmed and Parasuraman, A rhizome is present and the root is usually biarch Corsi and Masini, Flavonoids, tannins, volatile compounds, fatty acids, polysaccharides, isolectins, sterols, terpenes, protein, vitamins, and minerals are among the main chemical constituents of U.

In this context, flavonoids and caffeic acid derivatives contribute to the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic activities of Urtica leaves extracts Chrubasik et al. In particular, the anti-inflammatory effect of ethanolic extracts of U. On the other hand, patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH may benefit from nettle root extracts treatment thanks to at least three different mechanisms: 1 Lignans from an aqueous nettle root extract that inhibit the binding of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin SHBG to receptors on human prostatic membranes, which are involved in BPH pathogenesis Chrubasik et al.

The immunomodulating activity of U. Finally, from a nutritional point of view, U. The use of nettle in folk veterinary medicine is well documented and it is difficult to give an exhaustive view in this short paper. Briefly, in Europe, ethno-veterinary reports documented the use of U.

In Italy and Spain U. In some Italian regions, pigs were fed with boiled nettle to improve their resistance to infectious diseases; furthermore, U. In Switzerland, stinging nettle orally administered to animals both as raw material and infusion , improves general strengthening and is used for curing genital, gastrointestinal, skin and metabolic disorders Disler et al. In India, animal disorders, such as haematuria, rheumatism, neck sore, infertility, bone fracture, wounds, sprains, lactation, abdominal pain, and internal injury, are also cured with nettle Pande et al.

Most of the studies concerning the use of U. Major producing countries of O. In the global aquaculture production of O. Furthermore, in the group fed U. More recently, Saeidi asl et al. Furthermore, hematological responses including: haematocrit Htc , hemoglobin Hb , lymphocyte, neutrophil populations, and total red blood cells, mucus bactericidal activity, significantly increased after 8 weeks in the nettle group Saeidi asl et al.

In the same experiment the cumulative mortality of rainbow trout juveniles subjected to Yersinia ruckeri infection exhibited a significantly low mortality levels in U.

Awad et al. Bilen et al. At the end of the feeding trial, rainbow trout were challenged with A. Furthermore, all measured immune parameters improved after dietary administration of nettle extract, with a significantly higher level of phagocytic, lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activity compared to control Bilen et al.

Currently, L. As far as L. Unfortunately, a combination of factors, including illegal fishing, overfishing, as well as competition with invasive alien species, led to a rapid collapse of the population in the late s Ogutu-Ohwayo, ; Kembenya et al. Currently, Kenya government supports aquaculture projects of this species in attempt to reduce the exploitation of residual natural populations and promote restocking Kembenya et al.

In this context, juveniles and adults of L. Furthermore, adding nettle to diet, increased growth performance, hematological red blood cell count [RBC], white blood cell counts [WBC], haematocrit [Hct], mean cell hemoglobin concentration [Hb] , biochemical total serum protein and albumin , and immunological parameters in experimental fishes Ngugi et al. Historical data reported that the Beluga sturgeon H.

In the last 40 years, stocks of sturgeons are dramatically decreasing due to overfishing and environmental degradation Billard and Lecointre, Because of this decline, sturgeon aquaculture have been developed which hopefully may contribute to reduce fishing pressure and increase wild stocks Bronzi et al. However, development of sturgeon farming was also accompanied by disease outbreaks, including those unknown prior to cultivation Bauer et al.

For that reason, lately, increased attention has been directed toward the use of immunostimulant in Beluga sturgeon aquaculture, in order to improve fish health Jalali et al. In this context, Binaii et al. Other studies of Nobahar et al. After 60 days treatment, Condition Factor, Hb concentration, Hct value, Neutrophils and Lymphocytes were significantly higher in fish fed nettle than in control group. Production of aquarium fish is becoming an important business activity in aquaculture because of an incessant increase in demand for ornamental fishes by hobbyists from all over the world Yanar et al.

Unfortunately, as with other types of breeding, one of the major limiting factors is infectious and parasitic diseases Kumar et al. In animal and test-tube studies, stinging nettle reduced levels of multiple inflammatory hormones by interfering with their production 7 , 8.

In human studies, applying a stinging nettle cream or consuming stinging nettle products appears to relieve inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. For instance, in one person study, applying a stinging nettle cream onto arthritis-affected areas significantly reduced pain, compared to a placebo treatment 9. In another study, taking a supplement that contained stinging nettle extract significantly reduced arthritis pain.

Additionally, participants felt they could reduce their dose of anti-inflammatory pain relievers because of this capsule That said, research is insufficient to recommend stinging nettle as an anti-inflammatory treatment. More human studies are needed. An enlarged prostate is commonly called benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH.

Animal research reveals that this powerful plant may prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone — a more powerful form of testosterone Stopping this conversion can help reduce prostate size Studies in people with BPH demonstrate that stinging nettle extracts help treat short- and long-term urination problems — without side effects 14 , Test-tube research shows that stinging nettle extracts can inhibit inflammation that can trigger seasonal allergies This includes blocking histamine receptors and stopping immune cells from releasing chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms However, human studies note that stinging nettle is equal to or only slightly better at treating hay fever than a placebo 17 , While this plant may prove a promising natural remedy for hay fever symptoms, more long-term human studies are needed.

Approximately one in three American adults has high blood pressure High blood pressure is a serious health concern because it puts you at risk of heart disease and strokes, which are among the leading causes of death worldwide Stinging nettle was traditionally used to treat high blood pressure For one, it may stimulate nitric oxide production, which acts as a vasodilator.

Vasodilators relax the muscles of your blood vessels, helping them widen 21 , In addition, stinging nettle has compounds that may act as calcium channel blockers, which relax your heart by reducing the force of contractions 21 , Additional human studies are needed before recommendations can be made.

Both human and animal studies link stinging nettle to lower blood sugar levels 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , In fact, this plant contains compounds that may mimic the effects of insulin In a three-month study in 46 people, taking mg of stinging nettle extract three times daily significantly lowered blood sugar levels compared to a placebo Stinging nettle is the name given to common nettle, garden nettle, and hybrids of these plants.

Originally from the colder regions of northern Europe and Asia, this herbaceous shrub grows all over the world today. Stinging nettle grows well in nitrogen-rich soil, blooms between June and September, and usually reaches 2 to 4 feet high.

Stems are upright and rigid. Leaves are heart shaped, finely toothed, and tapered at the ends, and flowers are yellow or pink. The entire plant is covered with tiny stiff hairs, mostly on the underside of the leaves and stem, that release stinging chemicals when touched. Stinging nettle products are usually made from the leaves and stems, and sometimes the roots. Root preparations are used to relieve symptoms of BPH. 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, or tea.

It also comes in the form of an ointment or cream that can be applied to the skin. The root appears to have different pharmacological effects than the leaves. Pediatric Although stinging nettle is available in many combination formulas to treat colds, asthma, and allergies in children, a specific safe and effective dose for children has not yet been established.

Talk to your doctor before giving stinging nettle to a child, so the doctor can determine the proper dose. The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. However, herbs can trigger side effects, and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.

Stinging nettle is generally considered safe when used as directed. Occasional side effects include mild stomach upset, fluid retention, sweating, diarrhea, and hives or rash mainly from topical use. It is important to be careful when handling the nettle plant because touching it can cause an allergic rash. Stinging nettle should never be applied to an open wound.

Because nettle can alter the menstrual cycle and may contribute to miscarriage, pregnant women should not use nettle. See your doctor to receive a diagnosis and to rule out prostate cancer. There is some evidence that stinging nettle may raise blood sugar and interfere with diabetes management.

There is also evidence that it can lower blood sugar. Patients with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely when using stinging nettle. Stinging nettle can have a diuretic effect. If you have kidney or bladder issues, speak with your provider.